VEDA / KNOWLEDGE
The fundamentals of the original science of humanity stems from the VEDA's, which is a Sanskrit word meaning "Knowledge". This form of knowledge originated in "Bharata-Varsa", the land now called "India". So much information is available today, especially in the Western countries, from the world wide web, television, radios, papers, etcetera. The practical use all this input can take a lifetime, and may not even be appropriate for any real use, this is were prevailing wisdom may help.
All is well in the practices in "Bhakti-Yoga", simple lifestyle with High thinking! Though these practices are easy, the material world is a very complicated place. To contemplate this is not so easy when you've got children to feed, bills to pay and struggle for existence, let alone even understand a educational system from 1,000's of years ago.
In reality the practical applications are as natural as inhaling and exhaling, but first breath has to start. The Veda's have the original guidelines for society, medicine, architecture, martial arts and Spiritual awareness. The Sanskrit terminology has familiar words like. “karma, Guru, dharma” and others, in fact every modern language on this planet has a connection to this “Mother Language”, "Sanskrit".
Not to get “Lost in Translation”, lets continue on some of the aspects of the Vedic science of our existence and its circumstances. It is not easy to be a human, but the benefits are amazing when you know your options! Feel free to review the following examples of what we deal with here and prepare for ultimate liberation!
THE THREE MODES OF NATURE
There are "three" aspects in material nature that interact in all actions based on their origin. One in knowledge learns what they are and how they work to maintain an equal consciouness.
S A T T V A : Goodness, the highest mode of material nature. It is the only state where human beings may advance in Spiritual consciousness. The some symptoms of "goodness" are non-enviousness, freedom from anger, compassion, self-discipline and purity. We can see other attributes in the world, such as in the times of "Day" at pre-dawn or locations such as the forest or ocean. Certain foods like whole grains and dairy are also some examples of "SATTVA"
R A J A : Passion, the middle mode of material nature. This is the driving force of material bondage. Some symptoms of "passion" are lust, creativity, attacment, honor, economic development and dominance.
The time from dawn till twilight is in the mode of passion and as are locations like Cities,Villages and farms, also included are over spiced foods and drinks such as chili's and wine. "Raja" perpetuates fruitive activities and hankering.
T A M A : Ignorance, the lowest mode of material nature.This position is negative towards any Spiritual growth, it promotes laziness and indulgence. This mode increases greed and gluttony perpetuated by selfishness. It only one level up from animal mentality and should be avoided by humans striving for any lasting happiness. Foods that are decomposing and fermenting such as meat products and drinks, like distilled liquor, are in "Tama". The time after twilight till pre-dawn is when ignorance is in effect. Locations such as deserts and water-barren lands are in this lower energy along with the residences of Brothels, intoxication and gambling all are in "Tama's"
THE FOUR DEFECTS
Yes, this is not a perfect world and nor are we perfect beings. Regardless, at least there is information on how to deal with these "Human" defects from authorities who have conquered these "inconvenient truths".
L I M I T E D - B O D Y : We are in imperfect vehicles, from birth and disease to old age and death, we are changing, growing and dwindling. Eyes get weak, Hearing lessens, pieces fall or break off, not the most perfect place to reside.
M I S T A K E S : Along with prior difficulties, we also make errors in judgement, calculating, along with our physical abilities such as coordination and effort. As known. “To error is human”, but who is admitting it?
I L L U S I O N : Another real problem, especially on the mental platform. Ego’s, desires and over sense indulgence bring about some self-promoted deceptions. Let alone the other illusions that come with the territory, such as socio-political positions, family names, geographical locations. Not a pretty picture when these are accepted as reality.
C H E A T I N G : Nope, we never cheat, we are good people! Well basically we are...but the propensity is there. Come on, why take any chances, get it while it’s hot! Never give a sucker an even break! These tendencies are imposed just from being here, the struggle for existence promotes it. In actuality everything is provided for what we need, except our greed.
THE THREE ASPECTS OF SUFFERING:
The only advantage to living in the material world is that we are able to see how “bad” things work. Then we intuitively strive to get beyond this turmoil with intelligence.
O T H E R - E N T I T I E S: Don’t you love ticks and mosquitos’s? How about that snarling dog? Then of course are the courteous drivers on the freeway and the "Boss from hell". The list goes on, just reminders that we are not in Heaven (which has its own defects)!
N A T U R A L - O C C U R E N C E S : Who says the natural lifestyle is best? Earthquakes, Volcanoes, Floods and drought...should I go on? Obviously, we all know about these on a daily basis either personally or through the news. Just another day in paradise.
B O D Y - M I N D : As mentioned in the 4 defects, we must contend with our very selves in this temporary existence. The pleasure is there, but so is pain. These again are reminders that we have consciousness through out the body and that is because there is a “living force" connecting it.
