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The Best Method of Performing Shraddha: A Scriptural Guide and Its Importance
Shraddha is a sacred ritual performed in Hindu culture to honor the deceased ancestors, ensuring peace for their souls. This ancient tradition, primarily observed through offerings like Pind Daan (ball offerings of rice) and Tarpan (libations of water), is believed to bring salvation to the departed souls. But does this traditional way of performing Shraddha align with the scriptures? According to the Bhagavad Gita and other sacred texts, there is a more profound, scripturally correct way to uplift our ancestors, which can also lead the practitioner towards ultimate liberation or moksha.
In this article, we will explore the best method to perform Shraddha as per the scriptures, particularly through the teachings of Saint Rampal Ji Maharaj, and understand its deeper spiritual significance.
What is Shradh?
Shraddha is a religious rite conducted to pay homage to deceased ancestors, ensuring their peace and satisfaction in the afterlife. It involves offerings to Brahmins, performing Pind Daan, and organizing feasts. However, are these traditional practices truly beneficial according to the scriptures? The Bhagavad Gita and Puranas suggest that only a scripturally accurate method can lead to the salvation of the ancestors, and incorrect practices may trap the soul in cycles of rebirth.
The Purpose of Ancestral Worship: Scriptural Insights
In the Bhagavad Gita (Chapter 9, Verse 25), Lord Krishna states that those who worship ancestors will become ancestors themselves, meaning they are trapped in the cycle of rebirth. Likewise, worshippers of gods attain the gods, and those who worship spirits will become spirits. This clearly indicates that rituals like Pind Daan and Tarpan do not lead to salvation, but only perpetuate the cycle of birth and death.
The Correct Method of Shraddha According to Vishnu Purana
In Vishnu Purana (Part 3, Chapter 15, Verses 55-56), it is mentioned that offering food to a true yogi (a practitioner of scripture-based spirituality) during Shraddha can uplift not only the ancestors but also thousands of Brahmins and others involved in the rituals. The term "yogi" refers to one who follows the correct spiritual practices as per the scriptures. Currently, the disciples of Saint Rampal Ji Maharaj are the true yogis who perform such scriptural practices, and they have the potential to save their ancestors through their genuine devotion.
Why Pind Daan and Shraddha are Ineffective
According to Bhagavad Gita (Chapter 9, Verse 25), performing Shraddha and Pind Daan does not yield any spiritual benefit. Instead, it leads the person to the same lowly realms of existence as their ancestors or spirits. The Markandeya Purana also condemns Shraddha as an act of ignorance, stating that it does not bring peace to the deceased soul nor to the living family members. Therefore, performing such rituals not only fails to benefit the ancestors but may also harm the spiritual progress of the person performing them.
The Path to Salvation: True Spiritual Practice
In the Bhagavad Gita (Chapter 18, Verse 62), Lord Krishna advises that one must seek the guidance of a realized saint, who possesses the true knowledge of salvation, to attain liberation from the cycle of birth and death. Saint Rampal Ji Maharaj is such a saint, who teaches the correct method of devotion in accordance with the scriptures. His disciples not only ensure the salvation of their ancestors but also achieve personal liberation by breaking free from the cycle of 84 lakh life forms.
Scriptural Method of Performing Shraddha
Saint Rampal Ji Maharaj conducts spiritual congregations at his ashrams every two to three months, where millions of disciples participate in communal meals. The food offered in these gatherings is dedicated to the ancestors, which provides them salvation. This method aligns with the scriptures and benefits both the ancestors and the donors. Through these donations, the donors themselves also progress on the path of liberation.
The Consequences of Non-Scriptural Ancestral Worship
The Bhagavad Gita (Chapter 16, Verses 23-24) warns that those who perform rituals against the scriptures without proper knowledge will not attain any spiritual benefit, nor will they achieve peace or salvation. Such acts only lead to further entanglement in the cycle of life and death, and hence it is essential to follow the scriptural guidelines for all religious practices.
The Teachings of Kabir Sahib
Kabir Sahib, one of the greatest spiritual saints, emphasized that true devotion to the Supreme Lord can lead to the liberation of the soul and its ancestors. He said:
"Ekai Saadhe Sab Sadhai, Sab Saadhe Sab Jaaye; Mali Seche Mool Ko, Phalai Phool Aghaye."
This means that by practicing the correct form of devotion, all aspects of life and afterlife fall into place naturally. Saint Rampal Ji Maharaj’s disciples, through their scriptural devotion, ensure not only their salvation but also that of their 101 generations.
Garuda Purana’s Message on Salvation
The Garuda Purana suggests that merely reciting it after death holds no value unless its teachings are applied while living. Through understanding and practicing the true devotion described in the scriptures, one can avoid sinful acts and attain salvation. Saint Rampal Ji Maharaj’s disciples follow this principle, ensuring their spiritual well-being in this life and beyond.
Achieving Liberation through the True Guru
The Bhagavad Gita (Chapter 4, Verse 34) urges individuals to seek out a realized saint and receive true knowledge from them to attain liberation. Today, Saint Rampal Ji Maharaj is the only recognized spiritual guide who teaches the path of salvation according to the scriptures. Under his guidance, practitioners can free themselves from the bondage of sins and escape the cycle of 84 lakh life forms, achieving ultimate salvation.
Scriptures do not endorse the traditional Shraddha and Pind Daan practices, as they fail to provide any spiritual benefit or lead to salvation. The upliftment of ancestors is only possible through scriptural devotion as taught by Saint Rampal Ji Maharaj. By following the correct path of devotion, one can not only ensure the liberation of their ancestors but also attain personal freedom from the cycle of birth and death, reaching the supreme abode of eternal peace.
In summary, true devotion, as per the scriptures, is the superior method of performing Shraddha, bringing both liberation to the ancestors and moksha to the practitioner.
FAQs
1. What is Shraddha?
Shraddha is a religious ritual performed to honor deceased ancestors, aiming to bring peace to their souls through offerings like Pind Daan and Tarpan.
2. Is Shraddha scripturally correct?
No, the scriptures, especially the Bhagavad Gita (Chapter 9, Verse 25), indicate that Shraddha does not provide any spiritual benefit and leads to further cycles of rebirth.
3. What is the correct method of Shraddha?
According to Vishnu Purana, feeding a true yogi during Shraddha can liberate ancestors. Today, Saint Rampal Ji Maharaj’s disciples perform scriptural practices, making this the proper method.
4. Can Shraddha uplift ancestors?
No, Shraddha rituals do not uplift ancestors. Only scripture-based devotion can ensure their liberation.
5. What is the scriptural view on Pind Daan?
Pind Daan and Shraddha are considered acts of ignorance, offering no spiritual gain.
