All Beings are Manifestation of God
As all Beings are manifestation of God
मातृ देवो भव।
पितृ देवो भव।
आचार्य देवो भव।
अतिथि देवो भव॥
Maathru Devo Bhava
Pithru Devo Bhava
Aacharya Devo Bhava
Athidhi Devo Bhava.
Honour thy Mother as God.
Honour thy Father as God.
Honour thy Teacher as God.
Honour thy Guest as God.
Be one to whom a Mother is as God, Be one to whom a Father is as God, Be one to whom a Teacher is as God, Be one to whom a Guest is as God.
These verses are from Taittiriya Upanishad [तैत्तिरीय उपनिषद्], which has been originated in the Vedic era and describe the prayers and benedictions, advice on ethics and morals, treatise on allegory and philosophical instruction etc. for the graduating students of ancient Vedic Gurukul (schools).
A deeper interpretation of these verses goes to explain the Indian culture. We are taught to honor and respect our parents, educators and guests at all times under any circumstances. To respect and honor all living and non living beings is the essence of our teaching. Neither physically, nor emotionally nor mentally we should insult or discriminate or disrespect or ridicule.
Parents- as we are all offspring of them, we treat them with respect and ultimate devotion. They are the seen creator and given high regards. They nurture us with love and affection. They strive and
work hard to ensure their children have a good future.
Teacher- The one who imparts with knowledge, embeds moral values and creates a civilized society. He/she who educates us on worldly and spiritual matters is regarded as God. Without their guidance and education, we would be blinded and absolutely directionless in our life journey. Here, Acharya
might have signified a spiritual teacher in the past, but in today's world, Acharya can also refer to our school teachers, university professors or lecturers.
Guests- The Great Souls or the blessings of God always come to us as Guests and thus they are being considered God. Indian culture teaches that all living and non living things are to be respected, loved and worshiped. We conceptually consider each other as one as per Advaita or non-duality. We gradually develop the love and treat all with affection and we become more passionate about individual feelings, pain and sorrow. In today's world, we can term Athidhi as follows. Daily we come across individuals from different walks of life. Some become a prominent part of our lives, while some just remain acquaintance. Example, we get married to someone and that someone becomes our spouse. Likewise, siblings, children, relatives and friends. They are all categorized as guests. At work place or in school, we engage with customers, partners, clients, students, classmates, colleagues, subordinates, superiors, etc. These individuals who walk in and out of our lives, bring along their own experience, knowledge, expertise, etc. Which we might be influenced in many ways and might also form as part of our learning. We can broadly categorized them as guests as well. These individuals play an integral part in our lives. It is only wise to express unconditional love and respect and treat them with utmost dignity.
What is the point of chasing and gaining higher levels of spiritual awareness when these basic aspects of humanity is not appreciated and practiced?
मातृ देवो भव।
पितृ देवो भव।
आचार्य देवो भव।
अतिथि देवो भव॥
Maathru Devo Bhava
Pithru Devo Bhava
Aacharya Devo Bhava
Athidhi Devo Bhava.
Honour thy Mother as God.
Honour thy Father as God.
Honour thy Teacher as God.
Honour thy Guest as God.
Be one to whom a Mother is as God, Be one to whom a Father is as God, Be one to whom a Teacher is as God, Be one to whom a Guest is as God.
These verses are from Taittiriya Upanishad [तैत्तिरीय उपनिषद्], which has been originated in the Vedic era and describe the prayers and benedictions, advice on ethics and morals, treatise on allegory and philosophical instruction etc. for the graduating students of ancient Vedic Gurukul (schools).
A deeper interpretation of these verses goes to explain the Indian culture. We are taught to honor and respect our parents, educators and guests at all times under any circumstances. To respect and honor all living and non living beings is the essence of our teaching. Neither physically, nor emotionally nor mentally we should insult or discriminate or disrespect or ridicule.
Parents- as we are all offspring of them, we treat them with respect and ultimate devotion. They are the seen creator and given high regards. They nurture us with love and affection. They strive and
Teacher- The one who imparts with knowledge, embeds moral values and creates a civilized society. He/she who educates us on worldly and spiritual matters is regarded as God. Without their guidance and education, we would be blinded and absolutely directionless in our life journey. Here, Acharya
Guests- The Great Souls or the blessings of God always come to us as Guests and thus they are being considered God. Indian culture teaches that all living and non living things are to be respected, loved and worshiped. We conceptually consider each other as one as per Advaita or non-duality. We gradually develop the love and treat all with affection and we become more passionate about individual feelings, pain and sorrow. In today's world, we can term Athidhi as follows. Daily we come across individuals from different walks of life. Some become a prominent part of our lives, while some just remain acquaintance. Example, we get married to someone and that someone becomes our spouse. Likewise, siblings, children, relatives and friends. They are all categorized as guests. At work place or in school, we engage with customers, partners, clients, students, classmates, colleagues, subordinates, superiors, etc. These individuals who walk in and out of our lives, bring along their own experience, knowledge, expertise, etc. Which we might be influenced in many ways and might also form as part of our learning. We can broadly categorized them as guests as well. These individuals play an integral part in our lives. It is only wise to express unconditional love and respect and treat them with utmost dignity.
What is the point of chasing and gaining higher levels of spiritual awareness when these basic aspects of humanity is not appreciated and practiced?
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