- At 78-day Vedic Yajna, spiritual discourse highlights Atharvaveda’s message of Earth as Mother, human duty and the path to lasting peace and prosperity
YOL: The sacred atmosphere of Ved Mandir, Yol, is witnessing a profound spiritual awakening as an 78-day yajna ceremony based on all four Vedas continues to draw devotees and seekers of knowledge. On this occasion, renowned Yogacharya Swami Ram Swarup delivered an in-depth discourse on the timeless teachings of the Atharvaveda, focusing particularly on Mantras 12/1/4, 12/1/5, and 12/1/12.
Elaborating on these mantras, Swami Ji described the Earth as a divine and nurturing entity, encompassing the four cardinal directions—east, west, north, and south—each symbolizing completeness and balance. He explained that this sacred Earth continuously produces grains, vegetation, fruits, flowers, and life-saving medicinal herbs, thereby sustaining all forms of life. Whether beings are at rest or engaged in activity, it is the Earth that supports and nourishes them selflessly.
Highlighting the abundance bestowed by nature, he stated that the Earth blesses humanity with essential resources, including food grains and domesticated animals such as cows, which symbolize nourishment and prosperity. He emphasized that such natural wealth is not merely material but deeply spiritual, reminding humans of their dependence on and connection with nature.
Reflecting on the legacy of our ancestors, Swami Ram Swarup noted that they performed exemplary deeds rooted in righteousness and duty, thereby attaining true happiness and strength. He said that powerful and virtuous forefathers overcame negative forces through courage, discipline, and adherence to divine knowledge. This rich heritage, he added, serves as a guiding light for present and future generations.
Quoting Atharvaveda Mantra 12/1/12, he underscored a profound truth: every human being must recognize themselves as a child of the Earth. “Mata Bhumih Putro Aham Prithivyah”—the Earth is our mother, and we are her children. This realization, he said, brings with it a sacred responsibility to protect, preserve, and respect the environment. He stressed that environmental degradation and imbalance arise when humans forget this fundamental relationship.
Swami Ji further explained that the creation of the Earth dates back billions of years, when humanity was guided solely by divine knowledge revealed through the Vedas. At that time, distinctions based on sects or religions did not exist. The Vedic term “Arya,” he clarified, refers to noble, virtuous, and enlightened individuals, while “Anarya” signifies those who deviate from righteous conduct.
Calling for a return to eternal wisdom, Swami Ram Swarup urged people to seek guidance from learned scholars and immerse themselves in Vedic knowledge, which remains relevant across all ages. He emphasized that true prosperity, peace, strength, and harmony in life can only be achieved by aligning one’s actions with Vedic principles.
The discourse concluded with a powerful message: in an era marked by material pursuits and environmental challenges, humanity must reconnect with its spiritual roots and rediscover the universal truths enshrined in the Vedas to build a balanced, peaceful, and prosperous world.
