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Speech of
His Excellency Dr.Shankar Dayal Sharma
on Friday, the 30th May in Mysore Datta Peetham
I am glad to associate myself with the inauguration of the Shankara Shiva Vaidya Hari Veda Mandir of the Avadhoota Datta Peetham here in Mysore.
As the repository of timeless knowledge and the wisdom of our ethos, I believe the Vedas are of immense contemporary relevance not merely for the individual but for the society at large. Though the spiritual message of the Vedas is widely recognised it is the social message which is equal importance and needs to be better known and understood. It is a message of peace and compassion, the pursuit of truth, tolerance, liberalism, oneness and a deep consciousness of the need for harmony between man and his social, natural and spiritual environments. The more one studies these sacred texts, the more one appreciates the importance and relevance of their teachings for resolving the problems faced by contemporary society. I am happy, therefore, that the Peetham is making efforts to create more widespread awareness about the vedas.
The vedas present an integrated and holistic approach to life based on respect for diversity and an abiding conviction of the essential inner oneness and unity which imbues the diversity. One of the tenets of the Vedas is
Suparnaam vipraah kavayo vachobhirekam
santama bahudhaa kalpayanti
(R.X.114.5)
[Sages comprehend and describe the
One Incomparable Being in many ways]
In other words, the Vedas proclaim that there are diverse paths to the
Truth. There is no single prescribed path which excludes others. All paths
towards Divinity are acknowledged to be valid. Such an approach involves
respect for diversity. It is a universalistic approach which welcomes positive
influences from all sides. Indeed, our tradition extols the vibrant diversity
of our planet represented in people of different persuasions and beliefs
and holding varied opinions. The Vedas exhort us to look upon all with friendship
and love. The Yajurveda states
Mitrasya maa chakshushaa sarvaani bhootani sameekshantaam
Mitrasyaaham chakshushaa sarvaani bhootani sameekshe
Mitrasya chakshushaa sameekshaamahe
(Y.26.2)
[May all beings look on me with the eye of a friend;
may I look on all beings with the eye of a friend;
may we look on one another with the eye of a friend.]
Acceptance and respect for a plurality of views necessarily implies a
democratic approach. This in turn, calls for a spirit of mutual accommodation
and give and take. It gives rise to what is an abiding feature of our
civilisation, the process of assimilation and synthesis, harmony and
co-existence. These verses capture the essence of our democratic ethos and
way of life.
Maa bhraataa bhraataram dvikshana maa svasaaram uta svasaa
Samyanchah savrataa bhootvaa vaacham vadat bhadrayaa
(A.3.30)
[Let not brother hate brother, sister hate sister, unanimous,
united in purpose, speak you words with friendliness]
Sam jaaneedhwam sam prichhaddhwam
(A.6.64.1)
[Agree and hold together]
The import of these passages is clear. They stress that the goals are common and that though there may be differences in approach and emphasis, such differences should be accommodated in a spirit of friendship. And, it is from such a friendly debate and discussion that agreement and consensus would emerge. This message of the Vedas is more than five thousand years old. It appears to be so relevant for contemporary society and particularly for our institutions of democracy, ranging from Panchayats to Parliaments.
Harmony, unity of purpose and a striving for peace are the recurring themes
of our civilisation. This quest for an all embracing, all pervasive peace
is expressed in the Shanti Paath:
Dyouh shaantir antariksham shaantih
prithivee shaantir aapah shaantir oushadhayah shaantih
vanaspatayah shaantih
(Y.36.17)
[Peace of sky, peace of mid region, peace of earth,
peace of waters, peace of plants, peace of trees]
I have recounted these passages to illustrate the immense wealth of knowledge
contained in the Vedas, which we, modern day citizens, would do well to pay
heed to. Similarly, the Vedas are a storehouse of scientific and technological
knowledge. Research and detailed study of these texts may well through light
on some of the current scientific dilemmas and concerns.
Apart from the spiritual and social message, the Vedas represent some of the most sublime literature, poetry and music, ever written. The elegance of verses, the rhythm of the meter and the pristine purity and melody of the chanting of the shlokas should be made better known to the common people. I, therefore, welcome the decision of the Peetham to set up a Veda Mandir to promote greater awareness about the Vedas. This requires the propagation of Sanskrit language as well as generation of employment opportunities for those who are trained in the knowledge of the Vedas.
I trust the Veda Bhawan will play an important role not merely in preserving the traditional Vedic heritage but also in promoting the high moral and ethical ideals of our ethos in our society. I conclude with this beautiful prayer from the Brihadaaranyaka Upanishad:
Asato maa sadgamaya
Tamaso maa jyotirgamaya
Mrityormaa amritangamaya
[Lead me from the unreal to the real,
Lead me from darkness to light,
Lead me from death to immortality]
With these words, I am happy to inaugurate the Veda Bhawan and I wish the Bhawan all success in its endeavours in the years to come.
JAI HIND