Every Saturday and Sunday morning from 7:00 am to 7:20 am, Sri Mullaivasal Krishnamurthy Sastri delivers a talk on the Veda (Vedantin Suvai). As an acharya who teaches the Veda in a traditional manner at his Gurukulam, his mastery over the Veda is unquestionable, although one may disagree with his interpretation of Vedic scholarship. Given his belief that the Veda holds solutions to all practical problems, even in modern times, he addressed how the Veda responds to cynicism and questions about the ‘waste’ of materials in Vedic sacrifices in a recent session.
“While many perform numerous Vedic rituals with good faith, often funded by various donors, some question the substantial waste of materials consumed by fire, arguing these resources could be better utilized to help the needy and poor,” said Sastriji. Offering the Vedic perspective on this cynicism, he continued, “No matter how carefully rituals are performed, some inherent shortcomings and mistakes will inevitably occur. Just as every good act has its results, bad acts or mistakes will also have their consequences. However, the Veda states that the doubts and cynicism of those who oppose such rituals act as an antidote to these bad results. Their negative and cynical approach to the ritual naturally nullifies the negative consequences of any ritual faults. Thus, we need not worry about the questions, doubts, and cynicism of others regarding Vedic rituals. Their skepticism serves a purpose by neutralizing the adverse effects of any ritual errors. In this way, the Veda addresses several practical issues and problems in life.”
The moral of this teaching is that one negative thought or action can nullify the bad result of another. This aligns with common logic that suggests the sin incurred by killing is offset by eating the kill (கொன்னா பாவம், தின்னா போச்சு), as the act was not for pleasure but necessity.
Although many modern individuals may not agree with such Vedic logic concerning the genuine concerns about the waste of material and time in rituals, Hinduism generally holds that all kinds of suffering (physical and mental) reduce the evil effects of sin and karma in one’s life. Whether suffering has any effect on moral lapses or not, it helps many to accept suffering positively. In this respect, rather than ignoring negative opinions and cynicism about rituals, the positive approach of the Hindu worldview is commendable.
See also the article: [An Object of Mockery](https://dayanandbharati.in/an-object-of-mockery/)
Does this Uttaraveda saying come close to this kind of thought? “In your struggle against sin, you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood” — Hebrews 14:4
15-14-2014
Revised on 17-7-2024
Gurukulam
Every Saturday and Sunday morning from 7:00 am to 7:20 am, Sri Mullaivasal Krishnamurthy Sastri delivers a talk on the Veda (Vedantin Suvai). As an acharya who teaches the Veda in a traditional manner at his Gurukulam, his mastery over the Veda is unquestionable, although one may disagree with his interpretation of Vedic scholarship. Given his belief that the Veda holds solutions to all practical problems, even in modern times, he addressed how the Veda responds to cynicism and questions about the ‘waste’ of materials in Vedic sacrifices in a recent session.
“While many perform numerous Vedic rituals with good faith, often funded by various donors, some question the substantial waste of materials consumed by fire, arguing these resources could be better utilized to help the needy and poor,” said Sastriji. Offering the Vedic perspective on this cynicism, he continued, “No matter how carefully rituals are performed, some inherent shortcomings and mistakes will inevitably occur. Just as every good act has its results, bad acts or mistakes will also have their consequences. However, the Veda states that the doubts and cynicism of those who oppose such rituals act as an antidote to these bad results. Their negative and cynical approach to the ritual naturally nullifies the negative consequences of any ritual faults. Thus, we need not worry about the questions, doubts, and cynicism of others regarding Vedic rituals. Their skepticism serves a purpose by neutralizing the adverse effects of any ritual errors. In this way, the Veda addresses several practical issues and problems in life.”
The moral of this teaching is that one negative thought or action can nullify the bad result of another. This aligns with common logic that suggests the sin incurred by killing is offset by eating the kill (கொன்னா பாவம், தின்னா போச்சு), as the act was not for pleasure but necessity.
Although many modern individuals may not agree with such Vedic logic concerning the genuine concerns about the waste of material and time in rituals, Hinduism generally holds that all kinds of suffering (physical and mental) reduce the evil effects of sin and karma in one’s life. Whether suffering has any effect on moral lapses or not, it helps many to accept suffering positively. In this respect, rather than ignoring negative opinions and cynicism about rituals, the positive approach of the Hindu worldview is commendable.
See also the article: [An Object of Mockery](https://dayanandbharati.in/an-object-of-mockery/)
Does this Uttaraveda saying come close to this kind of thought? “In your struggle against sin, you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood” — Hebrews 14:4
15-14-2014
Revised on 17-7-2024
Gurukulam
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