VOICE OF THE RISHIS - 3

[Guest guest]

Priya Bhagavat Bandhuvullara,

 

VOICE OF THE RISHIS - 3

 

ANASANA NAYAKO BHAVATAATH

 

-- VEDAS

 

" May you be free from the pangs of hunger " .

 

This used to be the way of Blessing in the Vedic ages. To us this

may look strange as a blessing, for we are used to the ways of

blessings of long life, peace, prosperity, a happy marital life and

other prerequisites of this life. But this blessing " Be free from

hunger " is rather quizzical. We are likely to question, whether

this is a blessing of any importance or even this is a blessing at

all.

 

Yes, let's follow the implication of this blessing carefully.

Could this be a blessing among the Rishis the dwellers of the forest,

with insecurity of food? Wonder this could be a blessing for all

times.

 

A blessing should always be timeless and universal. Let's go

deep. Man's biological needs are hunger, thirst, sex, comfort,

security and family. And among so may urges of man, hunger is the

prime one. It is known as " JATHARA AGNI " . This starts from the

begining of life, mother's milk and to the eating of the last morsel

in old age.

 

If all the layers of civilization are torn as under, man driven

by hunger would stoop to any barbaric means in order to satisfy

hunger. We came across such scenes, staggering, in conditons of

draught, war and other calamities, where man losses his control over

oneself, motivated by the basic biological urge, for survival. Even

sage Viswamitra is said to have eaten dog's flesh when driven by

hunger and sage Vyaasa was ready to curse Varanasi when he was driven

by hunger. " Hence may you be free from Hunger " should be deemed as a

good blessing. Finally this quote intends that man should transcend

the biological needs in his quest for eternal truths.