Mundakopanishad : [ Description of the sad state of knowledge-less ( devoid of Upasana ) rituals ]. Mantram-s. 8 to 10.

Mundaka-Upanishad


Chapter-1.


Section-2. ( Rituals )


Mantram - 8 to 10. [ Description  of  the  sad  state  of  knowledge-less  ( devoid  of  Upasana )  rituals ]


Mantram-10.


Discussion-3. "Meritorious  acts  ......"



Meritorious  acts  are  divided  into  two  groups  by  our  ancient  Rishi-s  on  the  basis  of  the  text-book  that  allow  it.

These  noble  acts  of  spiritual  merit,  advocated  in  the  "Sruti-s" called  "ISTA"***,  constitued  the  "Yajna-s" and  "Yaga-s";

and  those  prescribed  in  the  "Smriti-s"  constituted  the  digging  of  a  well,  opening  a  path,  building  of  a  hospitals,  schools,  feeding  the  poor,  tending  the  sick,  helping  education  etc.,  which  is  called  "PURTAM".



***

1. "ISTA :  Agnihotra - { the  fire - kindling  ceremoney  ( homam ) }  traditionally  enjoins,  on  a  brahmana  house - holder,  learning  and  teaching  of  Veda-s,  austerity,  truthfulness,  hospitality  and  the  ceremony  called  "Vaisvadeva" which  comprises,  among  other  terms,  the  feeding  of  animals  and  birds.


2. "PURTAM"  :  Comprises  of  public  utility  welfare  works  such  as  sinking  of  wels,  construction  of  water  storage  tanks  and  establishing  of  dharmasala-s,  for  travellers,  opening  of  schools,  hospitals,  temples,  laying  of  gardens,  feeding  the  poor  and  such  other  works  without  any  "DESIRE  FOR  FRUITS"........


Next  :  Discussion-4. "What  Upanishads  say  about  the  above  two  "ISTA and  PURTA"  ......"


To be continued   ........