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SHIKSHAYATAN CULTURAL CENTER INC. For Excellence In Learning (718) 461-4065 Shikshayatan: The Ultimate
The name Shikshayatan is composed of two Sanskrit words. Shiksha + Ayatan. Shiksha and Vidya are the synonyms. The object of Vidya (Shiksha) is evident from ancient phrase 'Sa Vidya ya Vimuktaye'. This means knowledge (Shiksha) is that which liberates. Liberation means enlightenment. Life free from weakness, problems, and suffering. The word Vidya and Veda are derived from the same original word (Dhatu) 'Vid', which means to know. Veda means total knowledge. So Vidya means knowledge of Veda.
Ayatan means space or abode. So Shikshayatan means the abode (home) of total knowledge, the Veda. Space means Akasha, 'Akasha' is one of five elements (Earth, Water, fire, air, and space) of which the entire Universe is formed. Each of these elements has their specific qualities such as the earth has the quality of smell, water has the quality of taste, fire has the quality of sight, air has the quality of touch and space has the quality of Word (Shabda). The entire Veda and Vedic literature is in the form of Shabda (Word). So it is called 'Sadabrahma'. Thus the word Ayatan includes the entire Vedic literature in it. The entire Vedic literature can be summarized in the form of its 40 branches, which are as follows:
1. Rigveda, 2. Samveda, 3. Yajurveda, 4. Atharvaveda, 5. Upanishads, 6. Aranyakas, 7. Brahmans: Vedangas, 8. Shiksha. 9. Kalpa, 10. Vyakaman, 11.Nirukta, 12. Chhanda, 13. Jyotish: Upangas, 14. Nyaya, 15. Vaishashik, 16. Sankhya, 17. Yoga, 18. Karma Mimansa, 19. Vedanta, 20. Ithihasas (Ramayan & Mahabharat), 21. Puranas (Eighteen), 22. Smrities (Eighteen)- Upvedas- (first Upveda Ayur Veda having nine braches)-,23. Charak Samhita, 24. Sushhrut Samhita, 25. Vagbhatta Samhita, 26. Madhav Nidan, 27. Bhav Prakash, 28. Sharngdhar Samhita, 29. Bhel Samhita, 30. Hareet Samhita, 31. Kashyap Samhita-other Upvedas being-32. Gandharva Veda (Classical music and dance), 33. Dhanurveda, 34. Sthapatya Veda and six pratishakhyas, 35. Rigveda pratishakya, 36. Sam Veda pratishkya, 37. Krishna Yajurveda pratikshya, 38. Shukla yajur veda pratishakhya 39. Atharvaveda pratikshya and 40. Chaturdhya yi (atharva pratishakhya).
So Ayatan includes this whole range of Vedic literature. More over the letter, "A" in Ayatan also reflects on the source of space ('A' being source of all letters-('Akaro vai sarva Vak'-Shiksha sutra) that is source of entire Vedic literature in Atma ('A' for Atma). This letter 'A' in Ayatan represents Atma, the settled state of mind inherently present in every one.
Everyone can experience this state of Atma, source of Veda and entire Vedic literature by learning meditation yog and practicing it for 20 minutes Morning and Evening in day-to-day life. This meditation yoga is learned in four days, one hour on each day.
It is the right time for every member of Shikshayatan to bring its true meaning in life with learning and regular practice of meditation yoga and achieve the Ultimate-the full enlightenment.
Blessing from Acharya Dinesh Mishra Nov. 2000
Jain Education International
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