Teachings of the Vedas are Universal and Relevant in All Times

Vedokhilo dharmamoolam
‘The whole Vedas is the (first) source of the sacred law….’ (The Manusmriti: 2.6)
Vedpranihitho dharma
‘What is ordained in the Vedas is dharma.’
(The Srimad Bhagawata: 6.1.40)
“…for the sacred law shone forth from the Veda.” (The Manusmriti: 5.44)

The Vedas are a matchless means of accomplishing the four main goals of human life, viz. dharma, wealth, fulfillment of righteous desires and salvation. They teach and prescribe both the paths, the path of action and that of Knowledge.
Vedo Narayana Saakshaat
‘The Vedas are Lord Narayana incarnate…’
(The Srimad Bhagawata: 6.1.40)
The highly valuable teachings of the Vedas, an incarnation of God Himself, on the matters of orderliness in society, balanced conduct and peaceful living are universal in every respect, and perfectly relevant in all times. The following percepts bear testimony to this fact:

1. Kevalagho Bhavati Kevaladi
‘One who merely gratifies his senses is a sinner.’ (The Rigveda: 10.117.6)
One, who is engaged in feeding only his stomach, who amasses alien wealth only for himself, who is concerned only with his own convenience, is verily a sinner.

All things belong to God and are controlled by Him alone. Man is entitled to take only so much of it as is righteously earned by him and is quite enough to meet his bare necessities. The rest belongs to others and to use it is theft. Therefore, one who consumes things for himself alone, consumes only sin. The Lord has said the same thing in the Gita in clear terms:
Bhunjate the twacham papa ye pachantyatyamkaranaat
‘Those sinful ones who cook for the sake of nourishing their own body alone, eat only sin.’ (The Gita: 3.13)

Maharishi Vedavyasaji has further elaborated on the issue in the Srimad Bhagawat:
Yavad bhriyat jhatharam tavat swatwam he dehinam
Adhikam Yobhimyanyet sa stano dandamharti

‘An embodied being can lay claim to that much wealth as is just enough for filling his belly (for his sustenance). He who lays claims on the surplus is a thief and deserves punishment.’ (7.14.8)

2. Aksherma devya
‘Don’t play with the gambling dice.’ (The Rigveda: 10.34.13)

The Vedas have given us the sound and noble advice of refraining from gambling. The disastrous consequences of gambling have been illustrated through the narratives of King Nala, Yudhishthira, etc. in the Mahabharata and other Puranas. Even Duryodhana and others, who rejoiced at their victory in gambling, did ultimately meet their total ruin.

3. Krishimiit krishasva
‘You should do farming. Work hard in cultivating the land. ‘ (The Rigveda 10.34.13)

Here farming refers to the duty to which one is born. One should do one’s own righteous duty with due diligence. Engaged in one’s own natural and righteous duty with due diligence, one attains to the Supreme goal of God-realization. The Srimad Bhagwad Gita also extols the virtue of doing the duty to do which one is born:
Sahajam karma Kauntaya sadoshmapi na tyajayat
‘Therefore, O Arjuna, one should not abandon the duty to which one is born, even though it may be full of defect.’ (The Gita: 18.48)

Even if it appears to be laden with virtue, one should desist from doing the duty of another 9a duty alien to one’s growth), which is but counter-productive.

One who lives a natural and spontaneous life while ever diligently carrying out his duties is loved by all. Whereas the hypocrite who runs away from his own duty is disliked by all and even his own conscience bites him.

4. Vitte Ramasva bhau manyamaan
‘Be content to the core with the wealth earned through righteous means and always be happy. ‘

How can the bliss that is naturally available in the one who remains quiet imbibing the nectar of contentment, ever come to the one who remains agitated hankering after wealth and running here and there in pursuit thereof? This verse too teaches us to remain content with our due share of wealth. We should never try to misappropriate others’ share.

5. Eehaav stam we yooshtam vishwamayuyarshnutam.
‘O bride and groom! May both of you live as one family never to part company with each other! May you live for the full length of life.’ (The Rigveda: 10.85.42)

This mantra is addressed to the newly weds, counseling them to live together throughout their life and never get separated due to quarrels, divorce, etc. It tells them to love, understand and help each other towards mutual progress. By following the percepts given herein, the present day strife in the family can be easily avoided.

6. Sam gachhghavam sam vadadhavam sam vo manansi janataam
‘Co-operate with one another; talk to one another softly and affectionately; may your minds achieve consensus with one another and attain Knowledge.’ (The Rigveda: 10.191.2)

Man is a social animal. A society runs smoothly with mutual cooperation, goodwill and cordial relations. Today, a lack of mutual cooperation and goodwill alone has caused unrest in the world.

Let us walk together. Let us talk unanimously for mutual co-operation. Let us consider the whole world as one family and let us all be happy always. While holding this liberal Vedic thought in due esteem, let us bring it into practice.