“How much have you contributed to the world today? Are you justifying the sacrifices of your parents?
What are you doing with the baton that has been passed on to you?” These and other probing questions were asked by spiritual head of SWAHA, His Holiness Paramacharyaji Pt. Hardeo Persad on his radio programme on the occasion of Pitra Paksh, the fifteen-day period set aside for focusing on the ‘pitris’ or ancestors. This period will be observed from September 19 to October 04, 2013.
In his address, Punditji sought to create a deeper awareness among Hindus of the auspiciousness of Pitra Paksh as well as the importance of performing daily pitri yagya. He raised many concerns on the relevance of this period and how it affects each individual. The following are excerpts of his address:
“Why do you think Hinduism provides the injunction to observe the period of Pitra Paksh? The following are the reasons:
1) It is one of the Paanch Maha Yagya that must be carried out daily by everyone.
2) We owe a debt to our ancestors.
3) Our ancestors have passed on to us the baton of continuity. Therefore, we simply must take it and run.
In our leg of the relay of life we need to serve society. We need to serve humanity and the lower forms of creation. We need to be compassionate to our fellow humans, seek their welfare and demonstrate empathy in our relationships. Additionally, we need to reflect on the values that have been passed to us by our ancestors and to show gratitude. All that we possess today, the affluence, the values system, the comforts, religious traditions, exemplary lifestyle and much more, are due to the sacrifice and greatness of those who have been here before us.
There is no need to look far behind. Were it not for our parents’ sacrifices we would not be enjoying such amenities, such luxuries. Therefore, each of us needs to ask ourselves: Am I justifying the sacrifices of my parents? We surely can if we maintain their values and enhance them, if possible. This is the real significance of Pitra Paksh.
Such actions should be carried out daily. Pitri yagya is ‘nitya karma’, one of the five daily duties that we all need to perform. Like all injunctions, it is incumbent upon everyone to carry out this ‘karma’ on a daily basis. We need to perform those actions that justify the sacrifices of our parents and those who have left us the rich heritage of all that we have. Besides, we owe a debt of gratitude to our ancestors. It is the responsibility of all to ensure that their work is continued, enhanced and propagated. Sons perform this yagya in the ritualistic way while daughters do so by their lifestyles and the values and principles that they embody and which they impart to their children. These are the actions that will nourish our ancestors.
To the young Hindus, my advice is that you should embrace the systems and the practices that are enshrined in Sanatan Dharma and in the ‘paramparaa’ that are part of your upbringing. However, you must consider the reasons behind them. It is necessary that you examine the rationale behind the practices you carry out. It is necessary that you have a clear understanding behind what you do. Think logically. Think rationally and be guided by reason. This is Gyaan Bhakti or enlightened ritualism. Do not swerve from the path of our ancestors.
