hari om
~~~~~
namaste,
There is this reasonable notion that reading brings understanding. Yet there is a fact that says reading does not insure comprehension. When it comes to the vedas this is of the greatest import.
I bring this up as reading the ved needs to be complimented with grooming consciousness, this turya we speak of often. Who says so? The Vedas:
ṛco akṣare paramevyoman yasmin devā adhi viśve niṣeduḥ |
yastan na veda kiṃ ṛcā kariṣyati ya it tad vidusta ime samāsate ||
(ṛg, some write ṛ́c, veda 1.164.39)
The Veda or rks, reside in the transcendental field or akshara, of the highest (parame) etheral Being (vyoman) in which reside all the adhi vishve deva's (or impulses of creative intelligence, the laws of Nature), responsible for the whole manifest universe. He whose awareness is not open (na veda) to this field, what can the verses accomplish for him?
Those who know this level of reality are established in evenness (samasate or rest contented) , in That ( Tat or Bhuma, fullness-wholeness of life)."
What does this say in short? Of what use is the ved, for he whom is not becoming established in the Absolute? Where will be the value of this great knowledge other then words... it says, become established in atman, the avyayam (undecaying), the even-ness to reap the full value of the knowledge.
Reading is good yet experiencing and stablizing this level of Being, turya is essential to milk out the benefits of the Ved. What does one do in the interim before having this turya established all the time? We look to others that have this level of Being established for their views and guidance.
So, if someone said ' haven't you read the vedas ?' - one should not feel any discomfort or angst. The true honey of the veda unfolds as consciousness unfolds. IMHO reading the samhita's in their original sanskrit format is more of a challenge. One then may read the interpretations , discourses, thereof. Yet reading-listening to the Vedas assists in the grooming of this level of consciousness. The Upanishads are designed to help comprehend this Reality, this Brahman and unfold the wisdom found in the Vedas.
Here on HDF some offer a 'cut and paste' section of the Veda with no interpretation, little preamble, or their views , likes or objections and says 'there, I have proved my point'. You might as well give me the electrical blueprints for NASA's space shuttle. Looks interesting, I may discern a line here or there but that's about it.
So is reading the Veda the answer? The veda's will not bring one to establishing Atman, this Brahma Sakshtkara ( Self Realization) or turiyatit chetana. Yet listening to the veda's is another POV and can be left for anther time.
Who says just reading will not do the trick? the Kathopanishad, section 1.2.23. And it also says (Chapt 1.2.8) that the SELF when taught by a man of inferior intellect is not easy to be known, as it is to be thought of in various ways; Yet when taught by the preceptor (the Brahmavit), one with Brahman, there is no doubt concerning it, the SELF being subtler then subtle, and is not obtained by arguing.
Ladies and Gentlemen of the jury - I am this avarena narena one who has not attained SELF realization (the inferior man). Most if not all on HDF I presume are of this same nature , in varying degrees. We are here to learn , to share , to help one another move forward, to reach this SELF referral state of Being, Brahman.
So yajvan, what's your point? Do you have one?
As of late it seems to me, there as been the approach used by some that ' my way is the best, it is the truth, and your way is inferior. How could you possibly think like that... here let me show you this bramana, this Upanishad this .... there! see that. That proves I am in the right'.
For many here on the forum we read the vedas and offer the words - yet do we offer the wisdom that is nestled in the sutras, mantras and stotras? Help is by giving insights, by pondering and asking questions.
Some of us may have more knowledge in one area and less in another, yet we are all learning. Also, many may have a guru, teacher or pundit that offers their words of wisdom, and these are passed along to us...this is a blessing.
I am in hopes we can share this info with open minds - perhaps a neuron or two will turn on. Someone will be inspired in some way, a new idea will spring forth to connect the dots, or a new book is offered for consideration.
pranams,
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