Gita Chapter 17, Sloka 23

Gita Chapter 17, sloka 23.

In the piece “Sutras” I had mentioned that the last one namely “om thath sath” found mention in a few slokas, in Gita which I will try and capture in the blog later. Here I go; the first one is sloka 23 of chapter 17

“Om thath sath ithi nirdesho brahmanasthrividhaha smrutaha

Brahaamanasthena vedaascha yagyaascha vihitaaha puraa.

Transliteration:

Om Thath Sath are specific names of that Universal soul, who created the Vedas, the brahmanaas, as also the yagnyaas, at the beginning of creation - Vedas being the commandments/SOPs, Brahmanaas the followers/practitioners of these, and yagnyaas the medium. .

More Detailed Bhashyams

One must have observed that at the end of every, mantra, yagnyaa, meditation, etc, one often chants these three names of that non-dual brahmn. Since every one of these rituals is part of His commandments, and requires one to observe these without expectation of fruits thereof, any deviation either in procedure or even in in thought therefore would tantamount to these duties not being “complete” in all respects (Poorthy).

Chanting these three names at the end therefore is a reaffirmation of faith that in as much as He is Himself the doer, the cause, as also the effect, one is just obeying His commands, and since He can never, ever be incomplete, all doubts about these simply have to vanish. 

In one of the texts, it is said that when any such ritual is ended with chanting of these names, not only is this deemed to be “poorthy” but every prescribed fruits of such rituals also automatically accrue. This gives an altogether fresh meaning to my doubts about the need for a “phala shruti”(text of fruitful results) at the end of every sloka, or an oblation, when one is barred from any expectation of results.

My take is this; the “phala shruti” is an intrinsic part of any sloka/ritual, and is His prescription. If the ritual is completed successfully the results will/must accrue. But the ritual will never be complete if you desire these. One has to do his/her duty with total faith and without an expectation of a result. And like a medicine taken as per doctor’s prescribed course cures our ailments, the results prescribed (being His) cannot but accrue. So there really is no surprise if a Sadhu who meditates/ does rituals with complete detachment is also showered with material riches, though he never ever desires it.

The moral of the story: think of Him as the cause, the effect, the doer all in one, 24X7, even as you continue to do your duties and you will be in perfect peace, and will be ultimately liberated in absolution with Him.             

Though the next few slokas are dedicated to explain in more precise details these three names, which I will attempt later, I am tempted to touch briefly on “thath”.  I find it very appealing and hence want to share earlier. The word “thath” – an inanimate word to describe that omnipotent self-effulgent, brahmn, seems an inapt choice, to one’s immediate mind.

In Sanskrit the word “Thath” is described as a “paroksha” word, which is used to represent one that is out of / beyond the range of sight, escaping observation, secret, and unknown.  Usage of “Thath” to describe Him is therefore to signify that He is beyond comprehension, reflection, deliberation, thought, examination, discussion, discernment, exercise of reason, circumspection et al, and is a subject of absolute trust and unshakeable faith, and can only be experienced through His grace.

One must be familiar with phrases like “adhu ennadhuda” in Tamil, or in Hindi “whoh kya thaa” kind of awe when one perceives something superlative and unexplainable. Both the “adhu” and “whoh” are nothing but “thath” . It has always been a wonder to me as to how profound truths are hidden in very common ordinary folks’ languages, which is perhaps a pointer to the fact that we had a very highly evolved civilization in the past, remnants of which are still found in these phrases passed on from generations. It will be a pity if these do not remain in usage, as families continue to shrink and get to be more and more exposed to a globalized life-style, and leaving a far less scope for the next generations to  pick up such phrases.

Cost of evolution? 

Love

Vichu