 Early Times Report
YOL, (HIMACHAL PRADESH), May 19: On the 38th day of the ongoing 78-day Yajna dedicated to the study and propagation of all four Vedas at Ved Mandir, renowned Vedic scholar and Yogacharya Swami Ram Swarup delivered an enlightening discourse on Rigveda Mantras 10/117/1 and 10/117/6, emphasizing the importance of anna-daan (food donation), compassion and righteous use of wealth.
Addressing devotees and spiritual seekers, Swami Ram Swarup Ji explained the divine message contained in the mantra "Devaah kshudham vadham na u dadhuh," stating that learned scholars do not believe that death occurs merely because of lack of food or hunger. Quoting "Aashitam uta mrityavah upagacchanti," he said that even those who possess abundant food and live with full stomachs are also subject to death. Therefore, human life should not be centred only around accumulation of wealth and material comforts, but around selfless service, charity and spiritual wisdom.
Explaining the hidden meaning and spiritual secret of food donation, Swami Ji said that God, through the Vedas, teaches mankind that when a person satisfies a hungry individual with food and compassion, "rayih na upadasyati" - meaning his food, prosperity and wealth never diminish. However, a selfish person who eats alone without feeding the needy can never attain divine peace or the grace of God.
Swami Ji further remarked that all people in society generally fall into two conditions - either an empty stomach or a filled stomach - and therefore humanity should understand the deeper purpose of life. He said that one who comes under the shelter of Almighty God receives food, knowledge, health, wealth, peace, happiness and long life. He emphasized that true prosperity comes not merely through material possessions but through faith in God, charitable conduct and service to humanity.
He added that according to Vedic teachings, it is a sacred duty and command of God to feed a hungry person who may arrive unexpectedly or someone whose body has weakened due to lack of food. Such acts of kindness and generosity are considered highly virtuous and spiritually elevating.
Referring to Rigveda Mantra 10/117/6, Swami Ram Swarup Ji said the mantra warns against selfishness and misuse of wealth. He explained that a person without wisdom who acquires food, wealth and property but consumes everything alone becomes sinful. God declares that such wealth eventually becomes the cause of that person's own destruction because he neither supports learned Vedic scholars nor fulfils responsibilities towards his family and society.
He said the Vedas strongly uphold the importance of charity and social responsibility. However, charity should always be offered to deserving and righteous individuals who contribute positively to society. True charity, he added, is measured not by the quantity of wealth donated, but by purity of intention and the spirit of selfless giving.
The discourse deeply inspired devotees attending the Yajna, encouraging them to adopt values of compassion, generosity, humility and social service in their daily lives. The ongoing Four-Veda Yajna at Ved Mandir continues to attract devotees and seekers from across the country, spreading awareness about the timeless wisdom and universal relevance of Vedic teachings in modern society. |
