Why Studying Shastrams Matters

Medha Gurukulam was started with a mission: Revive the study of Shastram by facilitating traditional study methods and become a centre of scholarly excellence.

The purpose of studying Shastram

As indicated in Part 1 of this series on Medha Gurukulam, Shastras are imperative in order to interpret Vedas.

Knowledge of Vedas is essential in order to know the self. Studying Shastras involves internalising the content that leads to an evolved state tending towards moksham. On the other hand, the system of study in contemporary methods pertain only to only the things that can be perceived by the senses.

Here are a few illustrative examples of how Shastrams are used to interpret Vedas. Mimamsa is the Shastram that is used to help interpret the meaning of sentences. The validity of a meaning is checked based on several other contextual parameters. This form of interpretation is systematic and methodical. The application of Mimamsa would help clarify and discard ambiguity and misinterpretation. Though the study tends to base the understanding of the application of Mimamsa on Vedik content, it can be interpolated very well into any sphere that requires such interpretation.

In the field of law, for example, knowledge and application of Mimamsa would make it very systematic. Interpretation of law would follow a system which would make it more valid and justice too would be better delivered. Retired Supreme Court Justice Markandeya Katju has shown this in practice. In the absence of a system like Mimamsa, the legal interpretations tend to be free-flow which ensues in justice also being free-flow.

Vyakarana Shastram is the study of grammar. Vedik content is studied and grasped based on the grammar employed.

Speaking of Vyakarana is incomplete without at least a mention of the greatness of Panini who compiled in his work, Ashtadhyayi, the world’s only complete rule-based grammar of human language. The 2000 root words and 500 suffixes combined using 4000 rules give rise to a mind-boggling 20 crore (200 million) or more words! Anyone who merely scratches just the surface of this cannot be anything but awe-struck by what is among the greatest achievements of human intelligence!

Vyakarana structure of Sanskrit, being comprehensive in nature, makes Sanskrit the most suitable medium to translate between any two languages. It is also very useful as a metalanguage to write complex codes in programming.

Tarka Shastram is the use of logic in debates. The rules of debating are followed by the parties and the outcome is accepted by all regardless of their initial stance. This is of great importance and use especially in debates that take place in the public sphere. Such deeply thought out and argued debates will facilitate solving complex problems related to public policy, etc., thereby bringing greater good for one and all.

The above are merely a few examples to show the necessity and relevance of studying the Shastrams. To generalise, it can be stated that Shastrams are ‘superstudies’ that provide methods and means to enhance scientific understanding and grasp of other fields of study, be it Vedas, Humanities or Material and Physical   Sciences.

Prospects for those who Study Shastram

A question that waits to be asked is, “Can one make a living out of studying the Shastrams?” The answer is an emphatic “Yes”. With the prevailing shortage of Shastraik scholars, there is huge scope for those who study the Shastrams.

Most importantly and desirably, they would be able to become Acharyas in existing Gurukulams and establish their own Gurukulams.

In case the scholars decide to take a certified course and graduate from a contemporary education institution, their Shastraik knowledge would certainly make them powerful in their field of practice or research.

The next question that pops up is, “How much can those who study Shastrams earn?” The answer is. “At least sufficient to live without financial worry.” By design, one who goes through the Gurukula method will not want too much and this will ensure that life goes on fine even with what seems to be relatively a small amount of money.

The largely unasked question is, “What kind of life will one who studies our Shastrams lead?” to which the answer is, “A life filled with contentment arising from knowledge.” This must be the single compelling answer to convince anyone of the value of studying Shastrams.

Transitioning from Shastraik Studies to Contemporary College Education

The students of Medha Gurukulam can write exams through the National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS). Students are taught English, Mathematics and Computer Science and supported to prepare for the examinations. It must be noted that Medha Gurukulam’s core objective is Shastraik knowledge which will be kept intact and not diluted under any pretext. They may, after completion of their Shastraik studies at Medha, pursue degree courses in Mathematics, Computer Science, BBA, B.Com, Law, Sanskrit etc.