Beliefs of Vedism

Beliefs of Vedism

Aachaar–Vichaar (Thoughts and deeds)

As per Vedism – cleanliness of one’s life system is more important than all his religious deeds. Vedism gives priority to a person’s life system over anything else. One will appreciate that some of the rules made for becoming a managing committee member or office bearer in an Vedism are unique in the world, such as such person should not be –

·         Involved in any immoral business

·         Should not be consumer of any kind of stimulants like tobacco, wines, liquors or drugs

·         Should be faithful to wife/husband

·         Should not be a non vegetarian

Swadhyaya and Satsang ( Self study and group study of religion)

Vedism believes in the theory- Practice before you preach.Swadhyaya or self study is a process of sitting with oneself. We can become noble by studying and following noble things.Satsang means sitting in the company of noble people for gaining their knowledge and goodness. Sitting with noble people also gives us an opportunity to learn something good and practice the same in life. There are examples of families in which there have been great religious people known for their noble qualities but whose next generations were not the same- reason was that there was no practice of Satsang in those families.

For an organization like Vedism, which is born out of its fight against wrong practices in Hindu Society, both these practices are like oxygen which will keep the future generation as logical and right as their forefathers.

Yagya  or Yajna (Havan)

 The definition of Yagya is very wide in Vedism. People generally believe that offering oblation to the fire is only Yagya – the fact is that it is only one form of yagya if done with proper system. Vedism calls all those acts – ‘Yagya’ which are done for the welfare of other living beings. All achievements - not only religious but also in other fields – which are with the objective  of welfare of human beings or living beings is Yagya. Unfortunately even the sacred process of Yagya was also contaminated by some people by adding provisions like animal sacrifice to it. Wrong believes were inculcated that by animal sacrifice, one can get whatever he desires or will be sent to heaven after death etc. Vedism is a staunch protester against such cruel practices.

Vedism believes in the theory of Panch-mahayagya; the set of five types of yagya are as follows-

·         Brahm-yagya : Thanksgiving to Ishvar, study of Vedic books etc.

·         Dev-yagya : Purification of atmosphere by performing agnihotra which spreads huge benefit to everyone in surroundings because the offerings which are burnt in the fire gets multiplied of its strength and benefits masses as a whole.

·         Pitru-yagya: The service to the parents, teachers, elders like grandparents and other elders by providing them food, cloths, medicines and whatever they require along with extreme respect and love of heart.

·         Atithi-yagya: Services offered to Sanyasis (Who gave up their families for welfare of world) as well as all other guests.

·         Balivaishvadev-Yagya : Offering food and other helps to all living beings like human, birds, animals etc.

The performer of all these five yagyas can attain the highest respect and love in this world.

Woman’s place in Yagya

Vedism gives equal rights to woman in the yagya or Agnihotras. It is essential for a married couple to perform the agnihotra together whether it is daily havan or on special occasions. Swami Dayanand has emphasized on the need of daily agnihotra by both husband as well as wife; in his bookSanskarvidhi.

Historically, there are references in Ramayan as well as Mahabharta that women used to perform Agnihotra in those times. Unfortunately in later periods some people spread wrong belief that women should not take part in yagya. Swami Dayanand fought to bring back this lost right to womanhood.

Agnihotra ( Ritual of worship with fire)

Vedism has been instrumental in popularizing the Agnihotra in hindu society. Vedism has provided a simple process (vidhi) of performing havan, which is followed by people all over the world. The process involves chanting of ved mantras while offering oblation of air purifiers in the form of ghee and many other dried roots and leaves of vegetation, which are proven as the reliever of so many diseases for mankind and also generate sweet and pleasing smell. The vast atmosphere spreads the benefits widely; people in reach unknowingly get benefitted.

The process includes praise and prayer to Ishvar. It gives an opportunity to the whole family to sit together and thank Ishvar for whatever they have got in life.

Yagyopaveet ( Janeoo - holy thread across chest)

Yagyopaveet or Upnayan Sanskar is one of the sixteen sanskaras of human life recommended by Swami Dayanand in his book Sanskar Vidhi. Ideally this sanskar is due when a child is ready to start his or her basic education. This is a thread which is worn around the neck and one hand diagonally across the chest. The word Yagyopaveet means – getting closer to yagya.

Vedism gives huge importance to this practice because this practice is associated with Education of life. When a newly declared student- boy or girl- wears this around his body, he is given a huge responsibility towards his/her parents, teachers and society at large. The thread reminds him day in and day out of his/her commitments. This responsibility continues during his Student(Brahmcharya) life as well as Married (Grahasth)  and Vanprasth life. Only during Sanyas he is freed from this debt to all.

The major difference in the belief of Vedism and many others is that Vedism gives the right to wear the Yagyopaveet to everyone who is ready to attain education- irrespective of whether he is born as a Brahmin, Kshatriya, Vaishya or Shudra; irrespective of gender too. Hindu Brahmins had spread a belief that this is the right of every Brahmin only, irrespective of his being a student or not; while others , in spite of being excellent students,  because of being born in families of Kshatriya, Vaishya or Shudra were deprived of this sanskar. Vedism opposed this thought process tooth and nail.

Sandhya

Vedism performs its expression of prayer and worship to Ishvar with the mantras from Vedas only. Each handpicked mantra in the set of such mantras is full of deep meaning and treasures of great thought. The worship by reciting this select set of mantras is called Sandhya.  The contents of mantras of Sandhya include Ishvar’s creation and destruction of shrishti – this helps a human in staying away from false pride and wrong notions. There is prayer to Ishvar to give us noble mind so that we may do only noble deeds. The process of Pranayam (Breathing exercises) also form part of Sandhya. And the conclusive part of Sandhya is profund thanks giving to Ishvar with special mantras and bhajans ( devotional songs).Vedism recommends Sandhya twice in a day- once in morning and once in evening. 

Sanskar

Sanskar is the name of the set of rituals which are recommended for every human being by Swami Dayanand Sarswati in his book – Saanskarvidhi. Every ritual has great impact on the whole family in different ways. A systematic and uniform ritual for every occasion makes the human life organized. Vedism follows the sixteen sanskars suggested by Swami Dayanand, which covers different periods of life right before birth till the death of a person. The names and descriptions of the sixteen sanskars are as follows-

Garbhadhana: This sanskara is performed for the fulfillment of one's parental obligation and a continuation of the human race. This sanskara is performed after marriage and before the conception of a child. In this sanskara, the couple chants Vedic mantras for a healthy, loving and happy married life and the wish for a son or a daughter that would bring new joy in the home.


Punsavana: During the third or fourth month of pregnancy the Punsavana sanskara is performed for proper physical growth of the child.


Simantonnayana: This sanskara is performed during the seventh month of pregnancy. The parents to be and their relatives offer prayers to the Almighty for mental growth of the child.


Jatakarma: The Jatakarma sanskara is done immediately after the birth of the child. This sanskara is done to welcome the new-born child. The father writes AUM on the tongue of the child with a thin bar of gold dipped in honey. He whispers the word "VEDO-ASI" (You are Veda – the knowledge) in the ear of the child.


Naamkaran: In this sanskara the child is given a name to be addressed as during his life which expresses good qualities or which is after some Great people. This sanskara should be performed on the 11th day after the birth of the child.


Nishkramana: The 4th month after the birth of the child, the Nishkramana sanskara is performed. Here the child is taken outside the home for the first time to be exposed to the different elements of nature.


Anna-praashan: Anna means 'food' and Praashan mean 'eating or feeding' thus, giving solid food to the child for the very first time performs this sanskara.


Mundan: This sanskara can be performed between the ages of 1-3 years old. In this sanskara the hair from the child's head is shaved off for the very first time. Prayers for good health and development are being recited.


Karnavedha: The piercing of the lower lobes of the child's ears at the age of three is the activity of Karnavedha sanskara. Prayers are offered to the Almighty for the physical well being of the child.


Upnayan: Upnayan or the thread ceremony is performed anytime between the ages of five to eight years old. In this sanskar the child is given the yagyopaveet (sacred thread), which is made from three strands representing the three letters of AUM. The three strands also symbolize the three discipline of life, which are knowledge, action and devotion.


Vedarambha: This sanskara is done immediately after the upanaya sanskara. Now the child becomes a student. The child will now gain knowledge from the Vedas and other religious text as well as the other branches including mathematics and science. Thus the child will be able to progress in life spiritually as well as materially.


Samavartana: Between the ages of twenty-one and twenty-five years this sanskara is performed. This student should have now completed all his/her studies and start a new life of self-realization and independence.


Vivah: Vivah sanskara means marriage. This is one of the most important sanskara among the sixteen Vedic sacraments. This is the foundation that forms the very basis for a coordinated family life. The recommended age of marriage for men is 25 years or more and for woman it is 18 years or more.


Vaanaprasth: At an age over fifty years , a person performs the vaanaprasth sanskara by relinquishing all his worldly activities such as livelihood from which he/she will gain personal benefits. All the family responsibilities will be given to the children. This sanskar signifies the gradual detachment from worldly pleasures.


Sannyaas: This sanskara is performed at or after the age of seventy-five years. In this sanskara a person forsakes all material things and starts to lead a life of meditation and contemplation onto the Almighty somewhere away from his home. There is also a different dress code for a sanyasi.


Antyeshti: The antyeshti is the last sanskara performed when a person dies. After death this sanskara is performed when the body is cremated. As the atma (soul) is immortal, it cannot be destroyed; but the body which is made of clay, water, fire, air and ether once again returns to these elements. The lifeless human body is cremated with ghee and saamgri along with chanting of ved mantras. The material offered to the fire is designed to purify the air in spite of burning of human body. 

Yog-vidhya

‘Yog’ in Sanskrit as well as in hindi means – ‘addition’. In spiritual sense yog means addition of mind with soul, thereafter addition of soul with Ishvar . Yog is the only way to connect to Ishvar. Famous sage of history – Maharshi Patanjali has mentioned 8 components of complete Yog-Darshan (Philosophy of Yog) .These 8 components are the following- 1. Yam 2. Niyam 3. Aasan 4. Praanayam 5. Pratyahar 6. Dharna 7. Dhyan and 8. Samadhi. These components are sequential. First two – Yam and Niyam are the ideal rules of a noble life. 

Yam: Yam are of five kinds- Ahimsa (Non violence) ; Satya(Truth); Asteya ( Not to steal things from others) ;Brahmcharya ( Full control of one’s own body) ; and Aparigrah(Non-attachment) . By practicing these yamas one can get rid of all the negativities of the mind.

Niyam: Niyam are also of five kinds – Shauch (Cleanliness of body and mind); Santosh (Contentment) ; Tap (Hard work) ;Swadhyaya ( Self study) and Ishvar Pranidhan (Total surrender to Ishvar) . These niyamas develop cleanliness and strength of body, a content life, the immunity against major crisis in life, a base of knowledge from scriptures and finally ones devotion to Ishvar.

Aasan: A yogasana is a posture in harmony with one's inner consciousness. It aims at the attainment of a sustained and comfortable sitting posture to facilitate meditation. Asanas also help in balancing and harmonizing the basic structure of the human body, which is why they have a range of therapeutic uses too. The regular practice of yogasanas has an immense amount of therapeutic value. Besides various physiological benefits, they positively affect our minds, our life force energies as well as our creative intelligence.

Pranayam: For attainment of complete Yog, one has to be the master of Pranayam too. The process of pranayam is practiced sitting in a comfortable aasan (posture)- generally in ‘sukhasan’. There is a set of exercises of inhaling and exhaling the breath in a particular fashion. Praanayam helps one in attaining longer stretches of inhale as well as exhale. Such practice makes him perfect for meditation. In fact Asanas and Pranayams make a complete package for the body to remain fit, as both are complimentary to each other.

Pratyahar: Pratyahar involves rightly managing the senses and going beyond them instead of simply closing and suppressing them. It involves reining in the senses for increased attention rather than distraction. The practicner of Ishvar Pranidhan (described above) gradually gets devoted to get attached to Ishvar.It is essential to practice pratyahara for achieving the three meditative stages of dharana, dhyana and samadhi. Perfecting this technique of yog-vidhya is also essential in order to break out from the eternal cycle of rebirths.

Dharana: The last three limbs of Ashtanga-yog  are the three essential stages of meditation. Dharana involves developing and extending one’s powers of concentration. This consists of various ways of directing and controlling his attention and mind-fixing skills, such as concentrating on the chakras or turning inwards.

Dhyan: Dhyan is the state of meditation, when the mind attains the ability to sustain its attention without getting distracted. Strictly speaking, unlike the other six compnents of Ashtang- yoga, this is not a technique but rather a state of mind, a delicate state of awareness. This state rightfully precedes the final state of samadhi.

Samadhi: Samadhi, or total absorption, is the ability to become one with the True Self and merge into the object of concentration. In this state of mind, the perceiver and the object of perception unite through the very act of perception—a true unity of all thought and action. This is the acme of all yogic endeavors—the ultimate 'yoga' or connection between the individual and the universal Soul!

While discussing different types of Yog practices, it is essential to know what Yoga is not ! In today’s world people have a tendency to sell everything as Yoga. The famous Hath-yoga is no form of yoga. Practices like basti, tratak, neti and dhauti are practices of naturopathy and are not the part of Yoga. Another spread out belief that by Yoga one can enter into someone else’s body is also absurd and not acceptable. Lots of false stories are moving around in the society in the name of Yoga. Western world’s curiosity to understand Yoga created a market for so called half informed Yogis to open shop and start selling falsehood.

Naam-Jaap

Vedism believes in the need of understanding God and of surrendering  oneself to him. The purpose of remembering him is a self commitment against doing anything wrong or forbidden against his system.  However Vedism disagrees with the blind practice of chanting certain names like – RAM-RAM, HARE-RAM, HARE KRISHNA etc. To remember Maryada Purushottam Ram and Yogeshvar Shrikrishna , one should follow their great qualities in his life and that is true tribute to them.

The chanting of AUM in ones heart is chanting of Ishvar as AUM is the name of Ishvar and not a mortal person. There is no need of shouting loudly to address Ishvar as he is everywhere, including within us.

Vedism - Not A Cult Or Sect

A Cult or Sect is identified by its founder such as a Paigambar, Guru, Avtaar, Tirthankar etc. as the followers follow the systems and rituals suggested by him. The books of a Cult or Sect are to explain their own rituals and history.

Vedism is neither a Cult nor a sect as its basis of philosophy is the most ancient scripture of the world- Vedas; which is the book for the total humanity and not just for a group of people. Vedism agrees the beliefs and scholars of all religions as long as they don’t contradict Vedas and the logical thinking based on Vedas. It does not believe anything contrary to Vedas even if that is suggested by an Vedism Scholar for that matter.

The Ten Golden Principals of Vedism do not talk about Swami Dayanand Sarswati or his written books; however it talks about Vedas and the philosophy of Vedas.

Society and Its Practices

Society and Its Practices

Paap-Karma (Sins)

Unlike most of the faiths of the world, Vedism does not believe that the sins, committed by a person can be forgiven by Ishvar. Some people argue that when in the definition of Ishvar, as described in second golden principle, he is benevolent (dayalu); therefore why should he not forgive people for all their paap-karma (sins), especially when they repent and spend their time in worshipping of Ishvar.

Vedism believes that though Ishvar is kind, but he is  Just (nyaykari) too. To forgive someone is against the rule of Karma and its Outcome (Fal). Forgiving someone is injustice to others. Ishvar is benevolent because he gives so much to all the living beings (Jeev), not because he forgives the wrong doing. By punishing the sinner, Ishvar shows his kindness on him too, otherwise his unsettled sins will get carried forward for future punishments; as a sin (Paap) cannot be neutralized by a virtue (Punya).

When we worship and pray to Ishvar, it is not like pampering Ishvar to get some undue favours; we do all that for satisfying our own heart and mind and to thank him for whatever he has given to us.

Rama and Krishna

Vedism respects Rama and Krishna as the ideal symbols of their times, but only as Great People. Vedism does not subscribe to the theory of ‘Avtaarvaad’ (Incarnation of Ishvar) as per which Ishvar had taken the birth in the form of Rama and Krishna. The very definition of an Avtar defies the definition of Ishvar. Ishvar is neither born nor does he die. If someone is born and he dies too- he cannot be Ishvar. Ishvar is Omnipresent, which means present everywhere at all times; can a human body be present everywhere at all times? The entire definition of Ishvar rejects the idea of an Avtaar.

As far as the reasoning given by people about the need of an Avtaar- Vedism believes that a formless Ishvar has  created the shrishti (Universe) without being in a human body, who is managing the total system of universe- does he need to be born as a human to kill bad people like Raavna and Kansa. One who gives birth and death and all pleasures and pains based on their karmas could have easily destroyed these devils by his omnipotent strength.  This is ridiculous to imagine that Ishvar came on the earth in the human form to kill some rascals. If this could be the fact, than Ishvar would be required to be born in different times to kill anti-human people like Idi Amin, Osama Bin Laden etc.

By calling Rama and Krishna avtaars (Incarnation of Ishvar), a great injustice has been done to the history of these great people. In the name of remembrance – the acts of Ramleela and Raasleela are not approved by Vedism. This is an insulting presentation of such great people. Will anyone like to see his forefathers being enacted on a stage by some actors and dancers?

Acchoot (The Untouchables)

The Unsociability has been the worst curse introduced by certain so called religious cults in India. The Vedic system of 4 division of the society – Brahmin, Kshatriya, Vaishya and Shudra was nothing but a division based on the actual work done by different people. Other than the Karmas, there was no basis to identify people by these headings. Unfortunately, our Hindu Pandits of history played up with the words and forced the division on the basis of the birth. This resuled into creation of Acchoots- the untouchables. The children born in the families of that part of the society which was doing the dirty work of the society, were cast into the definition of Shudras, which became Acchoots in many cases. The atrocities increased gradually, and such people were denied the basic rights which were available to others- like entry into their temples, not allowing them to take water from the common wells of the village. Atrocities further increased and these people were declared untouchables and not just that even unwatchable too; it was being said that their shadow falling on others will bring bad omens. They were not allowed to sit on a chair or higher level in front of so called Savarns. This was the most heinous crime of Hindu Society, which developed into a reason of self destruction also.

Many educated and judicious thinkers tried to fight against this system. Mahatma Gandhi gave a better name to these discarded members of society by naming them- Harijans, but that did not give much relief to them and it worked as only a change of label. Many others tried to banish this cruel practice, but were not successful against the so called hindu pundits who were misusing the religious scriptures to substantiate their wrong claims.

In Vedism- everyone is an Arya, if he practices the principles of Vedism. Vedism recognizes the ancient Vedic social division system, but on the basis of their works and not on the basis of their birth. Whatever is ones work, he cannot be discredited in the society. Vedism boasts of many such great scholars who came from such untouchable backgrounds and attained the levels of Great Scholars, writers and teachers in the society. Vedism believes that all children are born as Shudras as they are not capable of any type of works, but they should be given equal opportunity to get education and other facilities, so that each one of them gets an opportunity to become- Brahman, Kshatriya or Vaishya. Those who could not attain the other levels automatically remain shudras. But again, that does not mean that a different attitude be adopted against them by the rest of the society.

Swami Dayanand has written in his book (in the Chapter-4 of) Satyarthprakash – “ All four Varnas should live together with mutual affection and respect, help, gentleness, sharing each other’s good and bad times, being helpful in crisis and thus contribute in the progress of nation with their capacity of health, wealth and thoughts. The shudras, though they have limitation of education, but not that of different skills should serve the society and the society in turn should pay them well for their services.”

Those who support this evil called untouchability even in todays times, often give their reason as

·         Shudras food habits and life style is not clean and hygienic.

·         They do dirty works of the society.

These arguments do not hold water, as the question of food habits and hygiene applies to all equally. So called upper casts’ people eat animals, drink the wine and consume other bad drugs- why should they be not considered the Shudras. The poor life style is not a cause but is an outcome of the atrocities imposed on them.

The dirty works of the society include cleaning of toilets, handling human excreta, skinning dead animals for leather etc. A person remains dirty only for the duration when he is doing the work but not always. Once he cleans himself up he becomes as good a person as anyone else. In society people when they attend nature’s call, they are equally dirty but they become clean after a good wash and rinse. Mothers while cleaning their small children, nurses while cleaning up their patients, pathologists while carrying out analysis of urine and excreta – they all become dirty for their jobs; but they become fully acceptable after their cleaning themselves after the duty.

As far as the handling of dead animals for leather is concerned, today these works are being done by huge corporate. Nobody is boycotting the factories that produce shoes by killing and skinning the animals.

Unfortunately, Government has been instrumental in keeping these divisions alive by providing reservations and other facilities on the basis of these criteria.

Widow-Marriage

While the Hindu Society was against the opportunity to be given to start a new family to a widow, Vedism has always been proactive in support of Widow marriages in society. Widows living alone face all kinds of difficulties in the society, from outside as well as inside of the families. They have equal rights, same as that to a man to remarry and reestablish her life with a new life partner. Swami Dayanand established that wherever a remarriage is suggested for a widower, there is no negation of the same opportunity to a widow. He was against bigamy of men and women equally. But after the death of the life partner, every man and woman has the same right to get married again, if they wish so. Initially Swamiji had suggested the provision of Niyog also but that was not accepted by the society at large.

Intercast Marriage

Vedism has always supported Intercast Marriage. Here are few quotes from Swami Dayanand’s immortal book Satyarth Prakash-

·         The marriage should be a decision of the boy and the girl to be married. Parents , even if they have certain alliance in their mind, should leave the final decision to the satisfaction of the boy and the girl. (Quote from Samullas-4)

·         Let the son or daughter remain unmarried for the whole life; but there should not be a marriage between two dissimilar people with opposite qualities, nature and actions. (Quote from Samullas-4)

·         In Indian history there are so many instances of Indian Kings marrying the daughters of Emperors of other countries like Kabul, Kandhar, Iran, America and Europe etc. Queen Gandhari, Madri and Ulupi were from different countries married to Indian Kings. (Quote fromSamullas-10)

Thus the stress in a marriage should be on the mutual liking of bride and groom apart from the similarity in their nature, qualities and actions.

 Dahej-Pratha (Dowry-Practice)

Vedism opposes the evil of demanding dowry from girl’s parents by the boy’s parents in a wedding. Quoting from ‘Manusmriti’ – Great Scholar Manu has mentioned about eight types of marriages out of which four are termed noble and other four are termed as bad. Noble ones include – Brahm, Daiv , Aarsh and Praajapatya. The bad examples are – Aasur, Gaandhrva, Rakshash and Paishach. Manu has described the marriage based on money without considering the consent of the bride as ‘Aasur Vivah’.

The Brahm Vivah is one in which the father gives away his daughter to a qualified, healthy and good natured person selected by the girl, and along with the girl gives her cloths, ornaments etc. as per his own desire and capacity. Swami Dayanand has described the right way of a marriage in his book- Sanskarvidhi under ‘Paanigrahan-sanskar’.

The evil practice of negotiating and seeking dowry has poisoned the very sweetness of the institution of marriage. There are numerous cases of torture, humiliation and subsequent suicides in India.  Vedism is totally against such evil of society.

Varna-Vyavstha ( System based on Varnas)

Our sages and scriptures made an arrangement of addressing people by their works and abilities. The idea was that a society consists of four main types of social groups- The learned group who teach the society ( Brahmins), the warrior group which fights for the welfare of society (Kshatriyas) , the traders who provide the necessities of the society ( Vaishys) and the service providers of the society (Shudras). Unfortunately a very wrong practice started in India, when this classification was imposed on people based on their birth. The work and the ability of a person has got nothing to do with his parents or the house where he is born. This wrong interpretation divided the society in a very harmful manner. This division in the society has made the country vulnerable to civil wars and atrocities. Unfortunately the rulers of Independent India exploited the divide instead of diminishing it. The deprived groups were targeted to be the vote banks by offering them special benefits and status like reservation in jobs and education, even in fighting election etc. Such discriminatory benefits did not help those groups but only highlighted their being different. Such highlights further reduced their acceptance in the society.

Vedism condemns this rotten practice of division based on misinterpretation of Varn Vyavstha.

Aashram Vyavstha ( Different Segments of Life)

Vedas regulated human life by dividing its duration into four segments , which are as follows-

1.      Brahmcharya Aashram: The first 25 years of human life consists of his birth, his growing up, his attaining the youth hood. Vedic belief says that this period is for building up of one’s base strong in terms of knowledge and education, physical exercise and his sanskars. In this phase of his life he has to attain knowledge from his mother till the age of 5 years, from his father till the age of 8 years and thereafter from his Gurus (Teachers). Swami Dayanand wrote that education should be mandatory in any country for the children over 5 years or 8 years by the Governments; not only this, the parents who don’t send their children for education should be penalized by Government. He also recommended separate schools for boys and girls.

Brahmcharya Aashram is a period of building up of the future life; hence it is required that the students do not get involved in sexual activities of any form. The age for marriage should be minimum 25 years for men and 18 years for women.

2.      Grihasth Aashram: A marriage of a man and a woman brings them into Grihasth Aashram. Vedic belief stresses that a married man or woman should be loyal to his or her spouse. Physical Relationship outside the marriage  is an act of violation of Grihasth Aashram.

Married couple should take care of their parents and other members of the family as their foremost duty. The birth of a child brings in further responsibilities on the parents; they have to provide best security, education and sanskars to their child so that he becomes a responsible citizen in his future life. The men have to earn enough money not just to feed his family or educate his child but also to perform all other responsibilities of Panch Mahayagya ( explained earlier). Grihasth Aashram is one aashram, which has to provide support and help to the rest of three Aashramas as they are not capable to generate wealth for their requirements.

3.      Vaanprasth Aashram: Swami Dayanand , with reference to the scripture Manu Smriti, adviced that when a married couple become grandparent, their hair become grayish and their body becomes weaker , they should leave the house and plan to stay away in a jangal or anywhere away from family. If the wife is not willing to join in this journey, she may be allowed to stay back with the family.The main activities of Vaanprashth Aashram includes regular practice of Yoga, Pranayam and Satsang. A Vaanprasth follower can be very useful for the society at large in following ways-

·         The responsibilities of managing the family and social responsibilities get automatically shifted on the shoulders of next generation. Gen-next gets an opportunity to develop and display their capabilities in such situations.

·         A Vaanprasthi Couple can share the experiences of their life with the whole community and not just their own family.

·         Vaanprasthis can take responsibilities in Social Charitable bodies by contributing their time.

·         They can also spend time in spreading the truth and awareness against wrong beliefs of societies.

4.  Sanyas Aashram: The final stage of life. Which starts from the age of 75 years, when a person becomes detached from worldly reasons of life and becomes physically quite frail, is called Sanyas Aashram. Though only Brahmins become Sanyasis but others like Kshatriyas, and Vaishys can also become Sanyasi by completely changing their life style by giving up all their activities and inclinations  associated with their main line of work.

One should accept Sanyas, only when he attains absolute detachment from worldly life; in other words he should not be influenced or attracted by any kind of charm for family, wealth or even social prestige. A Sanyasi is regarded as superior to even an emperor, because he becomes a source of betterment of the whole humanity beyond all limits of his life.

Unfortunately, there are lot of unscrupulous people who dress up like Sanyasis and are involved in the activities which are absolutely against the ethics of sanyas aashram. The result is that general people have become doubtful about all Sanyasis.

Tyohar (Festivals)

Festivals are special occasions to celebrate special days, either involving historical events or beginning of new seasons. Festivals bring positive change and pleasure in otherwise routine lives of people.

Vedism also believes in celebrating festivals but by remaining within its limits marked by its beliefs . The basic guidelines for celebrating festivals are –

·         Ishvar is one and only one; hence there can never be another Ishvar in any other form, hence no other pooja to be carried out.

·         No vulgarity or disgrace in the name of entertainment.

·         No blind faith in the name of commitment.

·         No undue acts in the name of special gains.

Vedism publishes articles in its important journals on the methods of celebrating different festivals.

Khaan-Paan (Food Habits)

The founder of Vedism Swami Dayanand had to take the fight against Pakhand ( wrong practices) head on. Another difficult fight was against the food systems of Hindus in those days, whose total religion was woven around the food rules.

During his famous Poona Speech, Swamiji once said-

“Nowadays the religion of hindus gets broken faster than the breaking of a grass blade. Hindus have become so paranoid about the religion that the religion gets broken if someone does not tie a knot in his shikha (pony tail) or if someone has worn a long gown etc. Food rules have made this paranoia more complex.”

Swamiji gave following directives about food habits and practices-

·         Eatables and Non-eatables are decided by two factors – based on our principal religious scriptures and based on medical sciences like Aayurveda.

·         Food acquired by violence, theft and cheating is non eatable. Food should be acquired by non violence in principal.

·         Eatables are those foods which improve health, destroy diseases, enhances brain power, increases physical strength and enhances longevity of life; example- fruits, vegetables, milk, ghee, sweets etc. in proper quantity and at correct times.

·         Non eatables are all those things which act against human body.

·         Non consumables are those things which affect the mind adversely; example- wines, opium, bhang, ganja and other intoxicating drugs.

·         Avoid eating food prepared and touched by those who eat animals and also by drunkards; as such food will be laced with remains of what they consume.

·         Don’t serve your semi- eaten food to anyone; nor do join in any other persons eating his food. Do not overeat and must wash and rinse your hands as well as mouth thoroughly after eating.

·         All people who follow above rules may cook for each other and eat together.

·         Things like honey – though acquired from bees collections; however due to its great medicinal benefit it is termed as Eatable.

Swamiji has forbidden eating animal flesh or consuming all kinds of wines and intoxicants in his book Gokarunanidhi which principally focuses on the utility of Cows in our society. He says that all pet animals like Cows, Goats, and Buffalos have great utility for mankind as live animals; and it is crime to kill them for eating their flesh. He has also stressed that all kinds of intoxicants are responsible for destroying ones right mind and for pushing the mind into negativity.

Namaskar

Namaskar  is the only method of greeting each other. The meaning of Namaskar  is that ‘ I bow in front of you in your honour’. The word is a sign of expressing regard for each other. Though Namste is just a word, however in Sanskrit grammar it is a complete statement.

Namste has been used so many times in Holy Scriptures Vedas. In other scriptures like Upnishadas, Brahman, Ramayana andMahabharta , Namste has been used for greeting each other. This is such a pure way of greeting that it can be said to elders, youngers or within the same age group. The response to Namste is also Namste; as the respect is always mutual. The posture while greeting with Namste is two hands folded with full palms touching each other, arms touching the heart and the head slightly bowed. This posture suggests that the greeter with complete knowledge of his mind, complete strength of his arms and complete affection of his heart is bowing in front of someone and he also responds with similar feelings.

There are many prevalent methods of greeting in India like – ‘Jai Ram ji ki’ ; ‘Jai Gopal ji ki’; ‘Jai Jinendra’ ; ‘Sat Shree Akal’ – all these greetings are connected either to some great personalities or to some religious groups. People from different religions cannot relate to such greetings and hence cannot respond properly. More over the feeling of greeting the person in front is totally absent in such greetings.

A greeting like ‘Jaihind’ is more of a nationalist call and not a greeting to someone. Such greeting cannot be addressed to someone who is not an Indian.

‘Salaam’ is an Arabic greeting and does not match with our rich culture. It does not contain the sense conveyed in Namste.

Western world greets as Good Morning, Good afternoon, Good evening and Good night etc. ; which are greetings based on different times of the day. Indians have also adopted this practice greatly. Such greetings just express a wish for a small period to be good for the person being greeted. Moreover, someone in India talking to his friend in America is at a loss whether he should greet him good morning or good evening as they are in two different time zones at the same time. 

The modern ways of addressing each other with ‘ Hello’ or ‘Hi’ are just the words to attract the attention of the person addressed and does not convey any meaning or sense of greeting.

‘Pranam’ is another respectful address of greeting; but its limitation is that it can be said to the elders only, the elders need to reply to such address with some kind of blessings like – ‘Khush Raho’ (Be happy). In few states even a Pranam is responded with Pranam- which is erroneous due the very meaning of the word, which suggests that it can be addressed to the elders only.

Some people have made a variation by calling ‘Namaskar’ in place of Namste. This is grammatically wrong. While Namste fully conveys that ‘ I bow before you’ ; Namaskar means ‘the act of bowing’. The complete meaning will come only when one says- ‘Main aapko namskar karta hun’ ; the one word substitute for this long sentence is ‘Namste’.

Matrubhoomi (Motherland)

When Swami Dayanand founded Vedism, he had two major objectives in his mind. One was the propogation of Vedas and the other was Devotion to Motherland. The entire literature of Swamiji reflect both his insights.

In his great book Satyrthprakash, he has mentioned that the English rulers allow the shoes made in their country to enter their offices but not the shoes made in our country. They respect their own shoes more than the people of other countries. He further said that these Europeans, in spite of being in our country for more than 100 years are still wearing their thick woolens which they wear in their countries whereas we Indians have started copying their styles. A blind followership makes a man stupid and brainless whereas those who follow and respect their traditions and culture are wise.

Vedism was the first nationalist group who emphasized on the use of indigenous cloths and things. In 1883, Vedism in Lahore passed a resolution that all should start using the textile and other materials made in India only in place of the imported English goods. Indian National Congress was not even born at that time. Indian markets were flooded with imported European goods. Vedism realized the need of protecting India’s cottage industry.

In his book Vyavharbhanu, there is a series of questions and answers. One of the question framed by Swamiji is – ‘ If people have lots of money- what should they do ?’ Swamiji has replied his own question as this – ‘ People who are rich and have lots of money should establish mills and factories so that people of our country may get opportunity to earn their livelihood’.

Swamiji has emphasized that everyone should love his own nation where ever has he been born. The country which provides us living, food, shelter and protection; it is our duty to work for the betterment of such motherland.

Putra aur Putri (Son and Daughter)

Swami Dayanand has used the masculine gender word Putrathroughout while discussing various sanskars in his book Sanskarvidhi. It is not that Swamiji was not aware of two genders. The fact is that he has addressed sons as well as daughters by calling them Putra throughout. Wherever he had to genuinely differentiate the two he used word such as Kanya (Girl) or Stree (Woman). The newborn delivered by a mother is called ‘Putra’ irrespective of its gender. There are ved-mantras which confirm these facts.

Therefore all Sanskars are equally important and applicable to Sons and Daughters, except those where the female child is addressed as Kanya or Stree. Swamiji has been more explicit about his equal treatment for son and daughter in his book Satyarthprakash; wherein he has stressed on the need of education for sons and daughters by sending them to respective schools when they become five to eight years old. He has directed parents and Gurus to teach boys as well as girls -the Gaytri mantra with its meaning. There are ample examples wherein Swamiji has mentioned about the equality of woman with men.

Antyeshti (Last Rites)

Antyeshti is the last sanskar of a human being as suggested in theSanskarvidhi of Swami Dayananad. After this there is no sanskar or ritual left for any human being. A dead body needs to be disposed off in all religions. Vedism does so by burning the dead body on a wood pyre by offering good quantity of Ghee and Havan Samgri. The process is performed like a Yagya along with chanting of selected Ved Mantras for this sanskar.

Vedism believes that every dead body of a human being should be destroyed by burning in this way because all other methods of disposal, like burial in the ground or disposal in a river, cause pollution and contamination to the environment. In the process of burning when the ghee and Samgri is burnt in good quantity , it takes care of the bad smell and also of other ill effects. Even without ghee and samgri, the better option is always burning a dead body.

The house of the deceased should be purified by performing Yagya in the house. It is right to collect the leftover bone remains from the place of burning but it is futile to travel to rivers to dispose off the same. It pollutes the rivers only.

Various post death rituals like dashgatra, vaitarni crossing and the donations involved with these to the so called religious priests are meaningless as per Vedism. Vedism strongly believes that once a person dies, no one on earth can reach him by doing whatsoever rituals. Even the Antyeshti, which is performed with Ved Mantras is a way of prayer to Ishvar by the people attending the Antyeshti to bless the relived soul by giving it the Moksha ; or to grant the soul next birth in better body and conditions.

The family members of the deceased should follow the good deeds of the deceased and further his good intentions and ambitions.