Unveiling the Profoundity of Chamakam | OMS Episode - 19/100

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Chanting Vedam with Bhagawan
   • Chanting Durga Suktam
   • Swami's Encouragement
   • Sharing Vedic Knowledge
3. Water Project Inauguration and Impromptu Chanting
   • Preparing for the Inauguration
   • Chanting Rudram and Chamakam
   • The Inner Significance of Chamakam
   • Understanding the Shoe Size Analogy
4. Profound Message of Chamakam
   • Need vs Want
   • Varying Needs of Individuals
   • The Blessing of Chamakam
5. Seeking Blessings to Chant Vedam
   • Lack of Artistic Skills
   • Praying for the Opportunity
   • Bhagawan's Profound Message
6. God's Indescribable Nature
   • Beyond the Mind's Perception
   • The Limitations of Vedas
   • Experiencing God's Presence
7. Conclusion

📜 Chanting Vedam with Bhagawan

Chanting Vedic hymns, known as Vedam, is a sacred practice that brings devotees closer to the divine. In May 1991, during our first year as undergraduate students, we had the incredible opportunity to chant Vedam in the presence of Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba. This experience left a profound impact on our lives and deepened our understanding of the power of Vedic chanting.

🎵 Chanting Durga Suktam

During one particular chanting session, we were assigned to chant Durga Suktam. Standing on the right side of Bhagawan, we began our recitation. However, after the fourth line, Swami abruptly stopped us. It was clear that our chanting had not met Swami's expectations. Disheartened, we walked towards the backstage when we were suddenly called back by Bhagawan. As we approached Him, Swami blessed us with Padanamaskar, a divine touch of His feet. He looked at us and said, "Kotta Pillalu Kada. Andukane Antha Sariga Cheppaledu. Mundu Mundu Velli Chala Baga Cheptharu," meaning, "They are new children. They started learning recently. That's why they couldn't chant that well. Going forward in the future, they will chant quite well." These words of encouragement instilled confidence in us and inspired us to continue our journey of sharing the knowledge of Vedic chanting.

🌐 Sharing Vedic Knowledge

From that day forward, many of us from the chanting group took it upon ourselves to share the sacred knowledge of Vedam with others. Whether it was teaching youngsters, children, toddlers, or elderly devotees, we dedicated ourselves to spreading the wisdom of Vedic chanting. We witnessed the transformative power it had on individuals, as their hearts and minds became attuned to the divine vibrations present within the ancient verses.

📜 Water Project Inauguration and Impromptu Chanting

One remarkable incident occurred during the inauguration of the famous water project. As the event approached, we were informed that Swami wanted to listen to us chanting Vedam impromptu. Excitement filled the air as we prepared ourselves for this blessed opportunity.

🏞️ Preparing for the Inauguration

The previous evening, we gathered in the portico of the Prasanthi Mandir, eagerly awaiting Bhagawan's arrival. After His interview, Swami walked towards us, where the students were seated, and inquired, "Repu Evaru Evaru Veltunnaru water project inauguration ki?" ("Who all are going there for the water project inauguration?") This unexpected question left us in suspense. Before we could answer, Swami asked, "Who are all going to chant the Vedam?" We stepped forward, and Swami continued, "Emi Cheptaru Repu?" ("What will you chant there tomorrow?")

🎶 Chanting Rudram and Chamakam

In response to Swami's query, we replied, "Swami Rudram." His smile reassured us, and He said, "Sarele Rudram Cheppandi" ("Okay, very good, chant Rudram"). We commenced the recitation, pouring our hearts into the verses. However, after the first Anuvaka, Swami interrupted us and asked, "Enthamandiki Chamakam Telusu?" ("How many of you know Chamakam?") Before we could answer, Swami instructed, "Chamakam Cheppandi" ("Start chanting Chamakam").

🌟 The Inner Significance of Chamakam

With Swami's guidance, we chanted all eleven Anuvakas of Chamakam. As we neared the conclusion, Swami asked, "Meeku Deeniki Antharartham Telusa?" ("Do you know the inner significance of this Mantra, of Chamakam?") We were caught off guard, as we had not delved deeply into the meaning of the verses. Bhagawan compassionately explained that Chamakam is a prayer to God, seeking blessings for our specific needs and desires. It is a beautiful reminder that we should ask for what is essential and necessary, neither more nor less.

👟 Understanding the Shoe Size Analogy

To illustrate this concept further, Swami used a simple analogy. He asked, "Chamakam Antharartham, shoe size Anthe. Thats it, it is just shoe size." Perplexed, we listened intently as He continued, "Let's say your leg has a size of seven, and I give you a shoe that is the size of eight, will you be able to wear it? Obviously no, it is going to be big. If I give you a shoe with a size of six, it will be small, and you cannot wear it. You will need a shoe with the size of seven, that matches your feet."

The shoe size analogy beautifully encapsulates the essence of Chamakam. It teaches us to seek only what is necessary for our spiritual growth and true well-being. Just as the right-sized shoe provides comfort and support, Chamakam guides us to ask for what is truly essential and beneficial. Anything beyond our genuine needs becomes greed—an unnecessary burden in our spiritual journey.

📜 Profound Message of Chamakam

Chamakam, with its verses filled with divine significance, imparts a profound message for seekers of truth. It teaches us the importance of understanding our needs and desires, without succumbing to the lure of excessive wants.

🎯 Need vs Want

In a world driven by material desires, Chamakam offers a refreshing perspective. It underscores that our true needs go beyond mere accumulation of possessions and external achievements. It urges us to align our wishes and prayers with our innermost needs, those that nourish our soul and foster spiritual growth. By recognizing and focusing on our genuine needs, Chamakam guides us towards a more harmonious and purposeful life.

🌈 Varying Needs of Individuals

Every individual has unique aspirations and desires. What brings joy and fulfillment to one may not resonate with another. In this diversity, Chamakam serves as a guide, reminding us that our spiritual journey is deeply personal. It encourages us to seek what is essential for our individual growth and understanding, respecting the diverse paths that others may tread.

💒 The Blessing of Chamakam

As we ponder upon the significance of Chamakam, we realize the immense blessing bestowed upon us by Bhagawan. The opportunity to chant these profound verses opens the door to spiritual growth and self-reflection. Chamakam, under the guidance of a spiritual master like Bhagawan, becomes a tool for inner transformation and a source of divine grace.

📜 Seeking Blessings to Chant Vedam

During our time in Kodaikanal, on the occasion of Tamil New Year's Day or Vishu, a beautiful incident unfolded. While many students showcased their artistic talents, there were a few of us who lacked such skills. However, we had the desire to contribute in some way. Remembering the power of Vedam, we sought Bhagawan's blessings to chant these sacred hymns.

🙏 Lack of Artistic Skills

Feeling inadequacy due to the absence of artistic talents, we pondered upon our abilities to serve Bhagawan. Despite our limitations, we remained steadfast in our devotion and yearned to offer something meaningful. In humility, we recognized that our love for Vedam and the practice of chanting could be our unique contribution that would resonate with Bhagawan's grace.

🛐 Praying for the Opportunity

On that auspicious day, one of us approached Bhagawan with folded hands and an earnest prayer, "Swami, please give us an opportunity to chant Vedam." Bhagawan lovingly bent down towards the devotee's face, their eyes meeting intimately, and whispered, "Yato Vacho Nivartante, Aprapya Manasa Saha." These profound words from the Taittiriya Upanishad reverberated within, reminding us that God is beyond the grasp of words and thoughts. He is indescribable, beyond the realm of the mind's comprehension.

🌌 Bhagawan's Profound Message

In those few moments, Bhagawan's message became crystal clear: while Vedam provides a means to extol the divine, the ultimate aim is to experience the presence of God beyond all explanations and understanding. Swami emphasized that He is not meant to be understood but experienced. His presence transcends words and thoughts, inviting us into the realm of pure, unconditional love.

📜 God's Indescribable Nature

Bhagawan's words about the indescribable nature of God had a profound impact on our spiritual outlook. We realized that Vedam, as powerful as it is, can only take us to a certain point in our exploration of the divine.

🌌 Beyond the Mind's Perception

Our mind acts as a filter, perceiving and comprehending the world around us. However, God is beyond the limitations of the mind, beyond the boundaries of human perception. As Swami taught us, our thoughts and concepts can only capture a fragment of the vastness and magnificence of the divine.

🌈 The Limitations of Vedas

Despite the expanse and profundity of the Vedas, their words serve as signposts along the path to God realization. The ancient verses guide and inspire seekers, but they cannot encapsulate the entirety of God's infinite nature. Swami's message reminded us to approach the Vedas with humility, recognizing their inherent limitations in capturing the all-encompassing reality of the divine.

🌟 Experiencing God's Presence

The ultimate goal, as Bhagawan emphasized, is not to merely extol or explain God but to experience His presence. The indescribable nature of God invites us into a realm beyond words and thoughts—a realm where pure love, devotion, and surrender become the means to truly encounter the divine. It is through direct experience that our hearts are transformed, and we merge with the infinite love that surrounds us.

📜 Conclusion

As we reflect on the profound experiences and teachings shared here, we realize the significance of the practice of Vedam. It serves as a potent Sadhana, a means of unifying our thoughts, words, and actions. Through the unity of purpose, purity emerges, paving the way for the direct experience of divinity.

Vedam, with its rich collection of verses, propels us deeper into our spiritual journey. It reminds us of our needs versus wants, guiding us to seek what is truly essential for our growth and well-being. As we navigate through the tapestry of life, let us remember the wisdom of Chamakam and strive to align our prayers with our genuine needs.

In the end, it is through direct experience that the true essence of Vedam reveals itself—the eternal, blissful nature of the divine, waiting to be discovered within our hearts.

Highlights

• Chanting Vedam with Bhagawan and receiving His encouragement.
• The profound message of Chamakam and the significance of asking for what is truly needed.
• The limitations of words and Vedas in capturing the indescribable nature of God.
• Seeking blessings from Bhagawan to chant Vedam and realizing the importance of personal contribution.
• The invitation to experience God's presence beyond understanding and explanation.

FAQs

Q1: What is the significance of chanting Vedam with Bhagawan? Chanting Vedam with Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba provides a unique opportunity to connect with the divine and receive His blessings. It deepens spiritual understanding and instills confidence in practitioners.

Q2: What is the inner significance of Chamakam? Chamakam, a Vedic hymn, teaches us to ask for what is essential and necessary in our lives. It guides us to seek blessings for our genuine needs and avoid excessive desires.

Q3: How does God's indescribable nature impact our spiritual journey? Realizing that God is beyond the grasp of words and thoughts helps us shift our focus from intellectual understanding to direct experiential realization. It invites us to embrace love, devotion, and surrender as the means to encounter the divine.

Q4: Is Vedam limited in capturing the nature of God? While Vedam serves as a profound spiritual guide, it is limited in expressing the entirety of God's infinite nature. It acts as a signpost, pointing towards the divine, but direct experience is ultimately required to realize God's indescribable essence.

Q5: How does Chamakam guide us in our prayers and aspirations? Chamakam reminds us to align our prayers with our genuine needs and avoid excessive wants. It emphasizes the importance of seeking what is essential for our spiritual growth and well-being.