Language of the gods; mantras; benefits of berries

The Adiveda Weekly #14

Aug 21, 2022

Hari Aum Sadhakas!

It was World Sanskrit Day on 12th August. We couldn’t get around to it on account of it being Raksha Bandhan that week. Hope you all had a good Rakhi day.

The World Sanskrit Day is a desperate attempt on the part of our government to keep alive the most incredible language of this world. Sanskrit is often called the ‘Language of the Gods.’ Our ancient rishis were able to perceive the sounds of the cosmos and write them as mantras. These sacred sounds are what became known as Sanskrit.

The Hindu way of life

An important point about the Vedas is the language in which they were written. Just as Hinduism is the oldest of all religions, Sanskrit is the oldest living language in the world. No one knows how it came into being or who made it. All languages have their origin in time and space and keep changing with the changing times and places in which they are spoken. But right from the first verse of the Rig Veda, the Sanskrit language has not changed: there has been no sound shift, no addition, no inspiration, and no change in import. The word Sanskrit means ‘perfect’ and it was perfect from the time it came into being. It has not evolved from some initial imperfection. It exists now as it did before the dawn of history. It has mathematical precision and therefore zero deviation.

Reflection of the week

“Sanskrit sounds are not merely meant for verbal communication but for removing the gross wrapping of materialism and exposing us to the vibrations of the divinity underlying all creation. It is most lyrical and poetic; it stirs the divine chords within us and helps us to align ourselves to the positive vibrations of nature.”

For your everyday practice

Mantras are a protective armour. Chanting the mantra ‘Aum’ and listening to Sanskrit shlokas will protect you from negative influences.

For your health and well-being

What are some natural things you can do to prevent a UTI or support healing when you are suffering from one?

Sometimes when we are least expecting it, a UTI sneaks up on us, unwanted, sometimes painful, and if untreated, potentially very deadly. What might follow is a round of antibiotics, which for many may cause further imbalances to their microflora, digestive issues, and even tendon pain. What can one hence do to support the healing process, or even prevent a UTI from occurring?

Cleansing: Traditionally, Indians have always used water to clean themselves after going to the toilet. With westernisation and colonisation, many Indians have completely switched to toilet paper – and this is a risk factor for UTIs because wiping can transfer ones faecal bacteria to ones urethra. Using sufficient sanitary water sources to instead clean oneself takes this issue away.

Hydration: Drinking enough water helps flush bacteria out from the bladder and urethra. This is why it is very important to hydrate sufficiently throughout the day if you are prone to UTIs or suffering from one.

Berries from the Vaccinium family: These berries (cranberry, blueberry, huckleberry, bilberry etc.) contain a substance that prevent the bacteria from sticking to our mucous membranes. Eating enough of these berries is hence another way to prevent and/or support the healing process.

By Dr. Poorna Menon, Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine

From Vanamali Mataji’s desk

The question about the origin of Sanskrit cannot be answered since its beginning is shrouded in mystery as with the Vedas. The scriptures say that it came from the primary sound called pranava or Aum through which the Divine descended in order to create the world of the seen and the heard. It is the most phonetic language in the world. The meaning of many Sanskrit words can be known through the sound they produce.

The Sanskrit language represents the thoughts, traditions, and cultural heritage of the whole of India. It is not the language of a community or a special region, but it has been the golden thread that has connected the whole of India into a single unit. As such the government has a duty to see that it is kept alive and taught in all schools. Scholars abroad have discovered that the learning of Sanskrit aids the growth of memory in children and there are many schools in the UK which teach Sanskrit to their students.