Agamas are generally referred as Tantras. Tantras is a Religious System capable of helping Man at the basic levels of Spiritual growth. Agama Sastra dwells on the Energy aspect of Godand prescribe numerous courses of Ritualistic Worship of the Divine Mother in various Forms. The Texts are usually in the Form of dialogues between Shiva and Parvati. In the Agama Sastra, Shiva as a Teacher Answers the Questions asked by Parvati. Shiva is the Speaker giving SpiritualTeachings and Parvati is the Listener. There is a Traditional List of Twenty Eight Shaiva Agamas, each with a number of Upa Agamas. However only Twenty are said to be available.
THARKA SASTRA:
We have already stated in Chapter 17 on Darsanas that the Nyaya Sastra is also known as the Tharka Sastra. Therefore, Tharka will not be repeated again.
Chapter Re-cap:
1) Agama Sastra Learning is recommended for those in the Early Stage of Spiritual Growth.
2) For Tharka Sastra Details, refer to the Chapter 17 on Darsanas.
VEDA BASHYA
Even without knowing the meanings, if we recite the Veda Mantras properly, the Mantra Shakti of the sounds will protect the one who recites as well the person who listens. The Mantras have to be chanted with Total Faith. However, this is not the preferred methodology. Knowing the meanings of the Veda Mantra is considerably time consuming endeavor. Because even to learn to chant the Veda Mantra at the early stage of Life will involve Seven Years of Studies. One can Know the meanings of the Veda Mantras from the Veda Bashya. Many Sages have written the Meanings of the Veda Mantras. We cannot let the Hard Work of those days go waste.
In our Homes and Public Places we are performing Vivahas, Seemantas, Homas, Upakarmas, Pitrukarmas etc. During these Functions and Ceremonies, we repeat after the Priest’s chantings. Compared to the good old days, these kind of Karmas have reduced considerably. The main cause is, we do not understand the Meaning of Mantras. Shraddha or Good Intention is nowadays lacking (compared to the olden days) in the performance of Karmas. The complete significance of the Karmas are better understood only by knowing the Bashya or Meaning of the Veda Mantras.
However, interestingly, there are still a few younger generation people that have the interest to know the Meanings, which is encouraging news. Therefore, to fulfill this requirement, Veda Teachers or Priests or Practitioners should be encouraged to Learn the Veda Bashya for Veda Mantras. The Veda Bashya written by Sri Sayanaacharya is considered as Authoritative and it is accepted and shines even today. Let this be Emphasized – only if you chant the Veda Mantras Properly, know the Meaning, you reap the complete benefits of chanting. We have to try to make every possible effort to learn the Veda Mantras with the Veda Bashya.
Chapter Re-cap:
1) Even without knowing the Meanings, if we recite the Veda Mantras properly, the Mantra Sakti of the Sabdas will provide protection. Please try to chant the Veda Mantras on a regular basis.
2) The Veda Mantras have to be chanted with Total Faith.
3) We have to try to make every possible efforts to learn the Veda Mantras along with the Veda Bashya to reap the complete benefits.
This article is a snippet from the Book Essentials of Hinduism, Authored by G.S Nilakantan. Hinduism for All is available online at www.giri.in and across Giri Trading Agency Private Limited, A chain of Speciality Stores dealing in all kinds of products needed in Indian Culture and Tradition.
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