Host:
Pranam, Gurudev.
Guru:
Pranam, Baba.
Understanding Traditional Vedic Counting
Host:
Friends, you have previously heard from Gurudev on the "Gupta Sadhak Syama Khyapa" YouTube channel about the Nine Planets (Navagraha) and the Ten Directions. Today, we want to learn about two more subjects from him: the Five Arrows (Panchaban) and the Seven Seas (Saptasagar), also known as the "Seven Oceans." Along with these, we would also like to learn about the Eight Vasus (Ashtavasu).
Guru:
You see, nowadays we follow the West and say "1, 2, 3, 4." But we never teach children the traditional way: One is the Moon (Eke Chandra)—there is only one moon for the Earth. Two are the Fortnights (Due Paksha): Krishna Paksha and Shukla Paksha (the waning and waxing moon), or Amavasya and Purnima. Three are the Eyes (Tine Netra): A person with three eyes is called "Tryambaka." While humans have two eyes, they also possess a "Third Eye" or the Ajna Chakra. When this eye opens, a person can know the past, present, and future. Divine instructions are received through this chakra. Four are the Vedas (Chari Ved): Rig, Sama, Yajur, and Atharva. Five are the Five Arrows (Panche Panchaban): Most people aren't aware of what these actually are.
The Five Arrows (Five Senses/Tanmatras)
Guru:
The Five Arrows are related to the five senses (Indriyas/Tanmatras). The first is Drashtam—sight, involving the eyes. The second is Shabdam—sound, involving the ears. The third is Gandham—smell, involving the nose. The fourth is Rasam—taste, involving the tongue. The fifth is Sparsham—touch, involving the skin. These five are collectively called the "Panchaban." They are actually related to the five senses (Indriyas/Tanmatras).
The Six Seasons and Seven Seas
Guru:
Six are the Seasons (Chhoyey Ritu): Summer (Grishma), Monsoon (Barsha), Autumn (Sharat), Late Autumn (Hemanta), Winter (Sheet), and Spring (Basanta). Seven are the Seas (Satey Samudra): The Mediterranean Sea (Bhumadhyasagar), the Adriatic Sea, the Black Sea (Krishna Sagar)—I believe this sea has dried up, but it is said it will rise again in the future, even splitting the Himalayas. The Red Sea (Lohit Sagar), the Arabian Sea (Arab Sagar)—this sea contains both Mecca and Somnath. It is said a time will come when Mecca and Medina might be submerged; this is mentioned in various religious texts. The Persian Gulf, and the Caspian Sea.
The Thirteen Sacred Rivers
Guru:
We often hear the phrase, "Seven Seas and Thirteen Rivers." Many don't know the names of these thirteen rivers, but they are vital for rituals like the "Mahasnan" of Goddess Durga. The names are: Atreyi, Bharati, Ganga, Yamuna, Saraswati, Sarayu, Gandaki, Purna, Setuganga, Kaushiki, Bhagawati (in Patala), and Mandakini (in Swarga). These rivers and the seven seas' waters are used for the great ritual bath (Mahasnan) of the Goddess.
The Eight Vasus (Eight Divine Elements)
Guru:
Eight are the Eight Vasus (Ashte Ashtavasu). You might have seen during weddings, thread ceremonies, or housewarmings, priests draw a figure with an "Ardha-Chandra" (crescent moon) and eight dots of vermilion. They offer ghee to these eight dots. These represent the Eight Vasus (Ashtavasu), also known as "Chediraj." The Eight Vasus are: Dhritri—the Earth; Agni—Fire; Vayu—Wind/Air; Antariksha—Space/Cosmos; Aditya—the Sun; Dyaus—the Sky; Chandramas—the Moon; and Nakshatram—the Constellations/Stars. These are natural elements that aid a practitioner (Sadhak) in their spiritual journey.
The Vedic Mantra and Prayer
Guru:
A Vedic (Samavedic) mantra is used during the offering to the Vasus: "Yad vacho hiranyasya yad vacho gobhamuta satyasya brahmano maam sansrijamasi." The Guru concludes with a prayer to Chediraj: "Chediraja namastubhyam shapagrastha mahamate, khutpipasa nude danto Chediraja namostute."
The Nine Planets and Ten Directions
Guru:
Nine are the Nine Planets (Noye Nabagraha): Moon (Som), Mars (Mangal), Mercury (Budh), Jupiter (Brihaspati), Venus (Shukra), Saturn (Shani), Sun (Ravi), and the lunar nodes Rahu and Ketu. Ten are the Directions (Dashe Dik): North, South, East, West, North-East (Ishana), South-East (Agni), South-West (Nairrita), North-West (Vayu), Up (Urdhva), and Down (Adhah).
Host:
You have heard from Gurudev about the Five Arrows, the Seven Seas, and the Eight Vasus. Friends, please subscribe to the "Gupta Sadhak Syama Khyapa" channel and send us your questions in the comment box. Pranam, Gurudev.
Guru:
Pranam.
Spiritual Insight
Hindu and Vedic philosophy encode profound spiritual knowledge within numerical systems and natural elements. The Five Arrows represent the gateways through which the soul interacts with the material world. The Seven Seas and Thirteen Rivers embody the waters of purification essential to sacred rituals. The Eight Vasus represent the eight primordial elements that sustain all life and aid spiritual practitioners. Far from being mere symbolism, Guru Shyama Khyapa emphasizes that these concepts form the matrix upon which traditional spiritual practice rests, preserving ancient wisdom that guides humanity in its relationship with the divine and the natural world.