Informatoin on Yagnopavit Samskar - Janoi with VIDHI and explaination of each step in the procedure of Upnayan samskar

[Guest guest]

-

" Bakula Jani " <bakul

Tuesday, May 15, 2001 03:13

Informatoin on Yagnopavit Samskar - " Janoi " with VIDHI and

explaination of each step in the procedure of Upnayan samskar

 

 

> I would highly appreciate if You can throw some light on the Vedic

> procedures performed at the Upnayan samskar with their simple explanation

> for the benefit of one receiving the samskar. Thanking you in

anticipation,

> Bakul.

>

 

============reply==================

Dear Bakul

 

Congratulations for undergoing this samskar. Let me share with you

the teachings that are given out at the Hinduism classes in London,

in relation to the Upananyan Samskar.

 

Samskar is a Hindu Sacrament (religious ceremony).

Upanayana literally means - getting closer to.... (God).

It is also called the 'Initiation ceremony' (initiation into religious

life).

 

1. The ceremony marks entry into the first stage of life called

'Brahmacharya Ashram ' -- Celibate living.

Now Bakul, I do not know how old you are but if you wish to

take the ceremony seriously and wish to derive real benefit from

what you are doing then my personal advice is 'Lead a celibate life'.

(This is until you enter the second stage of life called the

'Grahasta Ashram' -housholder stage).

Celibacy must be absolute - not even in a dream are you

allowed to entertain non-celibate thoughts! Such teachings

do not make me very popular with the youth of today

but there is no room for compromise! I wish the Hindu youth

would set an example for youth of other nations to follow.

This is a dramatic concept.

Not dissipation but conservation of inner strength

at this vital period!

 

The other aspects of this ceremony are:-

 

2. You will be asked to wear a sacred thread over your left shoulder.

The thread has three strings - representing your commitment towards

God, parents, and teachers. (this is just one of the symboic meanings).

 

3. A Havan or fire may be lit and you will be taught the Gayatri Mantra.

(normally whispered in your ear by your father or the priest).

This is supposed to be the most potent prayer in the Hindu tradition.

 

4. There are other bits to the ceremony which can vary in different parts

of India. But the young person is expected to start a symbolic journey to

go and live with his guru - (spending his time in studies and learning

skills

which will help him in later life). He may carry a symbolic staff and a

bowl.

--- Well they may send you off to a boarding school ? : )

 

Hope this helps you a little. I suggest that if you now decide to lead

a celibate life - then you have done justice to the ceremony.. Try it!

 

jay

Vivekananda Centre London