Quotations on the Vedas
Importance of the Meaning
“Mere chanting of the mantras without knowing their meaning is like a horse carrying a load of sandalwood pieces on its back without experiencing their fragrance. Today, like that horse, we are carrying the load of the mantras without experiencing the fragrance of their meaning. If we are able to know the meaning, we will be able to visualize the form behind the particular mantra. One has to chant the Vedas mantras at least by knowing a little of their meaning.
Chanting with focus on the meaning, thus, calms and clears the mind and actually rejuvenates it. You might notice that sometimes your mind is much clearer and your attention more focused, after chanting. Every word that we utter and every thought that we think leaves its subtle impression on the mind, and so do all the words and sounds that we listen to and absorb. Everything that we listen to also leaves its residue in the mind.”
Sri Sathya Sai Baba – Vedic Chants
“The Vedic injunctions have infinite meanings. All may not be able to comprehend the inner meaning of the teachings.”
Sri Sathya Sai Baba – 18/10/1993
“Vedas are not to be only recited, but to be put into practice after knowing their meanings. Mere recitation may give some joy, but, recitation after knowing its inner meanings makes one’s entire life fruitful.”
Sri Sathya Sai Baba – Vedic Chants
“Others who ruminate over the meaning of the mantra and feel the emotions of exaltation and supplication are able to derive delight. Recitation, without understanding the meaning, might grant a little superficial satisfaction but the hymn can pour from the heart only when the meaning is sensed.”
Sri Sathya Sai Baba – 21/10/1982
Veda Puruṣha Saptāḥa Jnāna Yajña
“The root of the word ‘Veda’ means ‘to know’. Vedas are also known as chhandas; this name means pleasant, joyous. Other important meanings of this word are vital, strong and shielded. All these are the qualities of the Vedas as it is shielding, fostering, promoting the welfare of humans engaged in the unceasing round of worldly affairs, and conferring the ultimate liberation. Humans are ever caught up in activities pursued with the profit available as the purpose. They have to be moulded as righteous men and women. The Vedas shield people on the path of action (karma mārga) from engaging in unrighteous acts, and protect the seekers of knowledge (jñāna mārga) from the temptation of the senses. Through their role as armour or shield, they shower bliss on all who rely on them. The sacred ceremonies and rituals that Vedas expound confer joy and bliss not only on the participants but also on the entire world and beyond.”
Sathya Sai Vahini, Chap. 24
“Sādhaka: Swāmi! We do not find today feelings that produce such prayers anywhere among men. People repeat these Vedic prayers, as gramophone records do, without any knowledge of their meanings, out of sheer habit. Is it not so? Do they get the Wisdom that is the most precious treasure of God?
Sai: My dear fellow! You yourself said now that they recite the Veda as gramophone records do, didn’t you? So, they gain as much wisdom and aiśhvarya as those records get. How can they acquire the treasure of full potence? Planting a branch that has been severed, can one claim that it is a tree growing there? Those who recite the Vedas with the awareness of their meaning, experiencing at the same time the feelings embedded in the hymns, they alone can earn the Grace of bramhan, the bramha vidya, the Highest Wisdom, the Supreme Treasure (sakalaiśhvarya).”
Sri Sathya Sai Baba – Leela Kaivalya Vahini
“The Vedas have emphasised that man will be truly human only when he lives up to human values and practises the good life. Many who chant the Vedas these days have difficulty in understanding their purport. When they fully understand the meaning and chant the mantras, they will derive greater joy. Only then they will experience the full sacredness and potency of the Vedas.”
Sri Sathya Sai Baba – 3/10/1989
“Those who utter the mantras today do not grasp their inner meaning. Even if the full meaning of a single mantra is understood, it will be sufficient. Every day, the śhānti mantra is recited:
‘Om; sahanāvavatu; sahanau bhunaktu; sahavīryaṅ karavāvahai.’
What does this signify? ‘Let us move together in unison. Let us live in harmony in communion with each other.’ What a wide vision is present in this mantra!”
Sri Sathya Sai Baba – 3/10/1989
“When we listen to a Vedic hymn, we immediately perceive that its sound carries something very beautiful, powerful and highly sacred. As it comes to the meaning of the words, though, things become more difficult, even for experienced sanscritists. Or we may, rather, say that Vedic hymns include various meanings at different levels, ranging from the most down to earth to the most spiritual one. The access door to their highest spiritual significance has been largely forsaken, but it can be disclosed again by beings of high consciousness.”
Sri Tathāta
“What is recommended is ‘sacrifice’ of the wayward mind, dedicating it to God so that it becomes stable and calm and not bringing a living animal and killing it. That is adherence to the outer literal meaning of the injunction, not to the inner and valid import. Listen to the significances of Vedic aphorisms and rituals and scriptural injunctions with selfless, pure and joyful concentration. Treasure them in the heart for practice in daily life and for sharing with other earnest souls.”
Sri Sathya Sai Baba – 21/10/1982
Veda Puruṣha Saptāḥa Jnāna Yajña