Jupiter, known in Vedic tradition as Guru (गुरु) or Bṛhaspati (बृहस्पति), has long been revered as the preceptor of the Gods, the guardian of Dharma (धर्म), and the embodiment of wisdom and expansion. Astronomically, Jupiter is the largest planet in the solar system and completing its orbit of the Sun in nearly twelve years. Its size and brilliance in the night sky gave it prominence in ancient observation, and it remains one of the brightest celestial bodies visible to the naked eye. Galileo’s discovery of Jupiter’s four large moons in 1610 confirmed its immense importance in astronomy, and in astrology its grandeur is mirrored in its exalted status as the most benefic of the nine planets (ग्रह). In the Indian calendar, Thursday, known as Guruvāra (गुरुवार), is dedicated to Jupiter, a reminder of its enduring cultural and spiritual influence.
The mythological background of Jupiter in Hindu tradition is rich and varied. The Taittirīya Upaniṣad (तैत्तिरिय उपनिषद) identifies Bṛhaspati (बृहस्पति) as the voice and intellect of the cosmic body, while the Bṛhat Parāśara Horā Śāstra (बृहत् पाराशर होरा शास्त्र) associates him with a manifestation of Vishnu (विष्णु) himself. In the Purāṇas (पुराण), he is described as the son of the sage Angiras (अंगिरस) and as the teacher of the Gods, one whose counsel guides both Gods and men toward righteousness. The Rig Veda (ऋग्वेद) praises him as a seer born in the heavens with seven faces and seven rays of light, invoked in sacrifice and known as the guardian of divine speech and wisdom. The Skanda Purāṇa (स्कंद पुराण) recounts that through long and devoted penance to Lord Shiva, he was granted the status of a planetary deity, shining in the firmament as Jupiter. These mythological narratives consistently portray Guru as the celestial teacher, the guide whose presence sanctifies, enlightens, and sustains cosmic order.
From a symbolic and traditional perspective, Jupiter embodies beneficence, optimism, and growth. It is associated with the color yellow (pīta/पीत), the metal gold, and the gemstone yellow sapphire (पुष्कराज). Its element is ether, its nature is sattvic (सात्विक), and its direction is the northeast. Jupiter presides over Thursday, which is why fasting, worship, and acts of charity on this day are considered especially auspicious. As a gentle and expansive planet, Jupiter is often portrayed wearing yellow garments, radiating warmth, knowledge, and generosity. All these associations underscore its symbolic role as a nurturer, a guide, and a force of moral expansion.
In astrological terms, Jupiter rules the zodiac signs Sagittarius (धनु) and Pisces (मीन). It is exalted in Cancer (कर्क), debilitated in Capricorn (मकर), and finds its directional strength in the ascendant, the first house. Its natural significations, or kārakatvas (कारकत्व), include knowledge, philosophy, dharma, spirituality, progeny, wealth, wisdom, justice, and benevolence. It is also the significator for children, teachers, and counselors. When strong in a horoscope, Jupiter grants optimism, integrity, prosperity, and spiritual inclination. It blesses the native with fortune, progeny, and moral stature. However, when weak or afflicted by malefic influences, its energy may become distorted. Instead of true wisdom, it may create self-righteousness, credulity, blind faith, or even poor judgment in financial and ethical matters. Jupiter’s expansive nature, if unchecked, can result in excess, overindulgence, or misplaced generosity.
The house placement of Jupiter in a horoscope reveals where its blessings or challenges manifest. In the first house it bestows optimism, dignity, and an honorable character. In the fifth house it inspires creativity, love of learning, and blessings of children, often making one a mentor or teacher. Its placement in the seventh house usually signifies a harmonious marriage and a noble spouse, while in the ninth house it gives deep faith, fortune, long-distance travel, and spiritual wisdom. When positioned in the tenth house it supports career success, leadership, and public recognition. Conversely, affliction or debility of Jupiter can indicate struggles with faith, financial instability, difficulties in higher education, strained marriages, or problems with children. Its influence is thus both expansive and nuanced, requiring careful evaluation in relation to other planetary placements.
Jupiter also governs three lunar mansions, or nakṣatras (नक्षत्र), each expressing a unique dimension of its teaching. Punarvasu (पुनर्वसु) reflects restoration, renewal, and the ability to return to wholeness after difficulty, emphasizing Jupiter’s benevolence and faith. Vishākhā (विशाखा) highlights ambition, discipline, and focused effort, shaping Jupiter’s role as a guide toward success through perseverance. Pūrvabhādrapadā (पूर्वभाद्रपदा) embodies austerity, philosophical depth, and transformative idealism, giving Jupiter a severe yet liberating edge, turning knowledge into spiritual awakening. These nakṣatras (नक्षत्र) show how Jupiter’s wisdom operates in multiple registers—from gentle restoration to intense transformation.
In matters of health, Jupiter governs the liver, hips, thighs, and the body’s metabolic and growth processes. It is closely tied to fat metabolism, nutritional assimilation, and the regulation of blood sugar. When strong, it contributes to robust vitality and balanced growth. When afflicted, however, it may manifest as obesity, liver disorders, diabetes, gout, or rheumatism. It is also linked to overgrowth conditions such as swellings or benign tumors. These medical correlations reflect Jupiter’s essential symbolism of expansion—healthy when balanced, problematic when unchecked. Traditional Ayurvedic understanding regards Jupiter as sattvic (सात्विक), supporting clarity and vitality, but warns that its imbalance tends to increase kapha (कफ), producing heaviness, sluggishness, and excess accumulation.
In practical life Jupiter’s blessings are most visible in career, wealth, love, and marriage. It often raises individuals to roles of leadership in law, education, finance, and religion, where ethical guidance and wisdom are paramount. A strong Jupiter typically ensures financial stability and prosperity, attracting opportunities through fairness and integrity. It is also the significator of marriage in a woman’s chart and of children in general, thus directly influencing marital happiness and progeny. Harmonious Jupiter placements bring noble spouses, fruitful relationships, and affectionate family bonds. Spiritually, Jupiter fosters faith, gratitude, and generosity, qualities that create lasting harmony in personal and professional life.
Because Jupiter’s power can wane under affliction, traditional remedies are recommended to strengthen its influence. Worship of Lord Vishnu or Brihaspati on Thursdays, recitation of Jupiter’s mantras such as
देवानां च ऋषीणां च गुरुं काञ्चनसन्निभम्।
बुद्धिभूतं त्रिलोकेशं तं नमामि बृहस्पतिम्॥
fasting, and charitable acts—especially donations of yellow items like turmeric, bananas, or cloth—are considered powerful ways to honor and appease Jupiter. Wearing a yellow sapphire set in gold, particularly after proper ritual consecration, is also advised. Five-mukhi rudrākṣa (पंचमुखी रुद्राक्ष) beads, symbolic of Jupiter, are worn for balance and blessing. Most importantly, Jupiter is strengthened through righteous living, support of education, teaching, and selfless service—actions that align one’s life with the planet’s sattvic energy.
Despite its exalted status, many misunderstandings surround Jupiter. It is often thought to be an unconditionally benefic planet, but in reality a weak or afflicted Jupiter can cause serious harm, sometimes more than malefic planets. It may lead to moral confusion, laziness, or poor judgment. Another common misconception is that Jupiter guarantees wisdom, virtue, and prosperity in all cases, yet a distorted Jupiter may create blind faith, hypocrisy, or misplaced generosity. Similarly, many assume that a debilitated Jupiter is always bad, but with proper yogas such as Neecha-bhaṅga (नीचभंग), or through supportive planetary aspects, even debilitated Jupiter can bring great strength and pragmatic success. Some believe that Jupiter alone determines outcomes in marriage or childbirth, particularly in a woman’s chart, but in reality these matters depend on a holistic analysis of the horoscope. Another frequent misunderstanding is that Guru Chāṇḍāla Yoga (चांडाळ योग), the conjunction of Jupiter with Rāhu (राहू), always produces disaster. In truth, while it can distort judgment, it may also create unconventional teachers or transformative learning experiences when supported by other positive factors. These misconceptions emphasize the importance of nuanced and contextual interpretation rather than simplistic judgments.
When viewed holistically, Jupiter emerges as the great teacher of the cosmos. Its essence lies not in sheer expansion but in righteous expansion—growth aligned with ethics, prosperity accompanied by generosity, and knowledge tempered with humility. As the celestial Guru, Jupiter calls us to embody wisdom and moral strength, to cultivate faith without fanaticism, and to live expansively yet responsibly. When honored through learning, devotion, and service, Jupiter guides human beings toward fulfillment of dharma (धर्म) and alignment with the greater cosmic order. In this way, Jupiter is not merely a planet but a living principle of grace, growth, and guidance that bridges heaven and earth.
Tag: ज्योतिष
Astrology Articles – ज्योतिष लेखमाला
The Jurisprudence of Kaliyuga
The true emblem of Kaliyuga
Saturn (Śani – शनि) – The Jurisprudence of Kaliyuga
Saturn, or (Śani – शनि), occupies a significant place in Vedic astrology, often depicted as the stern arbiter of Karma (कर्म) . Known as the planet of justice and discipline, Saturn (Śani-शनि) exerts a profound influence on individuals and societies alike, shaping destinies through its impartial enforcement of karmic balance. Far from its daunting reputation, Saturn (Śani – शनि) offers a path to growth, teaching resilience, humility, and the rewards of perseverance.
Saturn’s Archetype: The Shadow of Justice
Mythologically, Saturn is depicted as a complex figure. As the son of Surya (सूर्य) , Saturn contrasts sharply with his father. While the Sun symbolizes ego and visibility, Saturn embodies restraint and the unseen forces of justice. This dichotomy reflects their cosmic roles: the Sun thrives in its radiant display, while Saturn wields quiet power from the shadows, enforcing the balance of karma.
Saturn’s Dual Nature: Punisher and Benefactor
In Vedic astrology, Saturn (Śani – शनि) is seen as a teacher, one who does not shy away from hard lessons. Its placement in a birth chart can highlight areas of struggle, such as career setbacks, relationship challenges, or health issues. However, these difficulties are not mere punishments; they are opportunities for growth and self-improvement. When Saturn (Śani – शनि) is favourably positioned, it bestows wisdom, stability, and prosperity, rewarding those who adhere to its principles of discipline and ethical living.
The Fear of Shani (Śani – शनि): Sāḍhe Sātī (साडेसाती) and Misconceptions
One of the most feared periods associated with Saturn (Śani – शनि) is the seven-and-a-half-year phase known as Shani (Śani – शनि) Sāḍhe Sātī (साडेसाती) . During this time, individuals often face life-altering challenges. Yet, contrary to popular belief, this phase is not designed to instil fear but to inspire introspection and transformation. Historical misconceptions have amplified Saturn’s malefic image, equating it with relentless misfortune. However, many astrologers argue that Sāḍhe Sātī (साडेसाती) impacts not just individuals but entire societies, heralding collective change rather than personal doom.
Saturn and the Fabric of Society
Beyond individual charts, Saturn’s influence extends to societal and historical events. Its astrological transits often coincide with major upheavals and shifts, reflecting its role as a cosmic force of accountability. Saturn’s energy demands long-term planning and ethical conduct, acting as a silent force that shapes civilizations.
Saturn’s Basic Remedies: Aligning with its Energy
For those seeking to mitigate Saturn’s adverse effects, Vedic traditions offer remedies such as charitable acts, disciplined routines, and spiritual practices. Simple acts like donating footwear or observing austerity align with Saturn’s values of minimalism and service. More importantly, embodying Saturn’s virtues—hard work, discipline, and humility—can transform its challenges into blessings.
A Planet of Transformation
Saturn’s legacy in Kaliyuga, the current age of struggle, highlights its transformative power. It teaches humanity the value of perseverance and the inevitability of justice. Saturn is a reminder that success requires discipline, that integrity outlasts superficial gains, and that hardship often precedes wisdom.
In embracing Saturn’s lessons, we find not an ominous taskmaster but a guide leading us toward a more meaningful existence. Whether through its trials or rewards, Saturn remains the guardian of cosmic justice, urging humanity to strive for its highest potential.
वेदवाङ्मयाची थोरवी
If I were to look over the whole world to find out the country most richly endowed with all the wealth, power, and beauty that nature can bestow—in some parts a very paradise on earth—I should point to India.
If I were asked under what sky the human mind has most fully developed some of its choicest gifts, has most deeply pondered on the greatest problems of life, and has found solutions of some of them which well deserve the attention even of those who have studied Plato and Kant—I should point to India.
And if I were to ask myself from what literature we, here in Europe, we who have been nurtured almost exclusively on the thoughts of Greeks and Romans, and of one Semitic race, the Jewish, may draw that corrective which is most wanted in order to make our inner life more perfect, more comprehensive, more universal, in fact more truly human, a life, not for this life only, but a transfigured and eternal life—again I should point to India.1
………..Friedrich Max Müller
मॅक्सम्युल्लर ने केम्ब्रिज विद्यापीठात दिलेल्या व्याख्यानातील या एका वाक्यातूनच वेद, वेदवाङ्मय आणि पर्यायाने भारतीय संस्कृतीचा प्रभाव किती क्षितिजांवर विस्तारला होता हे लख्खपणे दिसते. केवळ तत्वज्ञानच नव्हे तर साहित्य, संगीत, कला, विज्ञान आणि तंत्रज्ञान या सर्व विद्याशाखांत मानवाने साधलेला समतोल पहायचा तर भारताकडे पहा असे तो म्हणतो. सर्वार्थाने पृथ्वीवरील स्वर्ग अशी उपमा भारतीय भूमीला तो देतो.
एक पाश्चात्य विद्वान प्राचीन भारतीय भाषा आणि वाङ्मयाची बाजू इतकी पोटतिडकीने मांडतो हे विस्मयकारक आहे. त्याहीपेक्षा ज्या अर्थी तो ही बाजू मांडतोय त्या अर्थी आपण जुनं म्हणून दुर्लक्षित केलेल्या वाङ्मय तितकं टाकाऊ नक्कीच नसणार. बरं ही भाषणं तो पुराणातल्या गोष्टी ऐकायला आलेल्या भजनी मंडळातल्या बायकांसमोर देत नाहीये. केम्ब्रिज सारख्या मान्यवर विद्यापीठाने इ.स. १८८० च्या दशकात खास आयोजित केलेल्या व्याख्यानमालेतील भाषणांत त्याने हे उद्गार काढलेत. व्याख्यान ऐकणारे श्रोते केवळ पुस्तकी प्राध्यापक नव्हते. भारतात नुकतीच स्थिरावलेली इंग्रजी सत्ता राबवणारे मंत्री, राजकारणी, प्रशासकीय अधिकारी (Civil Servants) असे भारताशी प्रत्यक्ष संबंध येणारे आणि भारतात काम करणारे इंग्लिश लोकही त्यात होते.
भाषणात अनेक विषयांचा उल्लेख मॅक्सम्युल्लर करतो. जसे भूशास्त्र? (Geology), वनस्पतीशास्त्र (Botany), प्राणीशास्त्र (Zoology), मानवंशशास्त्र (Ethnology), पुरातत्वशास्त्र (Archaeology), नाणकशास्त्र (Numismatics), न्यायशास्त्र (Jurisprudence) आणि अर्थातच तत्वज्ञान (Philosophy). या आणि अशा अऩेक विद्यांच्या अभ्यासासाठी भारत ही एक मोठी प्रयोगशाळाच आहे. केवळ अभ्यासाचा विषय म्हणून नव्हे तर अनेक मार्गदर्शक तत्वांचा उगम या भूमीत होतो म्हणून भारताकडे पहावे असे तो सांगतो. इतकेच काय पण पाश्चात्य जगताच्या ज्ञानाचा उगम मानल्या जाणाऱ्या ग्रीसमधील्या अनेक बोधकथा, दंतकथा मूळच्या भारतीय बौद्ध आणि इतर संप्रदायातील असू शकतात असा तर्क तो मांडतो.
गेल्या आठ लेखात आपण वेद आणि वेदवाङ्मयाची ओळख करून घेतली. आपण हेही पाहिलं की केवळ अध्यात्म नव्हे तर ज्ञान, विज्ञान आणि तंत्रज्ञान अशा अनेक विद्या शाखांचा विचार आणि अभ्यास प्राचीन भारतीय ऋषीमुनी करत होते हे ही वेदवाङ्मयात दिसून येते. वेदकालीन ऋषींनी मानव जीवनाशी संबंधीत जवळपास सर्व विषयांवर भाष्य केलेले आहे. यात शिकारीपासून ते शेतीपर्यंत, युद्धापासून ते वैद्यकापर्यंत आणि यज्ञापासून ते ज्योतिषापर्यंत अनेकविध विषय कौशल्याने हाताळले गेले आहेत. इतके की त्या विषयांचे सखोल ज्ञान या ऋषींना होते हे सहज कळून येते.
पण मग वैद्यक, ज्योतिष, तत्त्वज्ञान वगैरे विषयांवरील ग्रंथ पाश्चात्य संस्कृतीतही आहेतच की! आजच्या लेखात आपण इतकंच पाहणार आहोत की विज्ञान आणि तंत्रज्ञानानी समृद्ध होणाऱ्या पाश्चात्य आणि भारतीय संस्कृतीत असा काय फरक आहे की ज्यायोगे आज हजारो वर्षानंतरही जगभरातील विद्वान त्या वाङ्मयाचा अभ्यास करतात? केवळ तत्त्वज्ञानच नव्हे तर विज्ञान, तंत्रज्ञान आणि वैद्यकासारख्या अत्याधुनिक ज्ञानशाखातील संशोधकही कमी अधिक प्रमाणात वेदवाङ्मयाचा अभ्यास करतात. त्यांना मार्गदर्शक असे कोणते ज्ञान किंवा विचार वेदवाङ्मय पुरवते?
दृष्टिकोन……..
एखाद्या विषयाची पद्धतशीर हाताळणी करून त्याची वेगळी विद्याशाखा बनवणे आणि त्याचा काटेकोर अभ्यास करणे ही तर पाश्चात्यांची देणगी आहे. अगदी उदाहरण द्यायचे तर आधुनिक विज्ञानाची कोणतीही शाखा घ्या, जसे जीवशास्त्र (Biology) या विषयाची पद्धतशीर हाताळणी करून वनस्पतीशास्त्र(Botany), सूक्ष्मजीवशास्त्र(Microbiology), जनुकिय विज्ञान(Genetics) वगैरे विद्याशाखा पाश्चात्यांनी बनवल्या, त्याचे अभ्यासक्रम बनवले, पदव्या (मराठीत डिग्र्या!) निर्माण केल्या. वैद्यकातही डोक्यापासून पायापर्यंत प्रत्येक अवयवाची वेगळी शाखा बनवली. अगदी चव आणि गंध निर्माण करणारी शास्त्रेही विकसित केली गेली. वैज्ञानिक प्रगती हे ध्येय समोर ठेऊन विभागशः अनेक विद्याशाखा पाश्चात्यांनी दिल्या. अशा वैज्ञानिक प्रगतीचा मुख्य उद्देश अर्थातच मानव जातीचे कल्याण हा होता. मग तो उद्देश साधला गेला का? खरंतर नाही.
विज्ञान जितके अधिक प्रगल्भ आणि प्रगत झाले तितकेच ते संहारकही झाले. मानवजातीचे कल्याण हा मूळ उद्देश बाजूला पडला आणि मानवजात किंवा विशिष्ट मानव समुदायाला इतर समुदाय आणि जीवजंतूंपेक्षा अधिक शक्तीमान बनवणे हा स्वार्थी उद्देश प्रबळ झाला. वर्चस्वाच्या हव्यासापोटी विज्ञानाच्या शाखांची इतकी अजस्त्र वाढ झाली की प्रत्येक शाखा मानवाच्याच नव्हे संपूर्ण जीवसृष्टीच्या मुळावर उठावी इतकी संहारक होऊ लागली. आधी अण्वस्त्रे, मग रासायनिक अस्त्रे(Chemical Weapons), जैविक अस्त्रे(Biological Weapons) आणि आता तर जनुकिय तंत्रज्ञान (Genetics) यासारख्या अत्याधुनिक आयुधांनी मानवाच्या सुखापेक्षा चिंताच अधिक वाढवल्या. निसर्गाचा घटक म्हणून जन्माला आलेला मानव निसर्गावरच विजय मिळविण्याच्या अघोरी मार्गाला लागला आणि आता ते थांबवणे त्याच्या स्वतःच्याही हातात राहिले नाही. वैज्ञानिक प्रगती हा देशागणिक मानवी संस्कृतींच्या स्पर्धेचा विषय बनला. या स्पर्धेत टिकण्याची आणि जिंकण्याची इर्षा इतकी पराकोटीला गेली की मानवानेच त्याच्या आणि पर्यायाने पृथ्वीच्याही संहाराची बीजे पेरली. परीणामी आज आपण प्रदूषण(ध्वनी, वायु, पाणी आणि विचारसुद्धा), अस्त्र-शस्त्र, रोगराई, विकृत-दहशतवाद अशा अनेक समस्यांनी घेरलो गेलो आहोत.
समतोल…….
वैदिक ऋषीमुनी हे जसे तत्त्ववेत्ते होते तसेच शास्त्रवेत्तेही होते. वैज्ञानिक प्रगती वेदकाळातही होत होतीच. परंतु भारतीय शास्त्रवेत्त्यांचे मोठेपण यात आहे की त्यांनी या प्रगतीचा आणि निसर्गाचा योग्य समतोल राखणे महत्वाचे आहे हे जाणले आणि प्रत्येक शास्त्र हे विकसित होताना त्यातून निसर्ग, पर्यावरण आणि व्यापक सृष्टीशी माणसाची नाळ तुटणार नाही याची खबरदारी घेतली. त्यांनी वैद्यक विकसित केले पण औषधांनी होणारे अनुषंगिक परीणाम (Side Effects) टाळण्याचा जास्तीत जास्त प्रयत्न करूनच. औषधी विकसित केल्या पण त्या नैसर्गिक तत्त्वांशी तादात्म्य बाळगून. त्यांनी आयुर्वेद हा निरोगी आयुष्य जगण्यासाठीचे शास्त्र म्हणून विकसित केला. रोगांवर इलाज करण्याची पॅथी म्हणून नव्हे. त्यामुळे आहार(Diet), व्यायाम(Exercise), साधना (Meditation) आणि औषधी(Medicine) अशा सर्व अंगांनी समतोल साधणारी ज्ञानशाखा म्हणून आयुर्वेदाकडे पाहीले जाते. याच प्रकारे योग असो ज्योतिष असो किंवा अध्यात्म…..
प्रगती साधताना तिची दिशा आणि ध्येय हे एका सूत्रात बांधून निसर्गाच्या सर्व घटकांच्या कल्याणाचे उद्दीष्ट्य साध्य करणे ही वेदवाङ्मय आणि पर्यायाने भारतीय शास्त्रांची देणगी आहे. विद्या, कला आणि तंत्र अतिरेकी अनियंत्रित आणि संहारक न होता विकसित करण्याचे तारतम्य वेदवाङ्मयाने जगाला शिकवले.
त्यामुळेच रसायनशास्त्र (Chemistry), पदार्थविज्ञान(Physics), वैद्यक(Medicine), जीवशास्त्र(Biology), वनस्पतीशास्त्र(Botany), धातुशास्त्र (Metallurgy) असो किंवा अगदी अणुविज्ञान (Automic Science), या सर्व शास्त्रांचा भारतीय भूमीतील उगम आणि विकास हा याच तत्त्वांना अनुसरुन झाला. तुकड्या तुकड्यात वेगवेगळी शास्त्रे म्हणून विकसित न होता ती कल्याणकारक आणि सर्वसमावेशक जीवनवेद म्हणून विकसित झाली. आपल्याला वेदांसह अनेक ग्रंथात हे सर्वच विषय कमीअधीक प्रमाणात आढळतात ते यामुळेच. जीवनाशी संबंधीत असे ज्ञान असल्याने त्याचा केवळ वेगळी विद्याशाखा म्हणून अभ्यास करणे जितके गरजेचे आहे तितकेच ते ज्ञान सृष्टीचा समतोल राखण्यात किती यशस्वी ठरते हेही काटेकोरपणे अभ्यासणे गरजेचे मानले गेले. त्यामुळे शास्त्रे विकसितही झाली आणि त्यांची अनुषंगिक संहारकताही सीमीत केली गेली. वैज्ञानिक प्रगती आणि विवेकी तत्वज्ञान यांचा हा समतोल…..
आधुनिक जगात सातत्याने नवनवीन शोध लागत आहेत, तंत्रज्ञान विकसित होत आहे पण ते विवेकाने वापरण्याचे किंवा त्याचा गैरवापर टाळण्याचे शिक्षण देणारी मुल्यव्यवस्थाच अस्तीत्व हरवून बसली आहे. त्यामुळे प्रगतीच्या पायरीगणीक आपण विनाशाच्या चिंतेने अधिकाधिक ग्रासले गेलो आहोत. हा विवेक जागवणारी आणि प्रसृत करणारी तत्वप्रणाली वेदवाङ्मयाने दिली.
सर्वेSपि सुखिनः सन्तु, सर्वे सन्तु निरामयाः, सर्वे भद्राणि पश्यन्तु, मा कश्चित् दुःख भाग्भवेत्। किंवा
……सह नौ भुनक्तु।
किंवा
..वसुधैव कुटुम्बकम्। असो
यासारख्या प्रार्थनातून साधकाच्या मनावर हे तत्त्व कायम बिंबवले गेले की प्रत्येक कार्य, प्रत्येक पाऊल हे विश्वकल्याणाच्या हेतूतून उचलायचे आहे. संपुर्ण वसुधा (पृथ्वी) हे एकच कुटुंब आहे. यातील भूतमात्रांसह आपण सर्वजण एकाच साखळीतील कड्या आहोत. एक जरी कडी कमकुवत झाली तरी ही संपूर्ण साखळी दुर्बल होणार आहे. त्यामुळे प्रगती मग ती वैज्ञानिक असो तांत्रिक असो किंवा तात्त्विक तिच्यातून ही साखळी अधिक मजबूतच झाली पाहीजे. भौतिक आणि अध्यात्मिक प्रगती, मानवी जीवन आणि निसर्ग तसेच पर्यायाने मन आणि शरीर यांचा समतोल साधला तरच ज्या सुखाच्या अपेक्षेने अधिकाधिक विकासाची ईर्षा आपण बाळगतो ते चिरंतन सुख प्राप्त होईल. हा विचार निःसंशयपणे प्राचीन भारतीय वेदवाङ्मयाने जगाला दिला.
तात्पर्य काय तर आज विकसनशील वगैरे शिक्का असलेल्या भारताने स्वतःच जगाला दिलेल्या विवेकी अभ्यासकाच्या भूमिकेत परत शिरुन आपल्याच प्राचीन वाङ्मयाचा आणि आधुनिक विद्यांचा तारतम्याने अभ्यास करणे ही काळाची गरज आहे. धर्मग्रंथ म्हणून नुसते अंधश्रद्धेने कवटाळून बसणे हे जसे चुकीचे आहे तसेच ते जुने कालबाह्य वाङ्मय म्हणून झिडकारणेही तितकेच चुकीचे आहे. कोणत्याही टोकाच्या भूमिकेपेक्षा विवेकी वृत्तीने चतुरस्त्र अभ्यास करून वेद आणि वैदिक साहित्यातून मिळणारे सर्वांगीण ज्ञान प्राप्त करण्याचा प्रयत्न करणे गरजेचे आहे.
समारोपापुर्वी मॅक्सम्युल्लरच्या भाषणातील काही उतारे जसेच्या तसे वानगीदाखल देत आहे. त्याच्या भाषांतराची गरज पडू नये कारण अर्थातच आपल्याकडे इंग्रजी मराठीपेक्षा अधिक अभ्यासली जाते!!
If you care for geology, there is work for you from the Himalayas to Ceylon.
If you are a zoologist, think of Haeckel, who is just now rushing through Indian forests and dredging in Indian seas, and to whom his stay in India is like the realization of the brightest dream of his life.
The study of Mythology has assumed an entirely new character, chiefly owing to the light that has been thrown on it by the ancient Vedic Mythology of India. But though the foundation of a true Science of Mythology has been laid, all the detail has still to be worked out, and could be worked out nowhere better than in India.
Again, if you are a student of Jurisprudence, there is a history of law to be explored in India, very different from what is known of the history of law in Greece, in Rome, and in Germany, yet both by its contrasts and by its similarities full of suggestions to the student of Comparative Jurisprudence.
You know how some of the best talent and the noblest genius of our age has been devoted to the study of the development of the outward or material world, the growth of the earth, the first appearance of living cells, their combination and differentiation, leading up to the beginning of organic life, and its steady progress from the lowest to the highest stages. Is there not an inward and intellectual world also which has to be studied in its historical development, from the first appearance of predicative and demonstrative roots, their combination and differentiation, leading up to the beginning of rational thought in its steady progress from the lowest to the highest stages? And in that study of the history of the human mind, in that study of ourselves, of our true selves, India occupies a place second to no other country. Whatever sphere of the human mind you may select for your special study, whether it be language, or religion, or mythology, or philosophy, whether it be laws or customs, primitive art or primitive science, everywhere, you have to go to India, whether you like it or not, because some of the most valuable and most instructive materials in the history of man are treasured up in India, and in India only.
तळटीप:
1. INDIA: WHAT CAN IT TEACH US?
(A Course of Lectures – DELIVERED BEFORE THE UNIVERSITY OF CAMBRIDGE
BY – F. MAX MÜLLER, K.M.)
मागील भाग – ओळख वेदांची – आरण्यक ओळख वेदांची – समग्र लेखमाला
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