Scriptural Study

And one who shall study this sacred dialogue of ours — by that one I consider Myself worshipped through the sacrifice of knowledge: so is My conviction.

There was Svetaketu, the grandson of Aruna. His father said to him: 'Svetaketu, go and live the life of a celibate student of sacred knowledge; for no one of our family, dear boy, remains unlearned in the Vedas, a brahmin in name only.'

Having studied the scriptures, the wise man, intent on knowledge and realization, should discard the books altogether, even as one seeking the grain discards the husk.

Now, Yajnavalkya had two wives, Maitreyi and Katyayani. Of these, Maitreyi was conversant with the knowledge of Brahman, while Katyayani had only such understanding as women possess. Now Yajnavalkya, about to take up another mode of life,

There were three men well versed in the udgitha: Shilaka Shalavatya, Chaikitayana Dalbhya, and Pravahana Jaivali. They said: 'We are well versed in the udgitha; come, let us hold a discourse on the udgitha.'

Which one is the Rik, which is the Saman, which is the udgitha? This is now examined.

Eternal order and the study and teaching of scripture; truth and the study and teaching of scripture; austerity and the study and teaching of scripture; self-restraint of the senses and the study and teaching of scripture; inner calm and the study and teaching of scripture; the sacred fires and the study and teaching of scripture; the Agnihotra and the study and teaching of scripture; guests and the study and teaching of scripture; human duty and the study and teaching of scripture; progeny and the study and teaching of scripture; the act of procreation and the study and teaching of scripture; lineage and the study and teaching of scripture. Truth alone, says Satyavach Rathitara. Austerity alone, says Taponitya Paurushisthi. Study and teaching of scripture alone, says Naka Maudgalya — for that indeed is austerity, that indeed is austerity.

Two kinds of knowledge are to be known: the sound-Brahman (Shabda-Brahman) and that which is supreme. He who is well-versed in the sound-Brahman attains the supreme Brahman.

This Brahma told to Prajapati, Prajapati to Manu, and Manu to mankind. He who has studied the Veda in the house of a teacher according to rule, in the time left over from serving the teacher, and who, having returned home, continues his Vedic study in a clean place within his household, raises up virtuous students or children, withdraws all his senses into the Self, and harms no living being except at the sanctioned occasions of sacrifice — he who lives thus all his life reaches the world of Brahman and does not return again — he does not return again.

We must realise that regular visits to religious places, learning of scriptures and the study of holy books alone do not enable us to enter the category of the men of virtue. Whether we are truly religious minded or not is decided by our actions.

With his understanding thus disposed, through service of the scriptures, the guru, and the holy, he attains in full and as it truly is, together with its secret, the knowledge entire.

Om. Janaka, king of Videha, once performed a sacrifice at which abundant gifts were distributed. Brahmanas of the Kurus and the Panchalas had assembled there. This Janaka of Videha had a desire to know which of these Brahmanas was the most deeply versed in the Vedas. So he confined a thousand cows, and to the horns of each were fastened ten padas (coins) of gold.

Next, the udgitha of the dogs. Baka Dalbhya — or Glava Maitreya — went forth for the study of the Veda.

People ask, "How can we love God if we haven't seen Him?" The answer is to live among saints, listen to stories of God, study scriptures, and worship Him in the various forms He takes in the world.

In thought, deed and word he attends upon the good; gathering them from wherever he can, he ever looks into the scriptures.

Thus, by means of the (scriptural) sentences, the inquiry into their meaning constitutes 'hearing' (shravana); and the inquiry into what is established as possible through reasoning is 'reflection' (manana).

The line is the same up to the son of Sanjivi. The son of Sanjivi received it from Mandukayani; Mandukayani from Mandavya; Mandavya from Kautsa; Kautsa from Mahitthi; Mahitthi from Vamakakshayana; Vamakakshayana from Shandilya; Shandilya from Vatsya; Vatsya from Kushri; Kushri from Yajnavachas the son of Rajastambayana; Yajnavachas the son of Rajastambayana from Tura the son of Kavashi; Tura the son of Kavashi from Prajapati; Prajapati from Brahman. Brahman is self-existent. Salutation to Brahman!

In truth we read scriptures, but we do not reflect upon them. We bow our heads before them. Is mere reading and reciting, hearing and narrating enough? After reading and hearing them, reflecting upon them is also essential. Those who truly realize the utterances of the great souls indeed attain the Lord and make their life successful.

Man should pay attention in time to the words of the saints and great souls, and not confine them merely to reading and reciting. Nothing comes of mere reading and reciting. It is fulfilled only when that which is being spoken of is itself attained, when one walks upon those principles and becomes imbued with those sentiments. Only by doing this is our ferrying across possible.

Through the practice of the good scriptures and through the performance of meritorious deeds, this true vision of Reality grows clear and serene in a being, just as it is.