SAMJNAANAM - UNDERSTANDING

 

Veda is a word applied to a particular section of Sanskrit literature that forms the earliest record of the world in general and of India in particular

This literature is divided into two portions namely Mantra(Hymns) and Braahmanams (Explanatory Works).  Again the Mantra portion is subdivided into four parts or groups based on the four types Vedic texts namely RigVeda, YajurVeda, SaamaVeda and AtharvaVeda.

SAMJNAANAM (RigVeda : X - 191) 

This is the name of the particular hymn consists of only four verses.  Here the Vedic Sage stresses on the units of Mind, Speech and Action.

The first verse is addressed to Fire-God (Agni) and the rest are addressed to the worshippers(Sthothaaras).

SAMSAMIDHYUVASE VRUSHANNAGNE VISVAANYARYA AA  I

ILASPADHE SAMIDHYASE SA NO VASOONYAA BHARA  II 1 II

"O! Agni, the fulfiller of desires, as a lord you unite all on all sides.  You are kindled at the altar of earth.  you such bring opulence on all sides".

SANGACHCHADHVAM SAMVADHADHVAM SAM VO MANAAMSI JAANATHAAM  I

DHEVAA BHAAGAM YATHAA POORVE SANJAANAANAA UPAASATHE  II 2  II

"Go together, speak together, let your minds be of one concord.  As the ancient gods with one accord accept their sacrificial share, so also you too accept your share of life with one accord".

The sage's caution is not to be envious at other's profits or losses; but share their life with a single mind, speech and action.

SAMAANO MANTHRAS SAMITHAS SAMAANEE 

SAMAANAM MANAS SAHA CHITHTHAMESHAM  I

SAMAANAM MANTHRAMABHI MANTHRAYE VAS 

SAMAANENA VO HAVISHAA JUHOMI II 3 II

"Let their thought or planning be the same; their gain be the same; their mind be the same; their heart be united; I also the same with you and I offer with your same oblation or sacrifice".

Generally, Vedic texts have a two-fold purpose.  One is to propitiate the deities, and the second at the same time is to carry an inner or hidden secular message, to the society.  So the other aspect of a Vedic verse is always to be kept in mind.

SAMAANEE VA AAKOOTHIS SAMAANAA HRUDHAYAANI VAHA  I

SAMAANAMASTHU VO MANO YATHAA VAS SUSAHAASATHI  II  4  II

"Be your intention the same, your hearts the same, your mind the same; that it may be a good company for you".

Here the Vedic Sage advises the people to keep their mind, speech and action united, so that they become a united society, which definitely proves to be a good company for one and all.