तेजस्वि नावधीमस्तुLet Our Learning Illuminate Us

This is an lllustration drawn by Pandit Motilal Shastri to explain the process of creation through the principles of Vedic vijnana. This illustration is part of two volumes of Vinjana-chitravali ( illustrated science of Veda), a collection of illustrations and charts drawn by Pandit Madhusudan Ojha and Pandit Motilal Shastr

abhva
Abhva is the element that has a name, form and function and is born when bala
or power interacts with abhu.

Abhva is something which can be seen. It is the observed universe which is
constantly changing and hence it is destructible. It is bound by time and space.
To illustrate, a car, a house, a farm, a mountain, a river or any object or person
one can see is abhva—it is observable, it has a name, form and purpose, it is
located somewhere and exists within a time-frame. In other words, it is not
eternal.

abhu
Brahma is the fountainhead of Creation. Creation is a seamless, eternal process in which two fundamental elements, different in character, are involved. These two elements, abhu and abhva, constitute Brahma.

yajna
Yajna (yagya or yajnya) is the process of creation. It is a process in which different elements come together, intermingle and transform into something new. It is a seamless, ceaseless process within us, and outside, enveloping all the elements of visible, invisible universes. In the Vedic texts, it is also referred to as Prajapati, Vishnu and Indra.

triloki
The term `triloki` is an important terminology in vedic science. It defines three triadic worlds that comprise brahmand, the whole of creation. An understanding of the meaning and scope of this term helps in getting a sense of brahmand (entire cosmos). This `triloki` straddles bhuloka (earth) to svargaloka (heaven).

avyaya
In Shrimad Bhagvad Gita, it is stated that avyaya is the cause of this whole universe. This can be understood by learning that there are two types of causes. One is that which results in an ``effect``.
The second produces no effect. Ávyaya falls in the second category; it can reveal the existence of whole universe by its sheer presence. Take for example, eyes; they can see an object, it is the effect.

ananda
The term, ananda, has a unique meaning and significance in the Indian philosophy. It has several meanings. The most widely known meaning is `bliss` which in turn is variously understood as `happiness` or a state of being where there is no joy or sorrow, only the awareness of existence.

akshara
Akshara is an important term in the Indian philosophy. Its references are found in sacred texts like Shrimad Bhagvad Gita and Upanishads. The universe is created from akshara. From akshara, animate and inanimate materials are born. It is stated in Mundakopanishad that akshara is Brahma. In Geeta too, there is a reference that Brahma was born from akshara. Shvetashvatara Upanishad states that creation emerged from the fusion of akshara and kshara.

ritam
In the Vedas, the term `ritam` means `truth`. So does `satyam`. What then is the difference? `ritam cha satyam cha abhidhat`, says the Rigveda. It means both ritam and satyam are attained from consciousness.

paroraja
In Vedic terminology, paroraja means a world which is higher than the seven worlds. The seven worlds are bhuloka, bhuvaloka, svargaloka, mahaloka, janaloka, tapoloka and satyaloka . These worlds are known as raja and the world which is beyond these worlds, superior and higher is paroraja. The dictionary meaning of the term is supra mundane—that which transcends the mundane, celestial or spiritual. Paroraja is the avyaya which is the first prajapati also called maheshwara. Avyaya is the cause of the whole universe. In his work, Rajovada, Pandit Madhusudan Ojha has explained that the primeval rajas was a condition of primeval darkness, in which all distinctions of heaven and earth were absent. This rajas, to become the material cause of the cosmos gets agitated and gives rise to looks first. In Brahmachatushpadi, he gives a more deeper meaning of the term and says prana (life), mana (intellect) and vani (speech), all three are paroraja.

Shri Shankar Shikshayatan was set up at the begining of the millennium with the belief that the study of the Vedas, undertaken with humility and without prejudice could advance the human quest to discover the truth of all truths and illuminate us with the profound meaning of life. Through its various programs and projects, the Shikshayatan hopes to re-ignite interest in the repository of wisdom contained in the Vedic texts.

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