Vedic Symbolism

The value of the Rig Veda as a guidebook to spiritual practice has been obscured due to the heavy veil of symbols used by the Rishis to hide their meaning from the uninitiated. "Vedic Symbolism" introduces the major vedic concepts and reveals their esoteric sense.

In the Indian ethos, we encounter symbolism everywhere – in our shastras, in our celebrations and festivals, in the way we live. Symbolism has a language of its own. It is not necessarily meant to be cryptic or secretive, but it is meant to make on think, to ask questions. Why do we celebrate our festivals the way we do? Why are Hindu gods multi-armed, each one specific and distinct from the other? What is the significance of their individual vehicles and the weapons they carry? Pujya Gurudev, Swami Chinmayananda, sometimes spoke about symbolism and sometimes wrote about it. His style was unique and always to the point. The articles in this book have been compiled by Swami Nityananda (formerly R.S. Nathan), who was driven by a desire to share Gurudev’s wisdom with all. There are articles by others too, and they have been included because each one of them touches on one or the other aspect of symbolism. And if anybody is buzzing with questions, pick up this book and read on.

Many of the secrets of life and consciousness can be discovered through Vedic Astrology. Mythology students will find it helpful in unlocking the astrological keys to the great archetypes of the psyche.

Hinduism is one of the major religions of the world with considerable antiquity and complexity. It is identified by its ancient scriptures called Vedas, Upanishads, Puranas and Epics, its iconography and temple culture visible in India and abroad. The popular epics Ramayana and Mahabharata attract interest all over the world for their thematic stories. Many books publicise the spiritual symbolism of these facets of Hinduism. Author of this book deviates from this general trend and analyses Hindu symbolism in the light of sociological perspectives and scientific parallels visible in the ever changing Indian society in the form of cultural expressions.

Mircea Eliade--one of the most renowned expositors of the psychology of religion, mythology, and magic--shows that myth and symbol constitute a mode of thought that not only came before that of discursive and logical reasoning, but is still an essential function of human consciousness. He describes and analyzes some of the most powerful and ubiquitous symbols that have ruled the mythological thinking of East and West in many times and at many levels of cultural development.