Vedic Way of Achieving Everlasting Harmony & Peace

 

Vedic Way of Achieving Everlasting Harmony & Peace

(Compilation for a discourse at Sri Ganesha Temple, Nashville by N. R. Srinivasan, August 2021)

Harmony on Relationship aren’t static; they are only dynamic and they can’t thrive on their own. They require constant investment and energy of ours guided by Vedic wisdom and practice of Raja Yoga in our life. Vedic wisdom promulgates ways to nurture and strengthen our most important relationships.

The world today is awfully torn and troubled with conflicts and tensions all around.  It is because of economic disparities, appalling poverty, hunger, disease, recession in economy, violence by terrorists, religious fanaticism, greed for possessiveness and many other evils in the society in various ways.  We are sitting on a dynamite and the prevailing circumstances are threatening the very existence of all the human beings.  We have plenty of wealth, yet our minds and hearts feel the emptiness. To sum up I can say that there are two main problems: Hunger and Anger.  The only solution is the Vedic way of life.

Albert Einstein approached Sigmund Freud to provide a psychoanalytic model for understanding the dynamics of war and peace, who both struggled to find solutions to man’s preoccupation with wars and man’s engagement in repeated wars throughout the history of mankind. Today we can certainly say that the technology of war fuels the economy and is supported by billions of dollars while the technology of peace is in primitive state. The attaining and maintaining world peace are yet to be discovered by the global thinkers, political scientists, economists, and sociologists of the modern world.   Some of the same principles Einstein and Freud came upon as possibly providing the solutions for this problem of War and Peace are to be found in the Ancient Indian Concepts. These concepts include “Dharmasahishnuta” and “Sanskritization”   found in   Veda mantra and builds the thesis that these concepts are generic and globally acceptable as well as applicable that also reflects in Baha’i philosophy ”men should live in Unity, concord, and agreement, and should love one another” who no doubt was influenced by Upanishads like Kabir.

There is no doubt, that there is a consensus about the antiquity of this philosophy, (dating at least 3000 B.C.) and therefore, this philosophy can be described in common man’s language as the “Mother of All Religions” a famous adjective phrase   used by Swami Vivekananda,  at the World Congress of Religions held in Chicago in 1893.

This philosophy only announces the revealed “truths” and does not propound to preach “shoulds” and “should-nots.”  It only gives guidelines and does not prescribe rules of conduct to which it attempts to bind anyone, it cannot be viewed as a “religion” in the strictest sense of the word.

The word “Dharma” usually is mistranslated as “religion.” It literally only means “unique holding principles” or “organizing principles.” The “Dharma” or the supreme and eternally abiding ethical and “holding principles” or “organizing principles” for individuals and the society springs from the Vedantic Philosophy. It contemplates on the harmonious and interrelated relationship to live in Peace but not Pieces.

The Vedic philosophy   recognizes the profound truth that all human beings are divine and therefore equal. All human beings are capable of becoming compassionate like the “Infinite Compassion” inherent in the Brahman. Naturally, therefore, this philosophy sees “Ahimmsa” or “Non-violence” as the essential attitude for the human being to remain in harmony with the Universe. This philosophy gave to our world the greatest proponents of Ahimsa or Non-violence like Gautama the Buddha in the sixth century before Christ and many other “Teerthankaras” or the gurus of the Jains before that. In the last century, it also gave us Mahatma Gandhi, and probably by extension, Reverend Martin Luther King, Jr.

Their philosophy inculcated an attitude of “Dharmasahishnuta,” a Sanskrit word meaning “respect and tolerance for other religions.” This is a very ancient, perpetually upheld, value of the Hindus. 

 The Vedantic philosophy permitted each human being to find his own truth at his own pace. It recognized that the same or similar truth might be voiced by different knowledgeable sages or wise prophets in many different ways. This very idea is illustrated in another ancient Vedantic “Mahavakyas” or “number four aphorism” in this philosophy, in Sanskrit, “Ekam Sat Viprah Bahudha Vadanti,” literally meaning “One (spiritual) Truth the Wise express in many ways.”

The Vedantic Philosophy is also described as “Advaita Philosophy,” meaning philosophy of “non-duality or Unity”. Whether Abdu’l-Baha used the word in that sense or not, he was in spirit very close to what the Hindus believe--“We Are all One;” in Sanskrit, “Ishavasyam idam sarvam.” “Let all attain happiness, let all attain peace, let all experience goodness, let no one suffer pain”; in Sanskrit, “Sarve sukhinah santu, sarve santu niramayah, sarve bhadrani pashyantu, na kashchit duhkham apnuyat”. Let us live as if the entire family of earthlings is just one family;” in Sanskrit “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam.”

If there were any significant unifying thoughts giving a spiritual dignity to human beings just simply as plain human beings, without insisting on imposing any religion on the human being, it was the Vedic Philosophy that gave such dignity to the humans.

We must appreciate that these principles espoused by the U.S. Constitution are indeed not very much different than those manifested by the Hindus for many millennia. There could be no higher achievement for any religion than to contribute its best for achieving and maintaining world peace and harmony.

The greatest beauty of the Vedic Texts and Scriptures is that they belong to the whole humanity without any distinction of caste, creed, color and country.  This Divine Knowledge is universal, as has been proclaimed in Yajurveda 11.5 and 26.2 “Listen ye, all the children of for the good and the welfare of all; the immortal Divine”-- this is the most auspicious Vedic Wisdom.

Let us recall what the Vedas say on harmony, happiness and peace:

“Maata bhumi putro aham prithivya”- Atharva Veda 12.1.12

This Mother Earth is our common Mother and we all are sons and daughters of this Mother.  Therefore, there is oneness among all the innumerable souls inhabiting the different physical bodies.

Unity of Being:

The Supreme Lord, Creator of this Universe is one.  All of us are born under the same sky, breathing the same air, drinking the same water bestowed upon us by God, which rains down on Earth and mountains (valleys), flowing through the rivers to the sea while quenching the thirst of all.  We enjoy various kinds of foods, vegetables and fruits given by (bestowed upon us by) Mother Earth while satisfying the hunger of the rich and poor alike.  The Sun gives light and heat in equal proportion to both the King and the Pauper.  According to the Vedic philosophy, all persons have the right to share the boons and blessings of the Mother Earth equally.

Ask yourself with complete cool mindedness: Are we not brothers, sisters and children of the same Father, The Supreme Lord? There is a prayer in the Vedas:

 Tvam hi nah pita vaso tvam maataa|Shatkrato babhuvith. Adha te sumnamimahe- Rig Veda 8.98.11

“O Lord! Thou art our Father and Mother, Thou art the only refuge of all, as Thou art the bestowal of everything for our survival.  We bow our heads to seek Thy blessings.

It is Paramount to feel oneness:

If we want to have peace and prosperity on Earth--“ In whatever direction I turn my eyes I look upon every one as my friend”.  It says in Atharva Veda:

 Vishva ashaa mam mitram bhavantu--Atharva Veda 19.15.6

Blessed are the eyes that cast the affectionate glances at others. The Vedas teach us that all are our friends, none is our enemy. 

Daanena dvishanto mitraa bahavanti; yajnena dvishanto mitraa bhavanti--Mahanarayana Upanishad

People remove by gifts those who are envious and malignant towards them; By sacrifice those who are hostile become friendly.

Love begets love and hatred breeds poison and contempt:

Mitrasyaaham chkhshushaa sarvani, Bhutani samikshe| Mitrasya chakhshusha samikhsha mahe-- Yajur Veda 36.18

The Problem of terror and Unrest:

In the first part above,  it is emphasized in brief what the Vedas ordain about the oneness of the human beings and what let us delve upon the problems of peace on Earth today.

Every one of us is fully aware of the fact that the world today is shattered with total unrest, fear and terrorism. There is chaos and conflict and this problem is increasing day by day.  At the outset let us analyze the root causes before we find out the everlasting solution of this menace.

 The Psychological Cause:

Since the creation of the world and the birth of human beings on Earth, there has been a struggle for possession, position and power.  The man by his nature is selfish and greedy.  Anyone who stands in the way of attaining his cherished desires becomes his enemy and one who is helpful, is considered a friend.  This principal instinct is within every individual, family, society and nation, everywhere this same instinct works resulting in two kinds of emotions: Love and Hatred.

 To Gain Economic Supremacy:

With the advancement of science and technology humans have reached up to the Moon. They are armed with the techniques of warfare and mass destruction.  They are using these resources to gain power instead of using this for human welfare. Energy is being spent in warfare rather than welfare. We have guided missiles but misguided men. The powerful and rich crush the weak and poor.  They help the poor and needy less and do it with self -interest.  Thus, there is always conflict, chaos and fear to gain economic power.

 The Religious Supremacy:

Some religious communities believe in mass religious conversions to gain political power.  For this they create constant terror by aggressive measures.  This has caused havoc all around the world.  You are all too aware of what is happening around the world.

 The Political Supremacy:

Some religions have little to do with spreading the sense of spirituality and humanness.  There main motive is to gain the possession of resources, become richer, capture the economy and then political power.  So the remedy is not in the capitalistic state.  Both the systems are two extremes and incomplete. Peace on earth will prevail if the Vedic Social System is looked into.

The Vedic Solution:

Vedic social system and philosophy is the proven answer to all the problems of restlessness, fear of the warfare on economic, religious and political front.  Even to cope with problems cropped up psychologically relating to animal instincts and of all the evil emotions and tendencies resulting from them.

 Be Friendly In your Outlook:

As we saw in the beginning, we have to be friendly in our outlook towards the whole humanity. Yajurveda chapter 40.6 says:

Yastu sarvaani bhutaani, Atmanyevaanu pashyati | Sarvabhuteshu cha aatmaanam tato nab vichikitsati--Yajur Veda 40.6

One who sees all creatures as if they were his own self and sees himself in others, his mind then rests in tranquility with no suspicion to disturb it and ceases to hate anyone. This sense of separateness gives rise to many selfish desires and to exploit others.  And the 7^th verse says:

Yasmin sarvaani bhutaani atmaivaabhut vijaantah| Tatra ko mohah kah shoka  ektvam anupashyatah--Yajur Veda 40.7

There can be no sorrow for the wise man who realizes the unity of all existence in perceiving all beings as his own self.  This brings the feeling of universal love and the sense of compassion towards other beings, blessedness and peace within oneself.  In the Gita chapter 5, verse 18 says: Sages equate a learned and humble Brahmana and animals as these all have a vision of God in them.

“Panditaah samadarshinah”- Gita 5.18

Be Considerate and Generous in your Outlooks

Ayam nijah proveti ganana laghuchetsam |Udara charitanam tu vasudheva kutumbakam--Hitopadesa

Being selfish and narrow minded is the quality of an egoistic and prejudiced person, but people who are generous and bountiful for them the whole world is their family.

Ekshyate yogyuktaatmaa sarvatra samadarshanah– Gita 6.29

The yogi whose mind is steeped in yoga, looks at all with equal and friendly eyes, sees his self-presence in all beings. This is the Vedic philosophy to see the same divinity in all. Such vision can only bring peace and harmony on the Mother Earth.

 In Atharvaveda we read:

Ayutoaham aatma ayutam me chakshu ayutam me shrotram | Ayuto me ayutom pranah ayuto vyanah ayuto aham sarvah- Atharva Veda 19.5.1

I am not in one but I am in millions.  I have millions of eyes, ears and lives.  They are I and I am “They”.  This sense of oneness results in love, peace and feelings of benevolence.

 How to enjoy the material wealth:

The Vedas exhort us that the whole material wealth on Earth belongs to all.

Bhujishyam paatram nihitam guha yadaavibhoge abhvanmatrimadhbhya- Ath.Veda.12.1.60

All edible objects are to be obtained from Mother Earth, who is the fulfiller of our desires and for the enjoyment of all. But how to enjoy this wealth which belongs to God,

The first verse of Yajurveda chapter 40 ordains:

Ishaavaasyamidam sarvam yatkinch jagatyaanjagat |Tena tyaktena bhunjithah, ma gridha-kasya svid dhanam- Yajur Veda 40.1

The verse says whole universe is filled with the spirit of God.  Whatever, there is changeful in this ephemeral world is enveloped by the supreme Lord.  So live with the sense of renunciation.  Do not covet the wealth of anyone.

In Rigveda 10.117.6 it has been said, those who cook only for themselves and eat are essentially sinful.  Taitiriya Upnishad says:

 Sahnaavavatu sahnoubhunaktu, sah viryam karvaavahai | Tejasvinavaadhit mastu maa vidvishaavahai.- Taitiriya Upnishad 1.1

Let us defend ourselves together, eat and live together improve our efficiencies and capabilities together. Be educated and develop our resources together.  Let us not hate anyone.

Again let us recall Atharvaveda:

Samaani prapaa sahv oannabhaagah samaane yoktre sahvoyunajmi |Samyanchaagnimsaparyataraa nabhimivaabhitah- Atharva Veda 3.30.6

You should drink together, eat together, as if joined in common yoke. Just as the spokes rotate fixed in a common axle similarly you should feel yourselves fixed in social life.

 Bhunjate te tvagham paapaa ye pachantyaatmakaarnaat - Gita 3.13

But those sinful ones who cook food for themselves verily devour sin.

 Kwvalaagho bhavati kevalaadi - Rig Veda 10.117.6

The one who eats alone is a thief. Social Concordance and Unity:

 Let us look at the Vedic philosophy on concordance and unity. The first and foremost thing to note in the Vedas is that none in the society is superior or inferior.

Ajyeshthaaso aknishthaas aite, Sam bhratrou vaavridhu soubhagaaya- Rig Ved 5.60.5

None is superior or inferior, high or low. All are equal.  They should advance and flourish, practicing eternal and universal code of life.

Samaano mantrah samitih samaani, Samaanam manah saha chittmeshaam| Samaanam mantramabhi mantraye vah, Samaanena vo havisha juhomi-RigVeda10.191.3

samaani va aakutih samaanaa hridlyaani vah |samaanamastu vo  mano yathaa vah su sahaasti- Rigveda 10.191.4

The supreme Lord ordains: Let your way of thinking be the same, Let your minds be of one accord, Let your resolutions be the same, Let the commonness of your thoughts bring the co-operation of the highest order.  So those all attain the same goals and have peace and prosperity.

 Follow The Principles of Vedic Dharma:

The Commandments of Vedic Dharma are Yamah - Ahimsa, Satya, Asteya, Bhramacharya, Aparigraha (Nonviolence, truthfulness, abstaining from coveting what belongs to others, abstinence (abstain) from sensual gratification and possessiveness) Niyamah - Shauch, Santosh, Tapah, Svadhaya, Ishvara, Pranidhana (Purification, Contentment, Devotional dedication, Continuing the study of scriptures and complete surrender to God.) - Yoga Darshan  2.30 & 2.32

 Dharitih kshama damoasteyam shaucham indariyamigrahah | Dhirvidya-satyamakrodho dasakam dharamalaksanam- Manu 6-92

The Ten characteristics of a person who upholds Dharma are: Patience, Forgiveness, Subjugation of Senses, Maintenance of Purity, Sensual Discipline, Acquisition of Knowledge and Wisdom, Abstinence from stealing, truthfulness and emotional and sensual discipline.  If all human beings follow these commandments of Vedic Dharma there will surely be complete peace and harmony in the world.  All that sustains the life of all the creatures on Earth is Dharma. Essence of Dharma is Humanity (Manurbhava – Rig Veda 10.53.6) and Nobility (Aryatva – Rig Veda 9.63.5).

 How the International Co-Existence is possible:

Thus the struggle for the world peace, brotherhood, International co-existence and emphasis on the territorial integrity and sovereignty is the call of the modern times.  Our heritage and culture is a witness that our seers have always spoken of: “Let The Whole World be one” The first ever known book of the knowledge - Vedas have propagated the people of the Mother Earth.  They should imbibe the qualities of humanness, kindness, peaceful co-existence, fraternity and friendship. The doctrines of the Vedas have universal appeal. They are for all the people and for all times.

Here are three more verses from the last hymn of the Rigveda,  

Sangchadhvam samvaddhvam sam vo manaansi jaantaam| Devaa bhaagam yathaa purve samjaanaanaa upaasate- Rig Veda 10.191.2

Samaano mantrah samitih samaani Samaanam manah sahchitmeshaa| Samanam mantramabhimantrayevah Samaanena vo havishaa juhomi-RigVeda 10.191.3.

“Move together, speak together, Let your minds be in unison. ”May your thoughts be common, the place of assembly common: common the minds, and hearts of all united, a common purpose and common provisions.

 Let us focus on the piece of verse from the Rigveda again before concluding:

 Pumaan pumaansam paripaatu vishvatah- Rig Veda 6.75.14

“O human beings of the Mother Earth give protection to one another from all sides so that all live in peace”.  But how is all this possible;  the first line of the preamble of the Constitution of UNESCO begins with the following words: “Since wars begin in the minds of men, it is in the minds of men that defenses of peace must be constructed”.  The makers of the constitution must take inspirations from the words of the Vedic Social thoughts in letter and spirits, if they are serious to the problems of unrest and terrorism.

We are in fact living a life of double standards.  What we preach we do not practice.  The untruth, lawlessness, selfishness, luxurious life, denial of the Supreme Divine power, violence and use of destructive arms to attain more and more economic and political power; have (has) become (the) order of the day.  The fact is we are not serious about the problem of achieving everlasting peace.

Atharvaveda 12.11 wonderfully emanates the solution to sustain peace on Earth.  It says, “The forces that can cement and bring a perpetual solution are the truth, the irrevocable law, vow for the service of the mankind, living an austere life, faith in the Divine power and selflessness to the extent of sacrificing our interests for the welfare of others.  We will have to live according to the fundamental guidelines as exhorted in the Vedic philosophy and peace in the world will surely prevail.

Conclusion:

There are innumerable verses in the Vedas that speak of social concord and International understanding, co-existence of nations, peace and unity, happiness and fraternity.  And the peace prayer Hindu priests and Gurus  chant in their daily prayer is common for all of us:

 Om dyou shanti, antricksham shanti; prithvi shanti; Aapa shanti; aushadhaya shanti; vanaspathaya shanti; brahama shanti sarvam shanti; shantireva shanti; shanti sama shantiredhi   - Yajur Veda 36.17

May the sky be peaceful; May the atmosphere be peaceful; May the Earth be peaceful; May waters be peaceful; May the medicinal herbs be peaceful; May all plants be peaceful; May all the devas be peaceful; May the creator of the Universe be peaceful; May all be peaceful. Can there be any other wonderful and amazing prayer and lofty thought than these Vedic verses propagate?

Sam shruten gamemahi maa shruten vi raadhishi- Atharva Veda 1.1.4

Let us live according to the teachings of Vedas, never violate and oppose them in our practical life. May God bless all of us with Peace, Prosperity and Harmony!

 [This compilation is based on the lecture delivered by Sri Vinekar on “Hinduness for World Peace and Harmony, assisted   by the Vedic scholar, Dr. Pramod Pathak, Ph.D., of Houston, Texas and the speech delivered by Dr. Prem Chand Shridhar at the 20^th Arya Maha Sammelan, Houston TX. suitably extracted  abridged and edited]