Quotations on the Vedas
Effects of the Sounds
“Even if you cannot chant the Vedas, if you only listen to the sounds with devotion, they will elevate you to a higher level. Though the child does not know the meaning of the lullaby sung by the mother, it is induced to sleep hearing the tune. Similarly, listening to the chanting of the Vedas with undivided attention, will give you immense benefits. The hymns of the Vedas constitute the Cosmic sound (nāda bramhan) which is highly potent.”
Sri Sathya Sai Baba – 18/10/1993
“Every syllable of the immortal Vedas is a lighthouse guiding every aspirant on the royal path towards Self-realization. Imbibe these precious virtues and merge in that sublime eternal oneness.”
Sri Sathya Sai Baba – Vedic Chants
“The outstanding feature of the Vedas lies in the fact that the sound of the mantras, by itself, has a meaning apart from the words which are themselves full of meaning. The sound of the Veda mantras activate our subtle energies. The sound also affects the atmosphere, resulting in individual and collective well-being of the world. Collective well-being does not refer to Humanity alone.”
Sri Chandraśhēkhara Sarasvatī
of Kāñchī Kāmakōṭi Pīṭham
“The Vedas come from certain fundamental sounds, and their variations. The slightest modification of the sound changes the meaning of what is said. No written language is able to represent all of the Vedic Sounds. It is impossible to write many of the words. The Vedas are God’s breath and can be transmitted from person to person only by voice.”
Conversations with Sai – J. Hislop
“Vedas lift the individual to higher levels. The subtle effect of mantras mentioned in the Vedas cannot be seen or heard by the senses. They have to be experienced in and through the inner consciousness. It is foolish to try to shape the world. Shape yourself as the embodiment of Peace, Love and Reverence. Then you will see all as Love, Compassion and Humility.”
Sri Sathya Sai Baba – 21/03/1967
“The ṛks (mantras of the Vedas) reach up to the highest reality, the luminous void, where all the gods are firmly established. If one does not know this, the mere recitation of the ṛks would serve no purpose. The ṛks abide in the Immutable, Supreme Ether where all gods are seated. The mantra is of no use to one who does not know this.”
Rig Veda
“The sacredness of the Vedas is such that even mere uttering of the mantras, without understanding their full meaning or merely listening to them, will have some sanctifying effects. The potency of the Divine vibrations from such mantras will confer unique blissful experience on the listeners.”
Sri Sathya Sai Baba – 4/10/1989
“Sound is the very core of the Veda. Sound is associated with harmony and melody and hence the Veda has to be heard and ecstasy derived therefrom. It is not to be analysed, commented upon and judged. This is the reason why the Veda is called Śhruti (that which is heard). Through listening alone to its recital, the awareness of the ātmā and of the Bliss it confers can be earned. The Bliss thus acquired manifests in words and deeds that confer bliss on all around.”
Sathya Sai Vahini, Chap. 22
“Vedas embody the cosmic sound. It is not easy for laymen to understand the Vedas. But whether they are understood or not, their Truth permeates the Universe. They embody the śhabda bramhan (Cosmic Sound). They are not confined to a particular place, time or person. They pervade the cosmos.”
Sathya Sai Speaks, Vol. 23, Chap. 24
“The Vedic mantra has a Divine power, which interacts with the human power. When the mantra is chanted with proper intonation, the 65 Divine forces, that are latent in man, become manifest. The Divine force that emerges out of the human beings merges in the sounds (nāda) of the Cosmos and assumes the Form of the Universal Consciousness. This nāda is Veda.”
Sri Sathya Sai Baba – Vedic Chants
“No doubt, even listening to the recitation of the Vedas is itself capable of purifying your mind. It is śhabda bramhan (Cosmic Sound). Sound is the first attribute of God. Śhabda bramhan is all-pervasive.”
Sri Sathya Sai Baba – 18/10/1993
Veda Puruṣha Saptāḥa Jnāna Yajña
“The Sound of a mantra is as valuable as its meaning.”
Sathya Sai Speaks, Vol. 3, p. 242
«The sound of the Vedas is highly sacred. It is extolled as śhabda bramhamayi, charācharamayi, jyōtirmayi, vāṅgmayi, nityānandamayi, parātparāmayi, māyāmayi and śhrīmayi (embodiment of sound, mobility and immobility, light, speech, eternal bliss, perfection, delusion and wealth). It is compulsory for everyone to learn the Vedas. If it is not possible, at least one should chant the Name of God. Whatever Vedic Mantras you learn, you should be able to chant them properly. Otherwise, you don’t need to learn them at all!”
Sri Sathya Sai Baba – 19/10/2004
“Vedas must be chanted with grandeur so that the sound can be properly heard. Vedic Mantras not only produce beneficial vibrations in the pulse of the one who chants them properly, but also similar vibrations in those who may hear them. Since it is spread in the atmosphere, it ensures well-being here and hereafter... The outstanding feature of the Vedas lies in the fact that the sound of the Mantras by itself when chanted has a meaning, apart from the words themselves, which too are pregnant with significance.”
Sri Chandraśhēkhara Sarasvatī
of Kāñchī Kāmakōṭi Pīṭham
“Devotees who go to a temple ring the bell. The general belief is that it is intended to attract the attention of the Deity. Does it mean that God is asleep and you have to awaken Him by ringing the bell? God is always awake and is listening to the prayers of everyone. It is just like a visiting card which you present to any important person whom you want to meet any favour or help. Ringing the bell is only to draw the attention of the Lord towards you. The sound of the Veda is also like ringing the temple bell.”
Sri Sathya Sai Baba – 18/10/1993