What is Kalpasutra /kalpasastra?
Kalpasutra is a series of voluminous books written by many Rishies each of the book is known with the name of the corresponding Rishies. The major kalpasutras are Boudhaayana kalpasutra, Aapasthamba kalpasutra, Kaatyaayana kalpasutra and Maanava kalpa sutra. Each of the kalpasutra may have more than five to ten thousand pages.
How these kalpasastras are divided for different acharas?
Division of Kalpa saastra is done as Gruhyasutra, Dharma sutra, Sroutha sutra, Pitrumedha sutra, Sulbasutra and Prayaschitta part. Some of the Kalpasutra may have one or more chapters dealing with some other subjects also.
Why the acharas differ among Hindus?
This is because different opinions are presented on the method of performance in different Kalpasutras. All the Kalpasutra do not give the same procedure for each achara. The explanations differ, hence the difference seen in those who are following that kalpasutra.
Can you give example for such differences?
Some people celebrate Sivaratri on a particular day another group may celebrate in a different day. For one group, on the ekadasi day the srardha can be performed for another group srardha should be performed on that day. This difference is not serious. One should understand that the opinions of the Rishies vary and it is permitted.
Can we see this type of variations in other religion also?
Do not try to compare our acharas with those of others. Their acharas are explained in their prime text and connected with god or religion. Our acharas may not have any direct link to religion or spirituality. Remember that this type of variation is there in other religion also. Ramadan falls in different days in different places. For many, the Christmas is on 6th January. Some Christians do not worship Cross at all. These are all variations.
Are there descriptions of acharas in puranas ?
Many stories/ discussions /advise written in puranas are aimed at informing the merits of the acharas. The acharas mentioned in puranic stories have more spirituality in it. Particularly vrathas, pilgrimage, bhakti, pooja , performance, etc.
How the stories are used in puranas to convey the message of acharas?
In puranas, different stories of following the acharas are narrated. The stories convey the merits of performing the acharas which motivates people to follow the acharas. Focus is given through spirituality in puranas.
How the contents of itihasas (Epics) carry the acharas ?
The itihasas indirectly convey the merits and the messages of following the acharas. It is easy to remember the stories and hence easy to remember the merits of acharas also. This is also given as the Rishies advising Dhasaratha/
Kaikeyee/ Dharmaputra/ Rama/ Arjuna and to many others as dialogue/dis ussion. The message gets into our mind like from that of a drama.
How many acharas are mentioned in Vedas?
Vedas give only ultimate truths, messages and facts of life. But in Yajurveda, Yaga based acharas are mentioned. In sama Veda acharas connected with chanting the sama gana are given indirectly . For achieving the target of many of the great messages of Vedas the dharma sastras give the guidance through acharas.
Does the Upanishad carry the explanations of acharas ?
There are more than 108 Upanishads and many acharas are explained in Upanishads. The acharas connected with poojas, yoga, araadhana, bhakti, manthra, thanthra, yanthra, etc. are also described in some Upanishads. In the major 18 Upanishads, you may not see the description of acharas.
How many types of acharas are followed by people ?
One cannot classify the acharas in types. There are acharas which are performed for spiritual benefits known as Mokaha acharas. There are acharas performed for prosperity and happiness which are known as kaamya acharas. The former has high level of spirituality in it.
Can we explain the merits of acharas in a nut shell?
The acharas do have many merits which can be classified under FIVE categories. Acharas beneficial for mind, body, family, society and nation.
How psychology/ mind is involved in acharas?
Each individual is a combination of physical body and mind. The mind is the most important factor guiding the man/ family/ society and nation. Hence many acharas are formulated to make the mind perfect and healthy. Either in individual or as group.
What are the psychological benefits of acharas?
Examples of psychologically beneficial Acharas : Chanting a mantra/ keerthan/ naama /etc. Faith in divine power and even the concept of god are created for mental or psychological benefits. The faith or sraddha or bhakti in god is for psychological benefits.
Do you mean to say that fear of god is good ?
We, Indians never say ‘ god fearing’ but we are god loving - Eeswara Bhakti is what is required and not Daiva bhayam. Hence the bhakti has psychological benefit.
What are the acharas for psychological benifit ?
Taking the blessing from elders, listening to the puranic and related stories, taking food with family members, visiting friends and relatives, doing yoga, sharing the problems with friends and family members………are all psychologically beneficial acharas.
What are the physiological benefits of acharas ?
Any acharas which can contribute to better health fall under this category of acharas. It is told that sareeram adhyam khalu dharma sadhanam. Body is the first tool for performing the dharma. Hence health is very important factor for maintaining a dharmic life.
What are the examples of such type of acharas ?
Examples of physiologically beneficial acharas are: doing soorya namaskara ( Sun salutation) which is an ideal exercise for all the movable skeletal joints. The soorya namaksara is composed of seven yogaasanas. Each of which can contribute the best possible way to smoothen the movement of skeletal joints. Hence soorya namaskara is known as the king of the exercises.
How many more such acharas can be named?
There are thousands of such acharas practiced in
What will be the sin if the acharas are not practiced ?
Acharas are not for purifying from papa nor for getting punya. It is purely for our earthly life and health. Hence, if you are not performing acharas, it will never create any sin. It is not the god’s responsibility to punish you. God is not sitting for punishing us. These type of explanations are childish . But the merits expected from the acharas may not be available, if they are not practiced.
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