Mysticism and Symbolism- In Aitareya and Taittiriya Aranyakas (An Old and Rare Book)

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About the Book The entire Vedic Literature has, broadly speaking, four different and distinct stages of development over a period of thousands of years since the very pre-historic times. The Aranyakas or the Forest Texts constitute the third important class of literary work. Despite constituting a land mark and rather a turning point in the remarkably philosophic thought of the, Entire Vedic literature, the Aranyakas have, somehow, attracted a little thought of the Vedic scholars/researchers. Whatever research had been undertaken in this branch of Vedic literature, it has, Invariably, been perfunctory or at the most touched only on in significant aspect of the other wise, rich philosophic contents of the Hermit Texts. A significant feature of this book is that it under takes a comprehensive analysis of the most intricate spiritual mysteries of the universe. Such deep-seated intricacies of philosophy have been extricated from a plethora of ritualistic moss and characteristically archaic language of the texts under study. The Supreme-Being who transcends the duality of subject and object cannot, ipso facto be a field of clear definition and demonstration, but inspite of such Inherent limitations, the author has lucidly deciphered His essential characteristics including His omniscience/omnipresence, identity between the universal and individual souls, permeation of the latter even up to the ends of the hair in the human body etc. Even a cursory glance through the work reveals that these two principal Aranyakas are immensely rich in their metaphysical contents. The author has, rather boldly, brought out some of the then prevailing social superstitions like observing of odd omens, their ill-effects and pseudo-mysticism so much so that even the points of comparison and contrast between the two Aranyakas under study have also been meticulously, but briefly brought out. In short, the book presents a panoramic view of the Aryan culture Including social conceptions in that hoary past.

About the Author Dr. U.D. DHAWAN (b. 1928), has been an officer of the Punjab Civil Service and retired from that in 1984 as Deputy Secretary to Government of Punjab, Chandigarh (India). Before Joining the service of the State Govern ment, he had acquired the degree of Master of Arts in Economics. He has a vast experience of various civil, revenue, executive and magisterial posts in different districts of undivided State of Punjab (India) and also at the headquarter of the State Govern ment. Despite such onerous adminis trative responsibilities, Dr. Dhawan's deep-seated lure to unravel the mysteries of the Absolute-Being induced him to the formal study of Sanskrit language which is a store house of metaphysical knowledge, Starting, abilities, with the study of this rich language, he passed M.A. In Sanskrit from the Punjab University, Chandigarh In 1977 and acquired the degree of 'Doctor of Philosophy' in Vedic literature from the same Alma Mater In 1981. After attaining these high academic qualifications, Dr Dhawan did not rest on his oars. The present literary work on 'Mysticism and Symbolism in Aitareya and Taittiriya Aranyakas' is the outcome of his post Doctorate academic pursuits. Besides, he has, so far, written as many as fourteen literary articles on Vedic subjects and Valmiki Ramayana. Seven of these have since been published in leading metaphysical Journals emanating from the Internationally known Vishveshvaranand Vedic Research Institute, Hoshiarpur (Punjab, India) and other places In fact, Dr. Dhawan is an ardent follower of Rgvedic verse (Ma-Shramism 8.4.7.) 'that we may never feel tired'. Study of Vedic philosophy is a life-long ambition with Dr. Dhawan and he is devotedly carrying on his research regarding propagation of knowledge of the single Godhead and realisation of the same as organized in Yajur Veda.

Foreword The word "Veda" means "the knowledge par excellence", that is, "the sacred, the religious knowledge". It does not mean one single literary work, but a whole great literature, which arose in the course of many centuries and was handed down from generation to generation by a galaxy of enlightened sages through verbal trans mission, till finally it was declared at some prehistoric period to be "devine revelation", on account of the supremely sublime nature of its contents. The belief in the "sacredness" of this literature arose as it were, spontaneously, and was seldom seriously disputed.

Preface This book, by and large, constituted my thesis which culminated in the award of the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy to me by the Punjab University, Chandigarh (India) in the year 1981. In fact, the thesis owed its origin and emergence to my revered guide and teacher, Dr. J.D. Vidyälankära, M.A., Ph.D. (London). presently Professor in the Department of Sanskrit, Pali and Prakrit, Maharshi Dayananda University, Rohtak, Haryana. Besides, very perseveringly and affectionately helping me in the prosecution of my studies for M.A. in Sanskrit during the years 1975-77, it was he, who induced me to the study of Vedic literature. It was once again he, who guided my deep-seated lure to unravel the mysteries of the Supernatural that the present voyage into almost unknown and unexplored sea of the ancient Aranyakas or the Hermit texts was undertaken in the first half of the year 1978. With God's grace, my insignificant (but persistent) efforts ultimately fructified in the consummation of this work. During all these three years or so, Dr. Vidyalankara always steered me clear of all the difficulties and very willingly, diligently and ably explained to me even the most intricate metaphysical and mystical intricacies of the Aitareya and Taittiriya Aranyakas which primarily constitute the basic subject-matter of this study. Ipso facto, my mind is overwhelmed with intense emotions in sheer thankfulness and gratitude towards Dr. Vidyalankara.

Introduction The Ṛgveda, Yajurveda (both of white and black schools) Samaveda and the Atharvaveda with their various branches consti tute the Vedic-samhitas. The traditional Indian Thought believes the Vedas to be "Apauruşeya" or "Revelation of God", but to the modern Indian mind, they are the outcome of spiritual experiences and inspirations of the great ancient seers who existed during various periods. The Vedas are not the outcome of a single omnis cient mind; but collection of divine inspirations of a galaxy of really merited seers; their heirs and followers over a period of centuries.

Book's Contents and Sample Pages