Man entertains numerous desires. He can successfully fulfill only a few of them by his own efforts through normal means. As long as unfulfilled desires fill his heart, he cannot have peace. Here comes the role of the Shruti or the Vedas, which prescribe certain specific rituals to obtain specific objects of desire by divine grace. These are the alaukika upayas or supernatural means, by resorting to which he can satisfy his desires legitimately.
The Vedas, considered apaurusheya (not of human origin) and eternal, contain a wealth of knowledge about various aspects of life and the universe. Among this knowledge, the Vedas prescribe rituals and methods that can be classified into laukika (worldly) and alaukika (supernatural) upayas. While laukika methods pertain to ordinary, empirical means of achieving goals, alaukika upayas refer to extraordinary or supernatural methods aimed at fulfilling desires and ambitions that seem beyond human reach.
Types of Alaukika Upayas
1. Shyena Yaga
One notable example of an alaukika upaya is the Shyena Yaga, a ritual intended for the destruction of one's enemies. This ritual involves complex rites and specific offerings to invoke divine intervention for the desired outcome. However, the use of such powerful methods is heavily regulated by the Vedas themselves.
2. Putrakameshti Yaga
Another well-known supernatural method is the Putrakameshti Yaga, a ritual performed to beget a child. This yaga, which involves specific mantras and offerings, is intended to invoke divine blessings for progeny, particularly when natural means have failed.
3. Ashvamedha Yaga
The Ashvamedha Yaga is a grand Vedic ritual performed by kings to establish sovereignty and gain immense power and prosperity. This ritual involves the release of a consecrated horse, accompanied by the king's army, to roam freely for a year. The territories traversed by the horse are claimed by the king, symbolizing his dominance.
Ethical and Moral Considerations
While the Vedas prescribe these supernatural methods, they also emphasize ethical and moral considerations. The Shruti provides detailed instructions on the conduct of these rituals and explicitly forbids the misuse of such powerful practices. For instance, despite the potency of the Shyena Yaga, its use is discouraged and considered forbidden except under extreme and justified circumstances. The guiding principle is that these methods should not cause harm or injustice and must align with dharma (righteousness).
Shruti as the Guiding Light
In this respect, Shruti is said to be like a light illuminating equally the path to be chosen and the thorn to be avoided. The Vedas offer comprehensive guidance, highlighting the potential benefits and pitfalls of various actions. The choice is left to the individual, but the Vedas provide the necessary wisdom to choose properly.
The Vedas function as both a source of knowledge and a moral compass. They present a holistic view, encompassing both the means to achieve one's desires and the ethical framework within which those desires should be pursued. This dual role ensures that while individuals have the tools to fulfill their aspirations, they do so in a manner that upholds cosmic order and personal integrity.
The concept of alaukika upaya in the Vedas reflects the profound understanding of human nature and the recognition of the limitations of ordinary efforts. By prescribing supernatural methods, the Vedas acknowledge the role of divine grace in achieving extraordinary outcomes. However, these methods come with strict ethical guidelines to prevent misuse and ensure that the pursuit of desires aligns with the greater good. Thus, the Vedas provide a balanced approach to fulfilling human aspirations, blending practical wisdom with spiritual insight.