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Source: The Hindu (http://www.the-hindu.com)

 

Observance of code of conduct ensures peace

 

CHENNAI, APRIL 24. Long before the concept of ``One God-one

community'' contained in some of the authoritative texts written

by saints centuries ago was propagated, the Vedic revelations had

noted this sentiment, though in a different manner stating that

the entire world should be happy and prosperous. These divine

utterances had also prescribed not only the rights and

responsibilities of each person but also specified the duties

which ought to be carried out with faith and without demur and

some which ought to be discarded. Codes of conduct have been

placed before a man telling him that if he follows them, he will

enjoy peace. When members of a society scrupulously adopted them

in their lives, there were good rains fetching good harvests of

food crops. However by efflux of time, these noble guidelines had

lost their values. There is thus a need to safeguard these

glorious traditions.

 

The religious rites and rituals asked to be performed were

intended both for auspicious and inauspicious occasions. These

sacraments governed a man's activities from his birth till his

death. The scriptural directives point out that under certain

unforeseen circumstances, even marriage may be postponed by a few

days, but the removal of body after a man's death cannot wait for

long, even if certain modern techniques of preservation are

resorted to. Some people fear death, though everyone is aware

that a man born will have to die at one stage. The Vedic

declarations refer to the need to conduct the post-funeral rites

with sincerity and not out of compulsion or reluctance. The

significance of these various types of ceremonies for different

purposes should be explained by priests who know the Mantras and

they should be in a position to expound their import and tell

others how the departed soul should rest in peace and be amidst

forebears.

 

Sri Andavan Swamigal, in a benedictory address said those

communities described as forward who should sincerely follow the

Vedic instructions are unfortunately seen disinterested in doing

these essential rites. On the other hand, other sections observe

the obsequies with faith and in accordance with the injunctions.

As Bhoja had said in a poem, the tendency to give up these rites

or abridge them under some pretext was due to ignorance or lack

of wisdom to know what these Vedic Mantras signify. Saint

Thiruvalluvar points out that neglect of prescribed duties as

contained in the Vedas was a grave offence, more so in respect of

some of the learned members of the society.

 

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