Shraddha, in hindu religionIt is a ceremony performed in honor of a deceased ancestor. as time for Shraddha As the rituals approach, it becomes relevant to understand the real meaning of Shraddha. Acharya PrashantA leading Indian philosopher and Vedanta teacher, discusses this important concept with clarity and practicality, urging us to look beyond mere rituals and embrace deeper responsibilities to ourselves. Ancestor and the world.
Essence of Shraddha
Acharya Prashant explains that the best way to remember and honor those we love as our ancestors is to become what they wanted to be. He says, practically speaking, “If you have children, if you have grandchildren and if you claim you really love, you probably want them to be better off than you are.” This reflects the fundamental aspiration of parents: they naturally want their children to surpass them in every way.
However, this betterment often remains an ideal, a hope that parents cherish. Acharya Prashant emphasizes that this betterment is symbolized by what Sri Krishna calls “your destiny”, which can be understood as FreedomThis understanding redefines the concept of Shraddha, making it clear that the highest form of love that a parent can express is the desire for their child to attain salvation.
ancestral expectations
Discussing this, Acharya Prashant highlights the role of ancestors in shaping our paths. He explains that “parents” is a broad term that includes all of our ancestors. They naturally want us to do better than them, because this expectation is the root of the tribute we can pay to our ancestors.
The essence of this homage lies in recognizing that the ancestors have entrusted a responsibility to their descendants. This responsibility is to seek liberation – not just for ourselves, but to fulfill the unfinished agenda of those who came before us. “I am trying to fulfill your incomplete agenda,” he insists. You were born for liberation. It is still incomplete. I will do what you couldn’t do. And this will make you happy.”
responsibility for existence
Acharya Prashant’s exploration of Shraddha underlines the idea that honoring our ancestors is inextricably linked to fulfilling our responsibilities towards salvation. He emphasizes that the tribute that children can pay to their ancestors is to achieve what their ancestors could not achieve in their lifetime. In this sense, Shraddha involves recognizing that we are part of a larger continuum, which connects us to our lineage and the expectations inherent in it.
He challenges us to understand that salvation is not just an individual endeavor; This is a collective responsibility. He says, “Whatever is personal is ego.” This critical observation leads our attention to the understanding that true liberation must include compassion not just for oneself, but for all beings.
collective nature of salvation
Acharya Prashant says that when we talk about fulfilling the agenda of the past by working towards our liberation, we must recognize the all-inclusive nature of this endeavour. He asks, “Don’t we all come from the same original cell that became all sentient beings?” This perspective encourages us to see our liberation as linked to the liberation of all beings, reinforcing the idea that we are not isolated entities but part of a larger whole.
He elaborated on the concept of lineage by saying that our heritage is not a linear path but a web connecting all existence. “We often say, he comes in my line. He comes from my lineage. But it is not a line. It’s a web,” he explains. This analogy emphasizes that we are all brothers and sisters in this vast range of life, reinforcing the idea of shared responsibility.
Acharya Prashant asks a poignant question: “Can parents be happy if my siblings are suffering?” This allegorical inquiry emphasizes that in order to appease our ancestors, we must first address the suffering of those around us. This understanding leads to the conclusion that if we want to honor our ancestors, we must help our brothers and sisters, which means freeing ourselves from ignorance and helping the entire planet.
Shraddha misconception
As he deeply understands the meaning of Shraddha, Acharya Prashant criticizes how the ceremony has turned into an elaborate practice filled with superstition. He says, “Instead, Shraddha has become a whole elaborate ritual of superstition.” He emphasizes that the greatest honor we can pay our ancestors is to free ourselves from ignorance and help others.
He references the Bhagavad Gita to challenge the misconceptions associated with the idea of souls floating and being nourished by offerings. In the text, Arjuna expresses concern about the need for offerings to ancestral spirits and how these beliefs can lead to misunderstandings about existence. Acharya Prashant points out that Arjuna’s argument about the need for food for the souls is refuted throughout the Gita, emphasizing that Sri Krishna teaches a different understanding of existence, which goes beyond such limitations. .
Understanding Spirit and Nature
Acharya Prashant threw light on the concepts of soul and nature in detail. He clarified, “The soul is not attached to anything,” suggesting that it is not a separate entity that migrates between bodies. Instead, the soul is the supreme truth, which does not interact with the physical realm. He says, “Your body is nature. By definition the soul is that which is not attached to nature.” This distinction helps to clarify that the behaviors we attribute to the soul are actually rooted in the physical body.
Emphasizing that the body is a manifestation of dust, he explains, “There is no such thing as a soul.” He further explains that the experiences and emotions we associate with existence are tied to the physical. This idea challenges deeply held beliefs and invites us to rethink our understanding of life and death.
Reinvigorating the purpose of Shraddha
Acharya Prashant insists that Shraddha should be a time of deep feeling. He says, “I am doing what you are destined to do,” reminding us that mankind is on a journey of evolution. Referencing Darwin and Nietzsche, he explains that Darwin’s theory sheds light on our origins, while Nietzsche encourages us to strive towards becoming “supermen”. This journey from “Monkey to Superman” embraces the potential for growth and change inherent in every individual. “You have to complete that journey,” he emphasizes, describing Shraddha as a moment to reflect on our ongoing evolution.
“Superman” represents the free man – a man who transcends ignorance and contributes to the liberation of others. By reimagining Shraddha in this light, we transform it into an opportunity for deep introspection and commitment to personal and collective growth.
conclusion
In the view of Acharya Prashant, Shraddha is not just a ritual; It is a deep commitment to honoring our ancestors through the pursuit of liberation and compassion. By adopting this understanding, we can transform Shraddha into a meaningful practice that inspires us to overcome ignorance and promote collective well-being.
Through the teachings of Acharya Prashant, we see that Shraddha serves as an invitation to explore our deep connections with our ancestors and all living beings. By striving for liberation and working to reduce suffering, we not only honor our ancestors but also fulfill our responsibilities to the broader web of existence.
