The ten principles

Gayatri Mantra

A tribute

June 6, 2017

HOMA IS BOTH A SPIRITUAL AND SCIENTIFIC REMEDY FOR PURIFICATION OF BODY AND
THE ENVIRONMENT

HOMA/HAVAN

THE MICROCOSMIC AND MACROCOSMIC WORLDS

Yoga

Sandhya (Prayer)

The Five tests

Learn Hindi New!

Dayanand's Life & Teachings The Light of Truth An introduction to the Vedas
Patanjali's Yoga Darshan Questions frequently asked Natural Laws

Past dialogues Vedic: Five tests of true religion GuestbookSearch Content E-mail me
The Vedic Religion

THE ONLY SOLUTION FOR GLOBAL WARMING

Most beneficial (to the soul)when performed as vegetarians.

Q.- Is the non-performance of homa, a sin?

"Yes, the amount of suffering, a man inflicts on his fellow-beings by polluting the air, and water
with the waste products of his system and consequently bringing on disease, becomes the
measure of his sin, to atone for which it becomes incumbent on him to perform Homa and
thereby purify air and water to an extent, equal to, or greater than the mischief he has done."
Light of Truth

"I hold that the performance of yajna is most commendable. It consists in showing due respect
to the wise, and the learned, in the proper application of the principles of chemistry and physical
and mechanical sciences to the affairs of life, in the dissemination of knowledge and culture, in
the performance of Agnihotra which, by contributing to the purification of air and water, rain
and vegetables, directly promotes the well-being of all sentient creatures." Swami Dayanand

ATHAACHAMANAM

ATHESHWARA STUTI MANTRA

SVASTI VAACHANAM

SHAANTI-KARANAM

SHIVA SANKALPA MANTRAAH

AGNI-HOTRAM

PANCHA GHRIT AAHUTI

PRAATAH KAAL AAHUTI

SAAYANG KAAL AAHUTI

PRAATAH SAAYAM AAHUTI

An opening bhajan

(Aaj mil sab geeta gaa-o)

ATHAA-CHA-MANAM

Back

AAJYABHAAG AAHUTI

VYAAHRITI AAHUTI

GAAYATREE MANTRA

SWISHTA-KRIT AAHUTI

PRAAJAAPATY AAHUTI

PAVA-MAAN AAHUTI
MUKHA SPARSHAH

ANGA SPARSHAH

BRAHMA STOTRA

SHAANTI PAATH

MEAL TIME MANTRA

- -

Aa-cham-ana: is the sipping of sacrificial water unto

the right palm. This is the first act before the performance

of the Agnihotra Sacrifice. The aspirant seeks to symbolically

was his inner self of all impurity.)

() , , !

() ()

() 1 ~ Om amrito pas-taranam-asi swaahaa.

O Divine Waters! You are the spread of eternal life.

()

! ()

() () - 2 ~ Om amrita-pidhaanam-asi swaahaa

O Divine Waters! You are the covering of eternal life.



() , ,

() , () , ,

- () ()

() ()

3 ~ Om Satyam yashah shreer

mayi shreeh shra-ya-taam swaahaa.

May wealth, consisting of Truth, fame and riches take refuge in me.

Divine waters: - the waters of knowledge;

Spread: - support from below;

Covering - protector from above.]

[]

ATHAANGA SPARSHAH

(The aspirant now touches his body-limbs

with the sacrificial water,

praying that these remain strong,

and fulfill their functions.)

. Om vaang ma aasye stu.................(lips)

 Om nasor me praano stu................(nostrils)

Om akshnor me chakshur astu............(eyes)

On karna-yor me shro-tam astu..........(ears)

Om baah-wor me balam astu..............(arms)

, .. Om oor-wor ma ojo stu.................(thighs)

Om arish-taani mengaani

tanoos tanwaa me saha santu... (all over)

! () () () ;,

() ! () ()

() ()

! () ()

() ()

() () ()

() !

() () () , ,

, ()

! () () ()

( ) () -,

() - - () May the speech in my mouth be sanctified in God.

May the breath in my nostrils,

the sight in my eyes,

and the hearing in my ears

be sanctified in God. May the force in my arms

and legs be sanctified in God. May my limbs be all unharmed.

And, may my outer self be in harmony

with by inner self.

ATHESHWARA STUTI-PRAAR-THANO-PAASANAAH Back

Mantras of Yajur Veda (Here we begin the Eshwar Stuti, Praarthanaa, Upaansanaa - the Glorification of, Prayer to, and
Communions with God. We seek to describe the Qualities of God, petition to Him in terms of our legitimate needs, and
become one with Him, in His Own Words - the Words of the Veda.)

1. Om Vishwaani deva savitur

duritaani paraa-suva.

Yad bhadram tan-na aasuva.

- () -,

() , !

() () () , -

(, ) , () () ,

, () (, )

O God! O Creator of this Universe!

O Radiant Cause of all manifestations!

Do remove from us all that is difficult in our experience,

and all tendencies to transgress Your Laws,

and bring unto us all that is beautiful,

benevolent and auspicious.

[Manifestations: created things of the world.]

2. Hiranya-garbhah sama-var-tataa-gre

bhootasya jaatah patir eka aaseet.

Sa daa dhaaara prithiveem dyaam ute-maam

kasmai devaaya havishaa vidhema.

() - () -

- , ()

() ; ()

() - () , ()

(-) , () ()

() () () () ,

() ()

() ()

God is the Sustainer of luminous bodies

and the Source of Light, and He has been

present even before the creation of this universe.

He is known to be the Sole Master of all beings.

He sustains this earth and heaven.

Unto that Blissful Divinity do we offer our

worship with love and devotion.

[Luminous bodies: sun, moon, stars, etc.]



- 3. Ya aat-madaa bala-daa yasya vishwa

upaasate prashisham yasya devaah.

Yasya chhaayaa mritam yasya mrityuh

kasmai devaaya havishaa vidhema.

- () () , () ,

, () ()

() () , ()

() ,

, () () ()

, () ()

, () ()

()

() He gives us the consciousness that we are souls,

and provides us with strength.

All wise men worship Him,

and they obey His commands. Under His shade

flows the nectar of immortal bliss, and opposing

Him brings us daily death. Unto that Blissful

Divinity do we offer our worship with love and devotion.

[Nectar of immortal bliss: Emancipation

Daily death: emotional disturbance, stress, etc.]



4. Yah praana-to nimisha-to mahit-waika

id raajaa jagato babhoowa.

ya eeshe asya dwipa-dash chatush-padah

kasmai devaaya havishaa vidhema

- () () ()

() () ( )

() () , () ()

() ()

() , () ()

v66 ()

() He, through His Own Glory, is the Sole King

of this entire breathing and winking world.

He controls all bipeds and quadrupeds.

Unto that Blissful Divinity do we offer

our worship with love and devotion.

[Breathing and winking world: all living creatures.]

- 5. Yena dyaur-ugraa prithivee cha dridhaa

yena swah stabhitam yena naakah.

Yo antarikshe rajaso vimaanah

kasmai devaaya havishaa vidhema.

- () () ()

() () () , ()

() () , ()

() () ()

() - ()

, ()

() -

() - () He steadied the thunderous heaven and the solid

earth, and confers happiness free from all sorrow.

He created the planets with bird-like movement,

and caused them to revolve in space. Unto that

Blissful Divinity do we offer our worship

with love and devotion.

[Steadied: According to the theory of creation, after the

big bang explosion, there was total chaos, until

the planets were steadied into patterned rotation.]

6. Prajaa-pate! Na twad etaan-yanyo

vishwaa jaataani pari taa babhoowa.

Yat kaamaas-te juhumas tan-no astu

vayam syaama patayo rayeenaam.

- () ! ()

() () () ()

() - ()

(, )

() - ()

() , () -

() () , ()

() () () O prajaapati! O Master of this entire creation!

No-one, except You, can control the creatures of this

visible, and other invisible worlds. May those desires,

for which we come to Your Shelter, be fulfilled. May we be

masters of

earthly and heavenly riches.

[This and other worlds: The Veda

posits that there is life not only on earth,

but on other solar systems, too.]

7. Sano bandhur janitaa sa vidhaataa

dhaamaani veda bhuwa-naani vishwaa.

Yatra devaa amritam aa-na-shaanaas

triteeye dhaaman a-dhyair-ayanta.

 - () ! ()

() () () ()

() - () (,

) ()

- () ()

, () - ()

() , () ()

() () He alone, O men, is our Brother, Creator and Law-Giver.

He knows all names, regions and beginning events. In Him are

the liberated souls, moving about at their own free will

and enjoying the essence of eternal life, sustained in the

third state of consciousness.

[Free will: actions no longer determine the movements

of those who are liberated. They move about freely in God.

Third: there are three states of consciousness that a soul

experiences while in the course of spiritual

evolution - that of the world, the soul, and God.]

8. Agne! Naya su-pathaa raaye asmaan

vishwaani deva vayunaani vidwaan.

Yuyo-dhyas-maj juhuraanam eno

bhooyish-thaan te nama uktim vidhema.

-( )

- () ! ()

- , ()

() - ()

,
, ()

() () - ,

() ()
()

()

() () ()

()

O Agni! lead us on the right path to the wealth of

liberation, for You know all pathways

leading in that direction.

Remove from us all sins that lead us astray.

Again and again we offer You words

of salutation and praise.

Iteesh-wara stuti

praarthano-paasa-naa prakaranam

Here comes to an end

the Stuti Praarthano-paasanaa Chant.

ATHAA SVASTI VAACHANAM Back

Mantras of Rig Veda, Yajur, Saam & Atharva Veda
Here we begin the Swasti Vaachana, the prayers for a harmonized life. We pray that the Supreme Cosmic Force, God,
and all other Cosmic forces - the sun, moon, stars, air, earth, sky and heaven, and all teachers, parents and friends may
contribute their powers to help make our life blissful.

- 1. Agni meede purohitam

yajyasya deva-mrit-wijam.

Hotaaram ratna-dhaatamam - Rig Veda 1:1:6

() -

() ()

- ()

()

()

() We praise Agni .We praise Him Who has been present even before
this

creation. He is the Glorious Lord of this Cosmic Sacrifice, and is

worthy of our worship in all seasons. We praise Him Who is the Creator

and Supreme Sustainer of all the jewel-like

planets that decorate the cosmic Drama.

[Agni:God possessed of Light. Cosmic Sacrifice:The universe is comparable

to an eternal sacrifice, in which God is the Principal Priest.

In all seasons:at all times. The Cosmic Drama:The Universe

presents itself as a drama in which the sun, moon, planets, etc. are principal actors.]

- 2. Sa nah piteva soonave

agne soopaa-yano bhava.

Sachas-waa nah swastaye.

 () ! () ()

( )

, () , ,

() -

- , ()

() ()

()
Come to us, sweetly and readily, O Agni

as a father comes unto his son.

Unite us, Lord, with Yourself and

with the bounties of this world for swasti.

Swasti: noble living, fortune and prosperity.]

3. Swasti no mimeetaam-ashwinaa bhagah

swasti dev-yaditir anar-vanah.

Swasti pooshaa asuro dadhaatu nah

swasti dyaawaa prithivee suche-tunaa

() , ,

()

() () ()

() ()

() ()

, ()
 ()

() () () (-)

, - ()

() May all dual forces measure swasti for us.

May our fortune and wealth bring us swasti.

May the Earth, goddess and unhurting as she is,

yield swasti for us. May the clouds that provide

us life through rain-fall sustain swasti for us,

and may the sun and all the planets, filled with

knowledge, confer swasti unto us.

[Dual forces:mother and father, teacher and student,

heaven and earth, wisdom and devotion, night and day, etc.]

4. Swastaye vaayu-mupa bravaa-mahai

somam swasti bhuwa-nasya yas patih.

Brihaspatim sarvaganam swastaye

swastaya aadit-yaaso bhawantu nah.

() , -

( ) ()

( ) , ,

() () ()

, () () ==-
 () ()

! () ()

() -

() Let us, in our search for an elevated existence,

explore the qualities of air, and even of the moon

that influences operations on earth.

We call upon the Teacher of wisdom,

surrounded by his eager students,

to teach us for swasti, and may

those men who are benefactors of all

mankind help in achieving this

elevated existence.

5. Vishwe devaa no adyaa swastaye

vaish-waa-naro vasu-ragnih swastaye.

Devaa avantu ribhawah swastaye

swasti no rudrah paat-wang-hasah.

( ) , ()

, () ()

() ()

() () ()

, , - ()
() - () ()

() () ()

() Let all wise men instruct us today for swasti.

Let fire, present everywhere, and benefiting all

creatures be for our facility and comfort.

Let all forces that bring light to the world,

protect us while we acquires this comfort,

and let the system of social justice protect us

from wrong-doing, yielding swasti for us.

[Fire: it brings heat to mankind, causes food

to be cooked. Forces that bring light:

sun, moon, stars, scholars]

6.Swasti mitraa varunaa

swasti pathye revati

Swasti na indrash chaag-nish cha

swasti no adite kridhi.

() () -

() , ( )

() ()

( ) () () () ()

() , ! ()

() () Mother Earth! May you cause us to walk on

the path of individual enrichment while

we make use of hydrogen and oxygen,

and electricity and fire.

- 7. Swasti panthaam anucharema

sooryaa chandra-masaa viva.

Punar dada-taagh-nataa

jaana-taa sanga-memahi - Rig Veda 2:21:12

( ) (

) , ,

( ) ()

() () () ,

( )

Note: After these seven mantras, you can proceed to the last four mantras or straight to Shaanti Karana.

To continue with the Swasti Vaachana, continue chanting. Let us all follow the path of swasti like the sun and moon.
Let us

be in the company of those who give of what they have, who never

hurt the feelings of others, except when it is for ones own

good, and who know much of God and His Wisdom.

[Sun and Moon: they function with regularity and precision, and in total harmony

with each other. Give: refers to the Vaishyas, the owners of wealth in society.

Never hurt:refers to the Kshatriyas, the protectors in society. They never hurt, they

protect. Know: refers to the Brahmanas, the teachers. They know.]

Note: After these seven mantras, you can proceed to the last four mantras or straight to Shaanti Karana.

To continue with the Swasti Vaachana, continue chanting.



8. Ye devaanaam yaj-yi-yaa yaj-yi-yaanaam

manor yajatraa amrita ritaj-yaah. Te no

raa-santaam urugaayam adya yooyam

paata swasti-bhih sadaa nah.

() () ()

() () ()

, , -

() ()

() () , ()

( ) ,

() ! () ()

() ()

() Those who are the holiest among the holy

and knowledgeable scholars, who are worthy

of reverence in the company of thoughtful minds,

they who become immortal from having realized Truth,

may they come in this life-time to grant us the

knowledge sought by many, and protect

us with powers of swasti.

9. Yebhyo maata madhumat pinwate payah

peeyoosham dyaur aditir adri-barhaa.

Uktah shusmaan vrisha bharaant swapna-sas

taan aa-dityaan anu madaa swastaye.

() ()

- ()

() ()

() () ()

() - ()

() ()

, ()

, ()

() ( ) ,

- They for whom Mother Earth yields nutritious grains and sweet juices,

and for whom the limitless sky above, filled with clouds, showers

down rain that is likened to honeyed nectar, the who derive their

strength from chanting the Holy Vedic verses, who cause rains of cool-

ness to extinguish the fie of lust, anger and greed, and who

perform the noblest of actions - to these noble sons of Mother Earth

do I pay homage and offer praise for Swasti.

[Noble sons: they always take delight in the universe and its bounties. Rainfall:

rain-water is naturally sweet; it cools the earth, and makes it fertile; in its absence,

humanity perishes.]


- 10. Nri-chakshaso ani-mishanto arhanaa

bihad devaaso amri-tatwam aa-nashuh.

Jyotee rathaa ahi-maayaa anaa-gaso

divo varsh-maanam vasate swastaye.

() ()

, , ()

() () ()

() - ,

, () ()

, ()

( )

() ()

Scholars who watch over to protect erring mankind,

who are incessantly awake to our needs, who are

worthy of our reverence, attain immortal (extremely

long) life. Riding chariots of light, possessing

unrestrained intelligence, and sinless, they live

in the exalted regions of heavenly bliss to point

the way to swasti.

[Erring mankind: human beings blunder step

after step because of limitations in knowledge.

Riding chariots of light: living in

illumined personalities. Exalted regions:

exalted states of consciousness]

11. Sam-raajo ye su-vridho yajyam aa-yayur

a-parih-vritaa dadhire divi kshyam.

Taan aa-vi-vaasa namasaa su-vrikti-bhir

maho aadityaan aditim swastaye.

Royal Sages, advance in knowledge, have come

to our sacrifice. Unsubdued have they taken their

place of honor around the sacrificial altar.

Unto these magnified sons of Mother Earth,

and unto the Mother Herself, with words of

salutation and praise, do I offer my service

for swasti.

12. Ko wah stomam raadhati yam ju-joshatha

vishwe devaaso manusho yatish thana.

Ko wo dhwaram tuvi-jaataa aram karad

yo nah parshad at-yang-hah swastaye.

O Thoughtful Sages! I address this question to all

of you present around this sacrificial altar; Who

has composed for you the sacred verses that you so

love to chant? O Sages, pre-eminent in knowledge,

who among you will perform the ennobling sacrament

that will lead us across evil unto the realm of Swasti?

[I: the seeker after Truth, aspiring for

Liberation. Sacred verses: The mantras of

the Veda. The Supreme Soul composed the mantras

and revealed them in the hearts of the Sages I

the beginning of human creation. These mantras

teach us wisdom for successful living.]

13. Yebhyo hotraam pratha-maama-yje manuh

samid-dhaagnir manasaa sapta hotri-bhih

Ta aadityaa abhayam sharma yach chhata

sugaa nah karta supathaa swastaye.

They, from whom the thoughtful student, himself

a sacrificer, received immortal wisdom by kindling

the supreme sacrifice of student-discipline with

the aid of his seven senses, may these Teachers,

magnified sons of the Earth as they are, grant

unto us the asylum of fearless ness, and may they

make paths in life easy for us to pass through,

leading to the domain of swasti.

[Discipline: a Vedic Student observes

discipline in body and mind, and uses his senses

to keep alive the fire of such discipline.

Seven senses: seeing, hearing, tasting,

touching, smelling, thinking, and deciding.]

14. Ya eeshire bhuwa-nasya prachetaso

vishwasya sthaatur jagatash cha mantawah.

Te nah kritaad akritaadena-sas

par-yadyaa dewaasah pi-pritaa swastaye.

The Royal Sages, in their deep knowledge and

meditation, control whatever happens in the entire

conscious and unconscious creation. May they lead

us today across bodily and mental transgresstions

unto the haven of swasti.

[Control: they know the nature of matter, and

understand the way the world functions.

They act wisely.]

15. Bharesh-windram suhawam hawaa-mahem

homucham sukritam daivyam janam.

Agnim mitram varunam saataye bhagam

dyaawaa prihivee marutah swastaye.

In our struggles in life, we call upon Lord Indra.

That Divine Personality responds readily to our

call for help, releases us from pain, and points out

the path to goodness. For prosperity and swasti,

we call upon the Knowledgeable One, Who, as a

Choiceworthy Friend, brings fortune. We also call

upon all forces that are present on earth, in sky

and in heaven.

[Lord Indra: God.]

16. Sutraa-maanam prithiveem dyaam anehasam

sushar-maanam aditim su-praneetim.

Daiveem naavam swari-traam anaagasam

asra-wanteem aaru-hemaa swastaye.

Having built-in protectition for its Passenger,

spacious, and glowing with light of consciousness,

beyond comparison, providing security and comfort,

and indestructible, offering safe guidance, having

good oars, sinless, and unleaking-upon such a divine

boat do we seek to embark, to be led to the shore

of swasti.

[Pasenger: the jeevaatmaa, the soul in bondage,

traveling to the destination of Liberation.

Divine boat: the human body, having bodily

and mental health.]

17. Vishwe yajatraa adhi vocha-totaye

traaya-dhwam no dure-waayaa abhi-hrutah.

Satyayaa wo deva-hootyaa huvema

shrinwato devaa avase swastaye.

All ye ceremonial ones! instruct us with your

authority for our protection, and save us from

violence caused by froces of evil. For our protection,

O Devas, we callupon you, who listen, with truthful

divine calling.

[Ceremonial ones: people profiecient

in performing the rituals.]

- 18. Apaa-mee-waa-mapa vishwaa-manaa-hutim

apaa-raatimdur-vidatraam aghaayatah.

Aare devaa dwesho asmad yuyotano-

ru nah sharma yach-chhataa swastaye.

Away with disease; away with everything short of

sanctity and charity; away with the ungraciousness

and ignorance of the sinner. May the divine powers

send far away from us all that is hateful, and grant

unto us the great asylum of peace that may yield

swasti for us

[Divnie powers: righteous people.]

- 19. Arishtah sa marto vishwa edhate

pra pra-jaabhir jaayate dharmanas pari.

Yam aadityaaso nayathaa suneeti-

bhir ati vishwaani duritaa swastaye.

In this world, that man who is surrounded by

dharma remains unhurt. He prospers, and becomes

famous through his offspring. Him the aadityas

lead with good guidance and wisdom, for the sake of

swasti, across all courses of evil and adversity.

[Dharma; natural law and duty.

Aadityas: sons of the earth, great men

who bring benefit to all mankind.]

-
 20. Yam dewaaso watha vaaja-saatau

yam shoora-saataa maruto hite dhane.

Praatar yaavaanam ratham-indra saana-sim

arishyantaam aa-ruhemaa swastaye.

This body of ours is like a chariot that brings

victory for the soul traveling through life. The

soul,seated in this chariot, begins its daily

battle-journey at dawn, each morning. O divine

powers in mortal frame! May we mount that secure,

unbroken chariot which you protect in the battle of life,

in the test for courage, and in wholesome prosperity.

[Divine powers: the vital airs, the mind, the

intellect, the heart, brain, and nervous system

all help the body to function coordinatedly.]

21. Swasti nah pathyaasu dhanwasu

swasti apsu vrijane swar-wati.

Swasti nah putra-krithe-shu yonishu

swasti raaye maruto dadhaatana.

Swasti be in our in habited lands, and in our

desert lands, in our oceans, in the sky and in

heaven. O divine ones who encourage us never

to cry! Let swasti be in our childbearing wombs;

let swasti bring us the wealth of liberation.

[Divine ones: scholars are called maruts

because, in teaching us the difference

between the perishable and imperishable, we do not (ma) cry (rud)]

22. Swasti-riddhi pra-pathe shresh-thaa

reknas-wati abhi yaa waamam-eti.

Saa no amaa so arane ni paatu

swaa-we-shaa bhavatu deva-gopaa.

May swasti alone be on our chose path.

That swasti which is the best and possessed

of riches, and makes us inclined to appreciate

what is beautiful. May She ever protect us, whether

we are in familiar or unknown places. Coming

easily to us and bringing beautiful sentiments,

may She guard over our speech and senses.

[Swasti: noble living, filled with grace.]

23. Ishe tworje twaa, vaayava stha

Devo wah savitaa praar-payatu.

Shresh-tha-tamaaya karmana.

Aapyaa-yadhwam aghnyaa indraaya bhaagam.

Prajaa-wateer anameewaa ayakshmaa

Maa wa stena eeshata, maagha-shanso

Dhruvaa asmin go-patau syaata

Wah-weer yaja-maanasya pashoon paahi

-Yajur Veda 21:12

O me and women! You are wind-like souls.May the divine Impeller

motivate you to obtain everything necessary for physical and mental

energy, so you can perform the noblest deeds in life. May nothing

hinder you in this process. Contribute and increase your share to

your leader at home and in society. Be possessed of good offspring

in large numbers, and be free from diseases and viruses. Never allow

a thief to govern you, nor one who revels in sin. Remain firm in the protection of your Ruler, for he is the coordinator of
the entire

system in which you operate. And protect animals, for they see, but

cannot discriminate.

[Wind-like: souls are dynamic like wind. Ruler: may refer to God, as Ruler of the

universe; or to the ruler of the country, or of a society, or of the family.]

- 24. Aa no bhadraah kratawo yantu vishwato

dab-dhaaso apa-ree-taasa und-bhi-dah.

Dewaa no yathaa sada-mid vridhe asann

apraa-yovo rakshi-taaro dive dive.

May noble thoughts come to us from every side - pure, free and bursting

forth readily, so that the divine powers may always help us to grow,

diligently protecting us day after day.

[Divine powers: sublimated thoughts and feelings,

free from anxiety and stress.]

25. Devaanaam bhadraa sumatri rijoo-yataam

devaanaam raati-brabhi no nivar-tataam.

Devaanaam sakhyam-upa-sedimaa vayam

devaa na aayuh prati-rantu jeevase.

May the benevolent wisdom of honest scholars, and their generosity,

be directed unto us. May we sit in the company of those scholars in

friendship. May these holy men help prolong our life-span

for us to live happily.

26. Tamee- shaanam jagatas-tas-thu-shas patim

dhiyan jinwam awase hoomahe vayam.

Poosha no yathaa vedasaam asad vridhe

Rakshitaa paayur adab-dhah swastaye

For protection, we call upon Him, the Ruler and Master of

all that stands and moves, and the Motivator of oure

intelligence. May He, the Nourisher, increase our wealth for

swasti, and be our unsubdued Protector and Saviour.

- 27. Swasti na indro vriddha shravaah

swasti nah pooshaa vishwa vedaah.

Swasti nas taark-shyo arista-nemih

swasti no brihas-patir dadhaatu

May the Kshatriya, who protects from anti-social elements,

and who enjoys extensive fame, ensure our safety. May the

Vaishya who, as owner of abundant wealth supports the economic

system, bring us prosperity. May the Shudra, swift in performing

his duties, with unimpeded speed, provide comfort. And may the

Brahmana, filled with religious and secular learning, motivate

us for intellectualgrowth.

[Kshatriya: and the three others - Vaishya, Shudraa and

Brahmana - make up the four classes of men living in society.]

- 28. Bhadram karne-bhih shrinu-yaama devaa

bhadram pash-ye-maak-shabhir yajatraah.

Sthirai-rangais tushtu-waam-sas tanoobhir

vyashe-mahi devahitam yad aayuh.

May we, while becoming wise hear with our ears that which is

noble. Becoming sanctified, may we see with our eyes that which

is auspicious.

Singing Gods praises with strong limbs and healthy

bodies, let us enjoy the life-span determined by good deeds.

29. Agna aa yaahi veetaye

gri-naano havya daataye.

Ni hotaa satsi barhishi. - Sama Veda 1:1:1

Come, O radiant One, to set me apart from the powers of darkness.

I sing your glory at this critical moment in my life, and beg for

the gift of discriminating knowledge. Be seated in the

temple of my heart.

- 30. Twam agne yajyaa-naam hotaa

vish-we-shaam hitah.

Devebhir maanushe jane.

You, O Radiant Being, are the one sought out in all acts of

sacrifice. This is acknowledged to be true by enlightened men

in human society.

[Acts of sacrifice: worshipping, harmonizing, and sharing.]

& 31. Ye tri-shaptaah pari-yanti

vishwaa roopaani bi-bhra-tah.

Vaachas-patir balaa teshaam

tanwo adya dadhaatu me. - Atharva Veda 1:1:1

The three numbers and seven cased are foundations in the Science

of Grammar, and these surround and sustain all word-forms, causing

differences in meanings. May the Teacher of wisdom, today, make me

knowledgeable in their use so that I can understand and explain the

deepest imports of words of wisdom.

[Three numbers: singular, dual and plural. Seven cases:

nominative, accusative, instrumental, dative, ablative, genitive,

and locative.

Grammar: the science that studies the formal

features of language and how words are used in sentences.]

Iti Swasti Vaachanam

Here comes to an end the Swasti Vaachana Chant.

ATHAA SHAANTI-KARANAM Back

Mantras of Rig and Yajur Veda

Here we begin the Shaanti Karana the prayers to God and the Cosmic Forces for peace in our personality. Without
Shaanti, there can be no Swasti. Without peace there can be no nobility in life. And, this Shaanti is the actual cooling
down of the five fires of lust, anger, greed, infatuation and vanity that perpetually burn and destroy our divine energy.

1. Shanna indraagni bhawa-taam avobhih

shanna indraa varunaa raata-havyaa.

Shamindraa somaa su-vi-taaya shamyoh

shanna indraa poosha-naa vaaja-saatau

May the Supreme One, possessed of Radiant Light, give

us peace with His protective powers. May the Supreme

One, possessed of Choiceworthiness, bountiful in gifts,

bring us peace. May the Supreme One and His Devotion create

tranquility in us. And, may the Supreme One and His

Nourishment grant us harmony in the battle of life.

[Supreme One: God]

- 2. Shanno bhagah shamu nah shanso astu

shannah puran-dhih shamu santu raayah.

Shannah satyasya su-yamasya shansah

shanno aryamaa puru-jaato astu.

May our fortune yield us peace; may the observance of

law and order in society bring us peace. May economic

prosperity that sustains citizenship confer peace. May

our practice of truth and self-discipline generate peace,

and may the soul, who performs actions and is born again
and again, progress in peace.

V69

3. Shanno dhaataa shamu dhartaa no astu

shanna u-roo-chee bhawatu swa-dhaabhih.

Sham rodasee birhatee shanno adrih

shanno dewaanaam suha-waani santu.

May air and sunlight be peacefully supportive of life.

May the spacious earth, with its life-sustaining grains,

produce peace in us. May the extensive sky, containing

mountain-shaped masses of clouds, rain down peace, and may

our invocations of Natures bounties be chanted in peace.

4. Shanno agnir jyotir aneeko astu

shanno mitraa varunaa vash-vinaa sham.

Shannah sukirtaam sukri-taani santu

shanna ishiro abhi-vaatu vaatah.

May fire, whose force is light, bring us peace. May

hydrogen and oxygen,, and all other dual forces, generate

peace. May the actions of righteous people create an atmosphere

of peace, and may the refreshing winds blow peace on us.

- 5. Shanna dyaavaa prithivee poorva-hootau

sham anta-riksham dirshaye no astu.

Shanna osha-dheer vanino bhawantu

shanno rajas as patir-astu jishnuh.

May light and darkness inspire peace at the time of dawn

when we make our first invocations, and may the sky be

there for us to look at, to expand our vision. May medicinal

herbs and forest trees contribute to health and a peaceful

surrounding. And may the sun that victoriously rules over the

planetary system be for our peace.

6. Shanna indro vasu-bhir devo astu

sham aaditye-bhir varunah su-shansah

Shanno rudro rudre-bhir jalaashah

shannas twash-taag-naa-bhi-riha shri-notu

May electricity, the cosmic force acting in conjunction

with the eight Vasus that keep the universe inhabited,

send forth peace to us. May the twelve months that make

up the year give us peace. May the soul that is made

comfortable in the body by the presence of the vital airs

traverse the pathways of the world in peace. And, may the

discriminating scholar, with his words of inspiration,

motivate us to listen for peace.

[Vasu: there are eight Vasus earth, water, fire ,

air, space, moon, sun, and stars.

They are basic to the functioning universe.]

- 7. Shannah somo bhavatu brahma shannah

shanno graa-vaa-nah shamu santu yaj-yaah.

Shannah swaroo-naam mitayo bhawantu

shannah praswah praswah sham vastu vedih.

May the devotion and prayer that we generate in our

ceremonies bring us supreme peace. May the ceremonies

themselves, and everything associated with them the

ceremonial altars, the stones used to build them, the

measurements of the pillars in the ceremonial halls, and

the well-grown herbs offered onto the blazing ceremonial

fires all yield peace unto us.

Note: After these mantras, if you want you can go to the

Shivasankalpa mantras or if you want you can

go to the Havan Mantras or you can continue with Shanti Karanam.

 - 8. Shannah soorya uru-chakshaa udetu

shannahs chatas-rah pradisho bhawantu.

Shannah parvataa dhruvayo bhawantu

shannah sindhawah shamu santu-aapah.

May the sun, the Eye that sees far and wide, rise in

peace. And may each of the four cardinal directions point

the way to peace. May the mountains impose their steady

structures in peace. And may the rivers cause their

currents to flow for peace.

- 9. Shanno aditir bhawatu vrate-bhih

shanno bhawantu marutah swar-kaah.

Shanno vishnuh shamu pooshaa na astu

shanno bhavitram sham-vastu vaayuh.

May Mother Earth, with her Laws, engender peace. May

all mortals, singing with sweetly-intoned voices, hymn

peace for all humankind. May the all-pervading sunlight,

the nourishing rain-clouds, and the cool winds all ensure

peace. May even all future happenings influence peace.

- 10. Shanno devah savitaa traa-ya-maanah

shanno bhawan-too-shaso vibhaa-teeh.

Shannah parjanyo bhawantu prajaa-bhyah

shannah kshetrasya patir astu shambhuh.

May there be peace from the brilliant sun that rises in

the morning to protect us from darkness, and from the

radiant dawns. May the clouds rain down peace for all

creatures. And may the peasant, the owner of land,

helpful as He is, confer on us the gift of peace.

- 11. Shanno devaa vishwa-dewaa bhawantu

sham saras-wateesha dhee-bhiras-tu

Sham abhi-shaachah shamu raati-shaachah

dhanno divyaah paar-thi-vaah shanno apyaah

May all of Natures bounties yield peace unto us. May

learning filled with holy thinking be translated into

peace. May our associates who are liberal help us

attain peace. And, may all beings, living in heaven,

on earth, and in water share with us their peace.

- 12. Shannah satyasya patayo bhawantu

shanno arwantah shamu santu gaawah.

Shanna ribhawah sukritah su-hastaah

shanno bhawantu pitaro haveshu.

In our rituals we pray that those who are masters of

Truth, and those who are enlightened, those who use

their skilled hands in performing only excellent only

excellent deeds, those who are mothers and fathers,

may all help us achieve peace. May even the domesticated

animals provide us comfort in our daily tasks.

- 13. Shaano no aja eka-paad dewo astu

shanno hir budh-nyah sham samudrah.

Shanno apaam napaat perur astu

shannah prishnir bhawatu deva-gopaah.

May He Who is uncreated and Who measures the entire

universe with one mere Step give us peace.may the cloud

of ignorance present in my sky, overshadowing my

intelligence, give way to peace. May the ocean of my

sublime emotions flow for my peace. May the fire of

luster that springs from the waters of my devotion lead

to peace. And, may the Inner Cow (of Learning) protect our

sense-organs for peace.

Uncreated: refers to God. My sky: the human body,

like the universe, has three worlds, earth, sky, and heaven.

Heaven extends from the head to the neck; sky from the neck to
navel, and earth from navel to feet.]

- 14. Indro vishwasya raajati.

Shanno astu dwipade

sham chatush-pade - Yajur Veda 36:8

Lord Indra shines as Supreme Ruler over the entire universe.

May He bring peace unto all bipeds and quadrupeds.

- 15. Shanno vaatah pawataam

shannas tapatu sooryah

Shannah kani-kradad devah

parjanyo abhi-varshatu

Let the cool winds blow peace unto us. Let the sun

shine forth in peace. Let the thundering clouds burst

forth and send rain for our peace.

- 16. Ahaani sham bhawantu nah

sham raatreeh prati dhee-ya-taam.

Shanna indraag-ni bhawataam avobhih

shanna indraa-varunaa raata-havyaa

Shanna indraa poosha-naa vaaja-saatau

shamindra somaa suvi-taaya sham yoh.

 May we pass our days and nights enjoying peace.

May the sun and fire, with their warmth and light, give

us peace. May the sun and ocean-water give us a peaceful

life. May the sun and the rain-clouds help grains to grow

for our victory in the battle of life, and may the sun

and moon inspire us for peace.

- 17. Shanno deveer abhistaya

aapo bhawantu peetaye.

Shanyor abhi sravantu nah.

May there be divine waters for us to drink and

experience inner satisfaction. May they continually

flow from the fountain of peace all around us.

[Divine waters: of knowledge.]

- SHANTI PAATH Back

18. Dyauh shaanti-ranta-riksham shaantih

prithivee shaanti-raapah shaanti

rosha-dhayah shaantih

Vanas-patayah shaantir vishwe devaah shaantir

Brahma shaantih sarvam shaantih

shaanti-reva shaantih
Saa maa shanty redhi.

Peace in heaven, sky and on earth. Let water flow to

quench our thirst for peace. Let all trees and plants

provide cool shade for a peaceful humanity. Let peace be

in the hearts of all educated men, for them to share it

with troubled minds. God is the Source of peace, and His

Divine Scripture teaches the way to that peace. May that

peace extend its influence in every nook and corner of this

globe. Let there be peace and only peace.

May that pace come to me, too.

- 19. Tach-chakshur devahitam

purastaach chhukram uch-charat.

Pashyema sharadah shatam

Jeevema sharadah shatam

Shrinu-yaama sharadah shatam

Pra-bravaama sharadah shatama

deenaah syaama sharadah shatam,

Bhooyash cha sharadah shataat.

That brilliant Eye, the sun, held by God in the heavens,

rises in the East. May we, too, rise every morning to

perceive its goldend splendor. May we live a long life,

of a hundred years, and while living, may we listen to,

and proclaim the glory and majesty of the Creator of this

rising sun. And, in the even that we live for more than a

hundred years, may we never lose our individual freedom.

[ Eye:the sun confers to everyone the capacity to see.

One hundred years: this is the Vedic life-expectancy.]

ATHAA SHIVA SANKALPA MANTRAAH Back

20. Yaj jaagrato dooram udaiti daivam

tadu suptasya tathai-vaiti.

Doo-ranga-mam jyotishaam jyoti-rekam

tan-me manah shiva-sankalpam astu.

That far-going light of all lights that flies to distances in

ones wakeful state, and even so, in ones sleep, may that my mind

be filled with beautiful and benevolent thoughts.

[Lights: cognitive senses seeing, hearing, smelling, tasting and touching.

Light: mind, the coordinator of all the senses. Far-going: the mind wanders

off to distant places.]

21. Yena karmaan-yapaso manee-shino

yaj-ye krinvanti vida-the-shu dheeraah

Yada-poorvam yak-sham antah prajaa-naam

tan-me manah shiva-sankalpam astu.

That mind, with the help of which wise people perform sacred

deeds in sacrifices, and patient people enter in to the

battlefield of life, that which is the unique, mysterious light

hidden in the innermost recess of our hear, may that my mind be

filled with beautiful and benevolent thoughts.

22. Yat praj-yaanam uta cheto dhristish cha

yaj-jyotir antar amritam prajaasu.

Yasmaan na rite kin-chana karma kriyate

tan-me manah shiva-sankalpam astu.

The mind which is consciousness in itself, which is awareness,

that which is patience, and sustenance and memory, that which is

the amritaa jyotee, the deathless light, hidden in the

hearts of all created beings, that without which no action

can be performed, may that my mind be filled with beautiful

and benevolent thoughts.

23. Yene-dam bhootam bhuwa-nam bhavish-yat

pari-gri-heetam armritena sarvam.

Yena yaj-yas taayate sapta hotaa

tan-me manah shiva-sankalpam astu

That deathless light by which is sustained all this past,

present and future, that by which the sacrifice that has seven

priests in extended and spread, may that my mind be filled with

beautiful and benevolent thoughts.

[Seven priests: five senses, ego and intellect.

Sacrifice: all activity

of worshipping, harmonizing and sharing. All work is sacrifice, performed with these seven

external and internal organs. Extended and spread: in our consciousness.]

24. Yasminn richah saama yajoomshi

yasmin pratish-thi-taa ratha-naa-bhaa-vi-vaa-raah.

Yas-minsh-chittam sarva-motam prajaa-naam

tan-me manah shiva-sankalpam astu

That mind in which is sustained the knowledge of the Rigveda,

the music of the Saamaveda, and the sacred deeds of the Yajur,

like the spokes in the hub of a wheel, that in which is woven

and interwoven all consciousness of all beings, may that my mind

be filled with beautiful and benevolent thoughts.

[Rigveda: There are four Vedas Rig, Yajur, Saama, and Atharva revealed

to the first Rishis by God in the beginning of human creation. These revelations

contain the germs of all sciences.]

 -

25. Su-shaa-rathir ash-waan iva yan manushayaan

ne-nee- yate bhee-shu-bhir vaa-jina iva

Hrit pra-tish-tham yada-jiram javish-tham

tan-me manah shiva-sankalpam astu.

That mind which ever leads men like an expert charioteer

controlling the reins of his horses, that which is heart-abiding,

ever moving and the speediest of all forces, may that my mind

be filled with beautiful and benevolent thoughts.

- 26. Sa nah pawas-wa shanga-ve

sham janaaya sha-mar-vate.

Sham raajan-nosha-dhee-bhyah. - Sama Veda 1:1:3

Bring peace to the world of animals with our flow, O King,

and peace to the world of human beings, too. Peace, indeed,

to the world of trees and plants.

- 27. Abhayan-nah karat-yanta-riksham

abhayam dyaawaa prithivee ubhe ime.

Abhayam pash-chaad abhayam puras-taaad

utta-raad adha-raad abhayam no astu. Atharva Veda 16:12:2

May the sky cause us no fear, no fear from both heaven

and earth. No fear from behind, nor from in front.

Let there be fearlessness from above and from below

- 28. Abhayam mitraad abhayama mitraad

abhayam jyaa-taad abhayam parok-shaat.

Abhayam naktam abhayam divaa nah

sarvaa aashaa mama mitram bhawantu.

No fear from the friend, nor from the enemy. No fear from

the known, nor from the unknown. No fear in the night, nor

in the day. May we be friends unto all directions, and may

all directions be friendly unto us.

[Directions: all creatures living in East, West, North, South, above and below.]

Iti Shaanti Karanam. Here comes to an end the Shaanti Karana Chant.

- ATHA-AGNI-HOTRAM Back

Here begins the Agnihotra Sacrifice. Since we know God be be the Divine Light, we surrender ourselves to Him
symbolically by kindling sacrificial fire. Onto this blazing fire, we make offerings of our self symbolized in
Ghee[clarified butter] and Saamagree [mixed herbs].

SAMIDHAA CHAYANA:

Arranging the Samidhaa (sacrificial fuel) in the Kundaa.

- Atha Pra-dee-pana:

Kindling the Sacrificial fire.

Instructions:Chant the following mantra, and from a lighted deepak (deeyaa), kindle a piece of camphor placed on a
spoon:

1. Om bhoor bhuwah Swah.

Before I kindle this sacrificial fire, I meditate on the

light of wisdom that pervades earth, sky and heaven, and

I pray that this wisdom may be my unerring guide in my quest

to know my soul, God and the Universe.

AGNI AADHAANA:Placing the sacrificial fire in the kunda.

Chant the following mantra first.

2. Om bhoor bhuwah swar dyau-rva bhoomnaa

prithi-veeva varimaa.

Tasyaas-te prithivi deva-yayani!

prish-the'gni mannaa da-mannaa dyaayaa dadhe.

Kindling this fire that pervades earth, sky and heaven, I pray

that I become broad in vision like heaven, and richly abundant

like earth. O Earth, many sages in ancient times, seated on your

surface, perfeormed this sacrifice. Today, I place this food-

consuming fire ont this very surface of yours. May I acquire

wholesome food.

- AGNI SAMIDHANA: Fanning the fire (if necessary), causing it to rise.

3. Om ud-budhyas-waagne prati-jaagrihi

twam ishtaa poorte sam-srije-thaam ayan cha.

Asmiint sa-dhasthe adhyut-tarasmin

vishwe devaa yaja-maanash cha seedata.

Be awakened, O Divine Fire, and watch over my life. May both

you and this sacrificer, together, accomplish earthly and heavenly

deeds. In this life, and in future lives too, may all wise men and

the sacrificer be seated together for this noble performance.

- SAMID AADHAANA:- Offering three Samidhaas (pieces of sacrificial fuel).

4. Om ayanta idhama aatamaa

jaata-vedas tene-dhyaswa ched-dha

vardhaya chaas-maan praja-yaa

pashu-bhir brahma-varchase naan-naa-dyena

samedhaya swaaha.

Idam agnaye, idanna mama. (with this mantra, offer first Samidhaa.)

O Jaata-vedas Agni! O Divine Fire present in all creation! This, my body, is a

fuel offered unto You. Be kindled with this fuel, and make us shine in

our lives. Become enhanced and make us go forward, enriching us with

noble offspring, comfort in life, proper food, and with the brilliance

of Divine Knowledge. This offering is made from the depth of my own soul

unto Jaata-vedas Agni; this is no more mine.

- 5. Om samidhaagnim duwasyata

ghritair bodhaya taa-ti-thim.

Aasmin havyaa juho-tana swaaha.

Idam agnaye, idanna mama. (Do not offer samidhaa with this mantra)

Serve Agni with well-kindled powers and awaken that Guest with the

essence of your personality. In this physical fire, make your offerings to God

and the cosmic forces. [Well-kindled powers:concentration, devotion.

Guest:the fire is fed as a guest every morining.

Essence:thoughts, words and deeds. Cosmic forces:sun, moon, teachers, etc.]

- 6. Su-samid-dhaaya sho-chi-she

ghritam teevram juhotana

Agnaye jaata-vedase swaahaa. Idam agnaye

jaata-vedase, idanna mama.(after mantras 5 and 6, offer second Samidhaa.)

Unto this well-kindled, blazing fire, unto this Jaata-vedas Agni,

offer the supremely purified essence of your personality.

This is truthfully unot Jaata-vedas Agni, and no more mine.

- 7. Tan-twaa samid-bhir-angiro

gritena vadha-yaamasi

Brihach chho-chaa ya-vish-thya swaahaa.

Idam agnaye angirase, idanna mama. (With this mantra, offer third Samidhaa.)

We enhance you with sacrificial kindling and our purified essence,

O Angiras. Blaze forth in brilliance, and vigorously burn out

the impurity in this my body, offered for purification. This my

body-offering is truthfully unto Angiras Agni; it is no more mine.

[Agniras: God, the energizer of the soul.]

- PANCHA GHRIT AAHUTI: Back Five Ghee Oblations.

8. Om ayanta idhama aatamaa jaata-vedas tene-dhyaswa

ched-dha vardhaya chaas-maan praja-yaa pashu-bhir

brahma-varchase naan-naa-dyena

samedhaya swaaha. Idam agnaye, idanna mama.

O Jaata-vedas Agni! O Divine Fire present in all creation!

This, my body, is a fuel offered unto You. Be kindled with this fuel, and

make us shine in our lives. Become enhanced and make us go forward,

enriching us with noble offspring, comfort in life, proper food, and with the

brilliance of Divine Knowledge. This offering is made from the depth of my

own soul unto Jaata-vedas Agni; this is no more mine.



JALA SINCHANA:- Fill right palm with water, and sprinkle

around the Kunda as directed.

9. Om adite nu-man-yaswa. (Sprinkle in East)

O Aditi! consent unto my life.

10. Om anumate nu-man-yaswa. (West)

O Anumati! consent unto my life.

11. Om Saraswat-yanu-man-yaswa. (North)

O Saraswati! consent onto my life.

12. Om deva savitah! prasuva yajyam

prasuva yajya-patim bhagaaya.

Divyo gandharwah keta-pooh

ketan-nah punaatu

vaachas-patir vaachan-nah swa-da-tu.

(Sprinkle in all four directions)

O Deva Savitar! inspire my life of sacrifice onward, and inspire me,

the sacrificer, to attain fortune. The Divine waters sustain my body and wash

my thought clean of impurity. May these waters, indeed, purify my thought and

understanding. And may the Lord of Speech sweeten the words that I utter.

[Aditi: Mother of oneness who ensures harmony. Anumati: Mother of consent.

Saraswati: Mother of flowing wisdom. Deva Savitar: Divine Creator. Divine waters: Of knowledge]

- AAGHAA-RAAV-AAJYA-BHAAG-AAHUTI: Four Ghee Oblations.

13. Om agnaaye swaahaa.

Idam agnaye, idanna mama. (Make oblation into North of fire)

Unto Agni, the force of cosmic strength, is this offering

truthfully made. Nothing is mine.

- 14. Om somaaya swaahaa.

Idam somaaya, idanna mama. (Oblation into the South)

Unto Soma, the force of cosmic harmony, is this offering

truthfully made. Nothing is mine.

- 15. Om prajaa-pataye swaahaa

Idam prajaa-pataye, idanna mama. - (Center)

Unto Prjapati, the force of cosmic creation, is this

offering truthfully made. Nothing is mine.

- 16. Om indraaya swaahaa.

Idam indraaya, idanna mama. (Center)

Unto Indra, the force of cosmic control, is this

offering truthfully made. Nothing is mine.

PRADHAANA HOMA:Principal Sacrifice, relating to the purpose of Havan.

PRAATAH KAAL AAHUTI: BackMorning Ghee-Saamagree Oblations.

 17. Om sooryo jyotir jyotih sooryah swaahaa.

The Divine Sun possesses Light, and this Light shines in the rising sun.

Swaahaa - this declaration of realized truth comes from the

depth of my soul.

18. Om sooryo varcho jyotir varchah swaahaa.

The Divine possesses Splendor, and this Splendor shines in the rising sun.

Swaahaa.

19. Om jyothih sooryah sooryo jyothih swaahaa.

Light resides in the Divine Sun, and the rising sun reflects this Light.

Swaahaa.

20. Om sajoor devena savitraa

sajoo-rusha-sendra-vatyaa.

Jushaanah sooryo vetu swaahaa.

The Divine Sun is in harmony with the rising sun and the

brilliant dawn. May this beloved Divine Sun be realized in me.

[Divine Sun: refers to God, whoxe quality is reflected in the brilliance of the rising sun and

the radian dawn. Rising sun: from which we get light during the day.]

PRADHAANA HOMA SAAYANG KAAL AAHUTI Back

Evening Ghee-Saamagree Oblations.

21. Om agnir jyotir jyotir agnih swaahaa.

The Divine Fire possesses Light, and this Light shines

in the earthly fire that we kindle at night. Swaahaa.

22. Om agnir varcho jyotir varchaah swaahaa.

The Divine Fire possesses Splendor, and this Splendor shines in

the earthly fire. Swaahaa. (Chant the following silently, and make offering.)

23. Om agnir jyotir jyotir agnih swaahaa.

The Light shines in the earthly fire is the Light that

belongs to the Divine Fire.

24. Om sajoor devena savitraa

sajoo-raatryen-dra-vatyaa.

The Divine Fire is in harmony with the setting sun and with the

moon lit night. May this beloved Divine Fire be realized in me.

[Divine Fire: refers to God, whose quality is reflected in the soft glow of the setting sun,

and the moon-lit night. Earthly fire: from which we get light at night.]

- PRAATAH SAAYAM AAHUTI: Back -Morning & Evening Oblations:Ghee and

Saamagree.

25. Om bhoo-rag-naye praanaaya swaahaa.

Idam agnaye praanaaya, idanna mama.

Unto the earthly fire that acts like breath to energize

all creatures, do I make this truthful offering.

- 26. Om bhuwar-waaya-ve paanaa-ya swaahaa.

Idam vaaya-ve paanaa-ya, idanna mama.

Unto the atmospheric wind that cools the surrounding

and removes the uneasiness by providing fresh air,

do I make this truthful offering.

- 27. Om swar-aadit-yaaya vyaanaa-ya swaahaa.

Idam aadit-yaaya vyaanaa-ya, idanna mama.

Unto the heavenly sun that makes the world happy by giving

light, and causing rain to fall and grains to ripen, do I

make this truthful offering.

- 28. Om bhoor bhuwah swaragni vaay-va-ditye-bhyah

praana-paana vyaane-bhyah swaahaa.

Idam agni vaay-vaa-ditye-bhyah

praanaa-paana vyaane-bhyah, idanna mama.

Unto earth, sky and heaven, and unto the corresponding fire,
air and sun, with their functions of energizing, removing pains

and making the world happy, do I make this truthful offering.

29. Om aapo jyotee raso mritam brahma

bhoor bhuwah swar-om swaahaa.

In the performance of this sacrifice, I have sought to discover

the secrets surrounding

1.God, the Supreme-most, All-pervading, and of the nature of Light, Love and Immortality, and the

2. Earth, Sky, and Heaven. Om Swaahaa! Yes, indeed, they have all been

truthfully described in this sacrifice. May they all become known to me.

Praying for a functional intellect

30. Om yaam medhaam deva-ganaah

pitarash cho-paa-sate.

Tayaa maa-madya medhayaag-ne

medhaa-vinam kuru swaahaa.

O Radiant Lord of Knowledge! Make me knowledgeable today with that

same knowledge which the company of learned men and fathers of

wisdom strive to attain, so that I may indeed know You and the world.

Praying for a discriminating intellect

31. Om vishwaani deva savitar

duritaani paraa-suva.

Yad bhadram tan-na aasuva swaaha.

Take away from my mind, Radiant Creator, all tendencies to

transgress Your Laws, bring unto me, instead, all this is

beautiful, benevolent and auspicious.

Praying for a realized intellect

32. Om agne naya su-pathaa raaye asmaan

vishwaani deva vayu-nani vidwaan.

Yuyo-dyas-maj juhuraanam eno

bhooyish-thaan te nama uktim vidhema swaahaa.

O Radiant Lord of Light! Lead me unto the right path that

I may attain the wealth of liberation, for You know all the

pathways that lead in that direction. Separate sin from me,

for it only leads me astray. Again and again, I offer you words

of salutations and praise.

Praying for Divine help

Agne bratapate bratam chaarishyaami tach

chhakeyam tanme raadyataam edam

ahamanritaat satyam upaimi swahaa.

O God, the Lord of vows truth! I shall follow the true Dharma.
Do Thou grant me strength to follow it and to act truthfully,

and do Thou through Thy grace crown my efforts with success.

I take a vow to act truthfully and to abstain from doing what

is wrong and false and against the Dharma.

- POORNAAHUTI ROOP AAGHAARAAV-AAJYABHAAG AAHUTI Back

Four Oblations of Ghee.

33. Om agnaye swaahaa. - (Offer onto the fire, to the North)

Idam agnaye, idanna mama

- 34. Om somaaya swaahaa. - (South)

Idam somaaya, idanna mama.

- 35. Om prajaapataye swaahaa. - (Center)

Idam prajaapataye, idanna mama

- 36. Om indraaya swaahaa. - (Center)

Idam indraaya, idanna mama.

- VYAAHRITI AAHUTI: Back Oblations fo Ghee with the Vyaahritis.

37. Om bhoor agnaye swaahaa.

Idam agnaye, idanna mama.

 - 38. Om bhuwar vaayave swaahaa.

Idam vaaayave, idanna mama.

- 39. Om swar aadityaaya swaahaa.

Idam aadityaaya, idanna mama

40. Om bhoor bhuwah swaragni vaayvaa-dityebhyah swaahaa.

Idam agni vaayvaa-dityebhyah, idanna mama.

NOTE: If the Yajna is meant to be Brihad (Big) and /or Vishesh (Special), then continue from here with mantras 45
through 56, before chanting the Gaayatree and other mantras (Mantras 41 through 44).

ATHA BRAHMA GAAYATREE SAAVITREE GURU MANTRA Back

Prayer for a faculty of constant bliss. Oblation with Ghee and Saamagree.

Faculty of constand Bliss

41. Om bhoor bhuwah swah. Tat savitur varenyam

bhargo devasya dheemahi.

Dhiyo yo nah pracho-dayaat swaahaa.

O Soul of Life, the Holy King of kings! O God of all the regions, high and low,

O Lord of Joy, Whose Glory Nature sings, Who shapes the earth and lets the mortals grow.

We seek Thy blessed Feet to meditate Upon Thy Glorious Form of Holy Light

Which drives away the gloom of sins we hate And makes the souls of righteous people bright.

My heart, O Father, meekly prays to Thee To win Thy Grace, to make me good and wise,
And bless my mind with knowledge, full and free From dark and vicious thoughts of sins and lies.

& - SWISHTA-KRIT AAHUTI: Back Bhaat [cooked grains] or Ghee.

42. Om yad asya karmano tyaree-richam

yad waa nyoonam ihaa karam.

Agnish tat swishta-krid vidyaat

sarvam swish-tam su-hutam karotu me.

agnaye swishta-krite su-huta-hute

sarva-praayash-chitta-huteenaam

kaamaa-naam samar-dhayi-tre

sarvaan nah kamaant samar-dhyaya swaahaa.

Idam agnaye, swishta-krite, idanna mama.

Agni, the All-knowing One, fully knows whatever is excessive

or lacking in my performance of this sacrifice. May He, the Fulfiller,

fulfill my sacrifice by harmonizing it with my intent and making it

well-performed. I beseech Him to make me successful in all that I desire.

I address this prayer to Him Who fulfills all offerings and makes them

well-performed, Who accepts all confession and repentance, and Who grants

success in all righteous wishes. All this is unto Agni, the

Fulfiller; nothing is mine.

- PRAA-JAA-PAT-YAAHUTI: Back

Silent Oblation to Prajaapati with Ghee and Samaagree.

43. (Chant silently.) Om prajaa-pata-ye swaahaa.

Unto Prajapati, the Silent Witness to the drama

of this Universe is this offering made. Nothing is mine.

POORN AAHUTI:

Final Oblation for completion. Offer remaining Ghee and Saamagree.

44. Om sarvam vai poornam swaahaa.

(Chant thrice, each time offering Ghee and Saamagree.)

All is perfect; all is complete. Indeed, all is final; all

is complete. May the perfection and completeness of this

ancient Vedic ritual become a part of my personality.

- BRIHAD VISHESH YAJNA Mantras and Oblations for Big, Special Occasions.

PAVA-MAAN AAHUTI:Back Oblations for the Purification and Enlightenment.

45. Om bhoor bhuwah swah.

Agna aayoomshi pawasa

aa-suvor jamisham cha nah.

Aare baadhas-wa duch-chhu-naam swaahaa.

Idam agnaye pwa-maanaa-ya, idanna mama.

& O Agni! Purify and lengthen our lives and send down

food and energy. Drive misfortune far away from us.

[Agni: refers to God.]

- 46. Om bhoor bhuwah swah.

Agnir rishih pawa-maanah

paancha-janyah purohitah.

Tamee-mahe mahaa-gayam swaaha.

Idam agnaye pawa-maanaa-ya, idanna mama.

Agni sees through our lives with penetrating vision

and takes away impurities. He is the Benefactor of all five

classes of human beings in society. He occupies supreme

importance in all undertakings. To him, whose glory is widely

proclaimed, to do we offer our supplications.

[Five classes: based on a division of labor, there are teachers, defenders,

commercialists, laborers and, those who do not belong to any of these four classes.

These are respectively called Brahmana, Kshatriya, Vaishya, Shudra and Ati-shudra.]

- 47. Om bhoor bhuwah swah.

Agne pawas-wa swa-paa

asme varchah su-veeryam.

Dadhad rayim mayi posham swaahaa.

Idam agnaye pawa-maanaa-ya, idanna mama.

Agni, Performer of benevolent deeds! Pour forth

on us the brilliance of Divine Knowledge and heroic vigor.

Grant us wealth that nourishes.

- 48. Om bhoor bhuwah swah.

prajaa-pate! Na twad etaan-yanyo

vishwaa jaataani pari taa bahoowa

Yat kaamaas-te juhumas tan-no astu

vayam syaama patayo rayeenaam swaahaa.

idam prajaa-pataye, idanna mama.

O Prajaapati, Master of all creatures! No-one,

other than You, comprehends the creatures of this visiblem

and other invisible worlds. Grant us our hearts desire,

for which we invoke You, and bless us to be masters of riches.

- ASHT AAJYAA-HUTI: Eight Oblations for Auspiciousness. Offer Ghee only.

49. Om twan-no agne varunasya vidwaan

devasya hedo vayaa-si-seesh-thaah.

Yajish-tho vahni-tamah shoshu-chaano

vishwaa dweshaan-si pra-mumug-dhyas-mat swaaha.

Idam agnee-varunaa-bhyaam, idanna mama.

Agni, the Knowledgeable One! Drive away from us

the tendency to show disrespect to any accomplished scholar

in society. Supremely worshipped in our sacrifices, supreme

in carrying our burdens, and supreme in brilliance, may you

separate all forces of hatred from us.

- 50. Om sa twan-no agne vamo bhawo-tee

nedish-tho asyaa ushaso vyush-tau

Ava yak-shwa no varunam ra-raano

veehi mrideekam shuhawao na edhi swaahaa.

Idam agnee-varunaa-bhyaam, idanna mama.

Agni, at this hour of the break of dawn, be

close and nearest in offering help. In granting us

knowledge, destroy all binding influences, promote our

peaceful nature, and be ready to respond to our call for help.

- 51. Om imam me varuna shrudi

havyam adyaa cha mridaya.

Twaam awasyu-raacha-ke swaahaa.

Idam varunaaya, idanna mama.

Choiceworthy Varuna!hear this call of mine and be

gracious today. Longing for your mercy do I call upon you.

- 52. Om tat-twaa yaami brahmanaa vanda-maanas

tad aashaas-te yajamaano havir-bhih.

Aheda-maano varu-neha bo-dhyu-ru-shansa

maa na aayuh pra-mo-sheeh swaahaa.

Idam varunaaya, idanna mama.

I set my hope for the elevated life that a devoted person

prays for with sacrificial offerings, and so I approach you,

God, praising you with Vedic verses. Extensively praised by

thoughtful minds, O Varuna, may you not disregard may

call for help, but grant me, here and now, the wisdom I seek.
While using that wisdom, let not my life be unexpectedly cut short.

53. Om ye te shatam varuna ye sahas-ram

yaj-yi-yaah paashaah vita-taa mahaantah.

Tebhir no adya savi-tota vishnur vishwe

mun-chantu marutah swar-kaah swaahaa.

Idam varunaaya savitre vishnave vishwe-bhyo

devebhyo marud-bhyah swarke-bhyah, idanna mama.

Varuna! hundreds and thousands of Your gresat Laws,

that relate to our life, are extended across this vast

creation, and made to exercise their influence. O Omnipresent

Impeller, and O enlightened men who teach us not to cry, we

pray that through these laws, you may all help us to gain

emancipation from the world.

- 54. Om ayaash chaagne syana-bhi shasti-paash cha

satyam-it twam ayaa asi.

Ayaa no yajyam vahaas-ya-yaa

no dhehi bhesha-jam swaaha.

Idam agnaye ayase, idanna mama.

I declare truthfully, Agni, You are indeed found

everywhere, and are the Protector of those free from sin.

Carry our sacrifice to a successful end and sustain cure

for our transgressions.

- 55. Om ud-ut tamam varuna paasham-asmad

avaa-dhamam vi madhaya-mam shra-thaaya.

Athaa vayam aaditya vrate

tavaa-naa-gaso adita-ye syaama swaahaa.

Idam varu-naayaa dit-yaayaa dita-ye cha, idanna mama.

Varuna! loosen the bonds that bind me - bonds

of upper, middle and lower levels so that we, O

Imperishable One, may be sinless in Your Laws, and become

worthy for the realm of Eternal Life.

[Upper level: impure thoughts

Middle level: impure emotions lust, greed, anger, etc.

Lower level: excessive, unchanelled sense-enjoyment.]

- 56. Om bhawatan-nah sa-manasau

sa-cheta-saa vare-pasau.

Maa yajyam him sish-tam

maa yajyapatim jaataveda-sau

shivau bhawatam adya nah swaahaa.

Idam jaata-vedo-bhyaam, idanna mama.

O married couple! May both of you be for us of the same

thought and knowledge, and sinless. May you both never

cause harm to either the tradition of sacrifice or to the

good name of sacrificers. May both of you be for us, today,

possessors of much wealth, that you can show us grace and

benevolence.

[Couple: married people are motivated to earn, and they provide the means for society

to go on through their acts of charity. This has always been so throughout the world, in all ages.

Us: Teachers and social workers.

Sacrifice: The carrier of Aryan/Vedic/Indian

culture all through the Ages of history.]

Go back to mantras 41 through 44, if you have previously skipped it.

ATHA MUKHA SPARSHAH Back

With out-stretched palms facing the holy fire, chant each of

the following mantras and pass heated palms lightly over your face.

.
.

Om tanoopa agne si aayur me dehi.

Om aayur-daa agne si aayur me dehi.

Om varcho-daa agne si varcho me dehi

2. Om agne yan-me tanwaa oonam tan-ma aa-prina

Om medhaam me devah savitaa aa-da-dhaatu

Om medhaam me devee saraswatee aa-da-dhaatu

3. Om medhaam me ashvi-nau

devaa-vaa shattaam push-karas-rajau

,, Agni! You are the Protector of the human body

protect my body. You are the Giver of long life

give unto me long and healthy life. You are the Source

of brilliance - let Your brilliance radiate on my face.

Fulfill nay deficiency I have in my personality and

sustain divine, sanctified intellect in me.

ATHA MUKHA ANGA SPARSHAH Back

With both palms, touch the body-limbs indicated.

Om vaak cha ma aa-pyaa-ya-taam. (Lips)

Om praa-nash cha ma aa-pyaa-ya-taam. (Nostrils)

Om chak-shush cha ma aa-pyaa-ya-taam. (Eyes)

Om shro-tram cha ma aa-pyaa-ya-taam (Ears)

Om yasho-balam cha ma aa-pyaa-ya-taam.(Shoulders)

[ ] Let my speech find fulfillment. Let my breathing, seeing,

and hearing be fulfilled. Let my arms earn me fame and strength.

ATHA VAAMA-DEVYA-GAANAM

The Song of Rishi Vaama-deva.
Chant the following at the very end of the Yajna or Sanskaar.

1. Om bhoor bhuwah swah.

kayaa nash chitra aa-bhuwad

ootee sadaa-vridhah sakhaa

Kayaa shachish-thayaa vritaa.

God resides in our mind, causing us to steadily progress.

Through what kind of help would He become our Friend? Answer:

Through His Presence that will make us most powerfully happy.

2. Om bhoor bhuwah swah.

Kas twaa satyo madaanaam

mang hish-tho matsad andhasah.

Dridhaa chid aaruje vasu.

Among the delightful things of this world, what will

make you genuinely and abundantly happy? Answer: The

power of that comes from devotion, that would help us snap

asunder the heaviest of chains which keep us bound to ignorance.

3. Om bhoor bhuwah swah.

Abhee shu nah sakheenaam

avitaa jari-treenaam.
Shatam bhawaas-yoo-taye.

We seek to be Your friends who sing Your praises.

Be our Supreme Protector, and come to us with countless

forms of help. Iti Agnihotram. - Here comes to an

end the Agnihotra Sacrifice (ritual).

BRAHMA STOTRA Back

1. Namaste sate te jagat kaara-naaya

Namaste chite darva lokaa-shra-yaaya

Namo dwaita tattwasya mukti pra-daaya

Namo brahmane vyaapine shaash-wa-taaya.

Salutation to that Being Who creates and supports the

different worlds. Salutation to that Truth Who is unequalled,

and Who grants liberation. Salutations to that Eternal Supreme

Self Who pervades all regions.

, ,

2. Twame-kam sharanyam twame-kam swa prakaa-sham

twame-kam jagat-paala-kam swa prakaa-sham

Twame-kam jagat kartri paatri pra-har-tri

Twame-kam param nish-cha-lam nir-vi-kalpam.

 You are my sole Refuge, worthy of my final choice.

You are the One Protector of the world with your

Self-Radiance. You alone create, sustain and destroy the

universe. You are the One Great Motionless Being free from change.

3. Bhayaa-naam bhayam bheesha-nam bheesha-naanaam

Gatih praa-ni-naam paawa-nam paa-wa naa-naam

Mahoch chaih padaa-naam niyantri twame-kam

Pare-shaam param rak-sha-nam rak-sha-naa-naam.

Your are feared even by the fearless, and You rule even

the rulers. You are the Goal of all creatures. You purify

all those who teach the virtue of purity.

, ,

4. Vayam twaam sma-raa-mo vayam twaam bha-jaa-mo

Vayam twaam jagat saak-shi roopam namaamah

Sade-kam nidhaa-nam ni-raalam bameesham

Bhawaam bhodhi potam sharan-yam vrajaa-mah.

We think of You, we worship You, we bow to You,

O Witness to the drama of this universe. We go to the

Shelter of that Unique Being the Basis of everything,

Self-supporting, and Supreme, - a vessel in the sea of Life.

 ,

5. Na tasya kash-chit pati-rasti loke

Na che-shi-taa naiva cha tasya lingam

Sa kaa-ra-nam kara-naa-dhi-paadhi-po

Na chaasya kash-chij janitaa na chaa-dhi-pah.

In this world, there is no-one above You, and no

ruler greater than You. You are without form and image.

You are the Ultimate Cause of all causes. No one ahs

created You You are the Creator of all.

6. Tameesh-wa-raa-naam paramam mahesh-wa-ram

Tam deva-taa-naam para-mam hi daiva-tam

Patim pateee-naam para-mam paras-taad

Vidaama devam bhuwa-nesha meed-yam.

We realize You as the Supreme Lord of all lords, the

Supreme God of all gods, the Supreme Protector of all

protectors, Lord of the world, Worthy of our praise.

7. Twameva maataa cha pitaa twameva

Twameva bandhush cha sakhaa twameva

Twameva vidyaa dravinam twameva

twameva sarvam mama deva deva.

You alone are our Mother, Father, Brother and Friend.

You are the Source of our learning and wealth. You

are our all-in-all, God of all gods!

MEAL TIME MANTRA Back

Om annapate annasya no dehi

ana-mee-wash-ya shushminah.

Pra pra daataaram taarisha

oorjan no dhehi dwipade cha-tushpade.

O Lord of Grains! Give us grains to eat that are healthy

and nutritious. May You take him across the ocean of this

world who makes a gift of grains to someone else in need.

Let all bipeds and quadrupeds consuming grains be filled

with energy.

Namah Parama Rishibhyo Namah Parama Rishibhyah

Salutations again and again unto the great Rishis

through whose graces this ancient form of divine

worship has come down to us.



Aaj Mil Sab Opening Bhajan

Aaj mil sab geet gaa-o us prabhu ke dhanyavaad

Jiskaa yeash nit gaate hai gandharva gunijan dhanyavaad

Mandiro me kandaro me parvato ke shikhar par

Dete hai lagaataar sausau baar munivar dhanyavaad

Karte hai jangal me mangal paksheegan har shaakh par

Paate haiaanand mil gaaate hai svar bhar dhanyavaad

Koo-e me taalaab me sindhoo kee gahree dhaar me

Prem ras me tript ho karte hai jalcha dhanyavaad

Shaadiyo me jalsayo me yajya aur utdave ke aad

Meethe svar se chaahiye kare naari nar sab dhanyavaad

Let us all come together to sing and express our thanks

unto that Lord whose glory and fame all noble and pious

men continually sing. In temples, in caves, and on the

peaks of mountains, all the sages repeatedly express

their gratitude. Perched on many a branch, the birds

make merry in the forests. Together, in full voice,

they hymn their thanks unto the Lord, thereby attaining

to supreme happiness. In wells and in lakes, and in the great

depths of rivers, the aquatic creatures sing their praises

and thanks in deep satisfaction. For this reason, we men and

women of the world should, in weddings, fairs and religious

congregations, express our gratitude to the Lord

with our sweetly intone voices.

Back to Havan

,
 ,

- -,

- ,

- ,

AARTI BHAJAN - Om Jai Jagdeesh hare.

Om jai jagdeesh hare, Swamee jai jagdeesh hare

Bhakt jano ke sankat kshan me door kare.

Jo dhyaave phal pave dukh vinshe mankaa

Sukh sampati ghar aave kasht mite tan kaa

Maat pitaa tum mere sharan gahoo kiskee

Tum bin aur na doojaa aas karoo jiskee.

Tum pooran paramaatamaa tum antaryaamee.

Paar-brahma parameshvar tum sabke svaame.

Tum karunaa ke saagar tum paalankartaa.

Mai sewak tum swaamee, kripaa karo bhartaa.

Tum ho ek agochar sab ke praan-pati

Kis vidhi miloo dayaamai tum ko mai kumtee

Deen-bandhu sukh-hartaa tum rakshak mere

Karunaa hast barhaa-o dvaar paraa tere.

Vishai vikaar mitaa-o paap haro devaa

Shraddhaa bhakti barhaa-o santan kee sevaa. Om jai...

SHAANTI PAATH

O Lord of the universe, Supreme Soul, Dispeller of sorrow,

hail to Thee! May Thy rule of righteousness be established

everywhere, for it is Thou who banisheth in an instant the

agonies of Thy devotees. May Thy kingdom of virtue reign

supreme. Whoever meditates upon Thee receives Thy grace. The

worries of his mind disappear; his home is blessed with peace,

happiness and plenty and all his bodily pains vanish. Thou are

my Mother and Father. Whose elses protection can I seek?

Besides Thee there is no other in whom I can place my hope.

Thou art God perfect, the knower of our innermost thought,

the Most Exalted Master of all. Thou art an Ocean of Mercy,

the Protector of all. I am Thy servant, Thou my master. Grant

me Thy grace. Thou art beyond the knowledge of the senses,

Formless Lord of all life! Grant me wisdom that I may have

a glimpse of Thee. Thou art the Friend of the those who help

themselves and the Dispeller of suffering. Thou art my Savior.

Extend Thy hand of mercy I seek Thy refuge. Destroy our base

desires and wipe out our sins, increase our faith and devotion.

May we serve Thee and Thy devotees!

Shantih Paath

Closing prayer for Peace.

Dyauh shaanti-ranta-riksham shaantih

prithivee shaanti-raapah shaanti

rosha-dhayah shaantih

Vanas-patayah shaantir vishwe devaah shaantir

Brahma shaantih sarvam shaantih

shaanti-reva shaantih
Saa maa shanti redhi.

Peace in heaven, sky and on earth. Let water flow to

quench our thirst for peace. Let all trees and plants

provide cool shade for a peaceful humanity. Let peace be

in the hearts of all educated men, for them to share it

with troubled minds. God is the Source of peace, and His

Divine Scripture teaches the way to that peace. May that

peace extend its influence in every nook and corner of this

globe. Let there be peace and only peace. May that peace

come to me, too.

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"That scent has not the disintegrating power to rid the house of its impure air, and replace it by the fresh pure air. It is
fire alone which possesses that power, whereby it breaks up the impurities of the air, and reduces them to their
component parts, which, getting lighter, are expelled from the house and replaced by fresh air from outside." Light of
Truth

"But there is another prejudice which is cherished by many scholars evidently under the impression of its being a well-
recognized scientific doctrine. It is that in the ruder stages of civilization, when the laws of nature are little known and
but little understood, when mankind has not enough of the experience of the world, strict methods of correct reasoning
are very seldom observed." Swami Dayanand

The truth of every thing that is learnt or taught should be carefully examined by the following five tests:-

The Veda and nature of God

All that conforms to the teachings of the Vedas, nature, attributes and characteristics of God is right, the reverse is
wrong.

The Vedas were revealed in its entirety in the beginning of creation for all of mankind, depriving none, and it is free of
historical references.

Laws of Nature

All that tallies with laws of nature is true, the reverse untrue; e.g., the statement that a child is born without the sexual
union of its parents, being opposed to the laws of nature can never be true.

The practice and teachings of A'ptaas,

-i.e., pious, truthful, unprejudiced, honest, and learned men. All that is unopposed to their practice and teachings is
acceptable and the reverse is unacceptable.

The purity and conviction of one's own soul

What is good for you is good for the world. What is painful to you is painful to others. This ought to be the guiding
principle of one's conduct towards others.

Eight kinds of evidence:

1. Direct Cognizance 2. Inference 3. Analogy

4. Testimony 5. History 6. Deduction

7. Possibility 8. Non-existence or Negation

DIRECT COGNIZANCE

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(Praatyaksha) is that kind of knowledge, which is the result of direct contact of the five senses with their objects,* (As of
eyes with light and color, or ears with sound, of olfactory sense with smell, of tongue or question sense with flavors, of
tactile sense with objects that give rise to the sensation of touch) of the mind (faculty or organ of attention) with the
senses, and of the soul with mind. NYAAYA Shaastraa 1: i, 4.

But this knowledge must not be that of the relation of words with the things signified, as of the word "water" with the
fluid called "water", For example, you ask your servant to bring you some water. He brings water, puts it before you, and
says : 'Here is water, Sir.' Now, what you and your servant see is not the word "water" but the object signified by it. So
you have the direct knowledge of the object called water.

This knowledge must not be of temporary or transient character, i.e., not the product of observation under unfavorable
circumstances; for example, a person saw something at night and took it for a man, but when it was daylight he found out
his mistake and knew that it was not a man, but a pillar. Now, his first impression of the thing was of a temporary or
transient nature, which gave place to permanent knowledge later on, when the true nature of the thing was revealed in the
light.

It should be free from all elements of doubt, and be certain in character. For example, you see a river from a distance
and say: "Is it water there or white clothes spread out to dry?" Or take another example, you see a man from a distance
and say: Is it Deva Datta standing there or Yajna Datta?" Now, as long as you are in doubt and consequently not sure
about a thing you observe, your knowledge cannot be called Pratyaksha (Direct Cognizance). To be that the element of
doubt must be absolutely eliminated from it.

Briefly therefore, that knowledge alone is said to be Direct Cognizance, which is not the outcome of the relation of name
with the object signified by it, nor gained under circumstances unfavourable for observation or experiment (Hence
transient in character) nor into which any element of doubt enters.

INFERENCE

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(Anumaana- Literally it means that which follows direct cognizance. Two things have been observed to exist together at
some time and place, when on some other occasion, one of the two is observed, the other, i.e., the unknown can be
inferred.* For instance, you see a child and you at once infer that he must have had parents. Again, seeing the smoke
issuing from behind a hill you infer the existence of fire. You infer the previous incarnation of the soul from observing
unequal joy and sorrow in this world at the present moment.

Inference is of three kinds:-

Purvavat - is one , in which you reason from cause to effect, e.g., the inference of coming rain from the sight of clouds;
or, again, you see a wedding and naturally infer that some day the wedded couple will have children. Or, again, you see
students engaged in the pursuit of knowledge and you infer that some day they will become men and women of learning.

Sheshavat - inference is one, in which you reason from effects to causes. Examples:- You see a flood in the river, and
infer that it must have rained on the mountain from which the river issues. Again, you see a child and at once infer that
the child must have had a father. Again, you see this world and infer the existence of the Spiritual cause - the Creator, as
well as of a Material cause - the elementary matter. Or, again, take another example. When you see a man in pleasure and
pain, you at once infer that he must have done a virtuous or sinful deed before, since you have noticed that the
consequence of a sinful act is pain, and that of a virtuous deed, pleasure.

Aaamaanyatodrishata - is that kind of inference, in which there is no relation of cause and effect between the known
datum and the thing to be inferred, but there is some kind of similarity between the two. For example, you know that no
one can get another place without moving from the first, and hence, if you find a person at a certain place, you can easily
infer that he must have come to the latter place by moving from the first.

ANALOGY

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( Upamaana - is the knowledge of a thing from its likeness to another. The thing which is required to be known is called
Saadhya, and that which becomes the means of this knowledge from some kind of likeness between the two is called
Saadhana Examples: - a man says to his servant : "Go and fetch Vishnu Mittra." The latter answers that he does not know
him, as he has never seen him before. Thereupon the master says :- You know Deva Datta, don't you?" Upon the servant's
answering in the affirmative, his master continues: "Well, Vishnu Mittra is just like Deva Datta." So the servant went out
to find Vishnu Mittra. As he was passing through a street, he saw a man very much like Deva Datta, and thought that,
that man must be Vishnu Mittra, and forthwith brought him to his master.

Or, take another example. You want to know what a Yak is. Well, some one tells you, it is just like an ox. Next time you
go to a jungle and happen to see an animal very much like an ox, you at once know that it is the Yak you asked your
friend about. Now this kind of knowledge, i.e., knowledge of Vishnu Mittra from his likeness to Deva Datta and of a Yak
from its likeness to an ox is called Upamaana or knowledge by analogy. The words Vishnu Mittra and Yak are called
Saadhya, whilst Deva Datta and ox are called Saadhana, in the above two instances.

TESTIMONY

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Shabda (literally, word) "The word of an A'pt (altruistic teacher) is called Shabda." NYAAYA Shaastra 1:,i, 7.

An A'pt is a person who is a thorough scholar, well versed in all the sciences and philosophies, physical and spiritual, is
virtuous, truthful, active, free from passions and desires, imbued with love for others, and who is an altruistic teacher of
humanity solely actuated with the desire of benefiting the world by his knowledge, experience and convictions. God
being the truest and greatest of all A'ptas, His word the Veda is also included in shabda (Testimony).

HISTORY

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(Itihas - is that which tells us that such and such a person was so and so, he did such and such a thing. In other words,
Itihaas is the history of a country or the biography of a person. NYAAYA Shaastra 2: 2,1.[The experience of the past
recorded in history can be applied to solve many a difficult question of the day. - Tr.

DEDUCTION or CONCLUSION

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Arthaapatti - It is a conclusion which naturally follows from the statement of a fact; for instance, one says to another:
"Rain falls from clouds" or " and effect flows from a cause." The natural conclusion that can be drawn from the above
statement is: "There can be no rain when there are no clouds," or "no effects follow when a cause does not exist."

POSSIBILITY

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Sambhava - When you hear a thing, the first thing that enters your mind is whether such and such a thing is possible.
Anything that runs counter to the laws of nature is not possible, and hence it can never be true; for example, if you are
told that a child was born without parents, such and such a person raised the dead to life again, or made stones float on
the sea, lifted mountains, broke the moon into pieces, was God incarnate, or saw horns on the head of a man, or
solemnized the marriage of a couple born of sterile mother. You could at once know that it could not have possibly
happened, being opposed to the laws of Nature. That alone is possible which is in conformity with the laws of nature.

ABSENCE or NEGATION

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Abhaava - You infer the existence of a thing in some other place from its absence from the place where you were told
you find it; for instance, a gentleman said to his man: "Go and bring the elephant from the elephant-house." He went
there but found that the elephant was not there. He naturally conclude that he must be somewhere near about. So he went
out and looked about for the elephant and found him not very far from its proper place and brought him to his master.

These eight kinds of evidence have been briefly described. Their number can be reduced to four if History be included
under Testimony, and Deduction, Possibility, and Negation under Inference.

It is only by means of these five criteria that a man can ascertain what is right or wrong and not otherwise.

THE GAYATRI MANTRA

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Yajur Veda 36:3

O soul of life, the Holy King of kings!

O God of all the regions, high and low,

O Lord of joy, Whose Glory Nature sings,

Who shapes the earth and lets the mortals grow.

We seek Thy blessed Feet to meditate,

Upon Thy Glorious Form of Holy Light

Which drives away the gloom of sins we hate

And make the souls of righteous people bright.

My heart, O Father, meekly prays to Thee

To win Thy Grace, to make me good and wise,

And bless my mind with knowledge, full and free

From dark and vicious thoughts of sins and lies.

An explanation of its use for Divine contemplation.

A TRIBUTE

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In my daily prayers, I humbly bow in reverence to these great souls, who have inspired and guided me in my search for
this great wisdom.

OM SAHANA VAVATU SAHNA BHUNAKTU, SAHA VEERYAM KARWA WAHAI TEJASVINA WADHI
TAMASTU MAA VID VISHAA WAHAI.Taittiriya Upanishad

May we together provide for our common enjoyment, may we together contribute towards strengthening and
energizing each other. Let our studies be a means of glorification for both. Let there arise no ill will betwixt us (teacher
and student). May our mind flow in one mingled current and each should look after the other as genuine co-partner. May
the teacher and the student be a successive link in the long chain of advancement of culture and each fulfill our
supplement, the task of the other.

Salutations to ISHWARA (God) whose knowledge and power is infinite and who in the beginning was
HIRANYAGARBHA - the one true Lord of the creation who sustains the sun and the earth. I adore Him the All-
blissful Being.

Salutations to the APTAS (altruistic teachers), Maharishi Swami Dayanand Saraswati, the last reformer, who has
rediscovered the faith of the true teachings of the past saints and sages of yore, Agni, Vayu, Aditya, Angira, Brahma,
Jaimini, Manu, Patanjali, etc., for the purpose of enlightenment and the possible emancipation of the soul.

Salutations to my GURU (teacher) my younger brother, Brahmachari Subhanandaji, M.A., whom I am proud to call a
master in Vedic (Yoga) Philosophy. He has immensely strengthened my courage to undergo a renewed sense of learning,
a process that no doubt practically nourished my willpower, daunted by many, many years of atheistic views, back to life
and its true form. His first hand approach in theory and strictness in practice after ten years of Gurukul study and training
in India, has filled the gap in my quest to acquire the wisdom to present this truth, as rationally as I can, to all the world
via the internet. It is from this wise and humble personality that I have also learnt, the correct knowledge, even though
rightly thought to be always beneficial could also be harmful in the absence of action(the correct practice).
 ANDHANTAMAH PRAVISHINTI YE VIDYAAMUPAASATE TATO BHUYA EWA TE TAMO YA U
VIDYAAYAA RATAAH. Eshopanishad.

They enter dark regions (lives) who are wedded to the path of ignorance the practice of rituals without knowledge; but
far more darkness is the lot of those who are wedded to knowledge without action (the correct practice).

Salutations to my ACHARYA (father), the late Shri Pandit Ramoutar Singhji, who by some virtuous Sankaras, made
good on the emergence through birth of a few highly inclined souls into such a noble family. I cannot deny for one
moment, that our early upbringing, the little he taught us, had no effect in nurturing us to this great and vast knowledge of
the Vedic religion.