A Small Vedic Hymn

The following is a very brief but powerful hymn from the Rig Veda, “Aum Avrikey Ksheshyanta”. Avrikey means the man who is above malice, lie (falsehood) or treachery. In other words, the person who is plain, truthful, simple, straight and pure in his thought and action is ‘avrikey’. He is a person who is without any unnatural and unnecessary turn or twist in his thinking or conduct. Ksheshyanta means the God always resides or stays in the heart of such a man who is Avrikey. A man comes alone into this world. When he leaves this earthly existence, again, he exits alone. However, when God is with him, he enjoys all the benefits of being in a majority, even if he is secluded in this world or the next. Only a wakeful, modest, resolute, consistent, determined and watchful seeker can achieve the status of being ‘Avrikey’. He should strive to be tolerant like a tree and humbler than dust, for this will help him to attune his conduct perfected with the practice of forgiveness. Politeness, forbearance, patience and restraint are the prerequisites to become Avrikey. There should be no disagreement, within and without, in thought, speech or action. Accumulation and assimilation of these virtues takes the devotee on a fast track to liberation. The Vedas, so full of insight, say, “Prehi Prehi pathebhi purvaybhi” — O incessant traveller, you may tread the worldly path with the help of eternal truth”. As an ‘Avrikey’, the evolved person will savour the import of the sweet but powerful Vedic hymn, “Aum Avrikey Ksheshyanta”.

Source: Economic Times, 20/02/2019