Geethartha Chinthane 08: The Principle of Inclusiveness

Team Udayavani, Aug 17, 2024, 8:30 AM IST

The name Arjuna also carries the meaning ‘Trina’ (grass). This is why the phrase “Arjuna Uvacha” is used in the Bhagavad Gita, rather than “Partha Uvacha” or “Dhananjaya Uvacha.” In other words, the Mahabharata and the Gita were composed with even the smallest, most humble beings like Trina in mind.

The teacher delivers the same lesson to everyone, but the level of understanding varies for each student. If the student with the least understanding can grasp it, it is natural that more intelligent students will also understand it. The Mahabharata is crafted in a way that even those with the least understanding can grasp it, making it naturally accessible to those who are more intelligent. This is a distinctive feature of Vedavyasa and the Sanatana Dharma, emphasizing the importance of understanding this inclusiveness.

As Lord Krishna declared in the Gita, “I take care of the welfare of all” (Yogakshemam Vahamyaham), Vedavyasa ensured that no one was deprived of knowledge. Moreover, there is a strong principle of inclusiveness in his teachings. For instance, the Gayatri Mantra is prohibited for monks, and the Pranava Mantra for householders. Does this mean that monks were deprived of Gayatri mantras and householders were deprived of Pranava mantras?  It is simply a part of a structured system that should be properly understood.

Vedartha is also present in the Mahabharata, and it even includes subjects not found in the Vedas. This is why the Mahabharata is considered the ‘Panchamaveda.’ Srimadacharya praised the Mahabharata as ‘Samhita,’ as it is equivalent to the Vedas.

~ Sri Sugunendra Theertha Swamiji of Paryaya Sri Puthige Sri Krishna Matha

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