35 Q&A on Hindu Dharma

1. Yaksha Prashna
Prologue: Pancha Pandavas (Five brothers) roaming in the forest become thirsty. As they see a pond each of them come one by one to fetch water and are stopped by a Yaksha(Evil spirit). He demands answer for his questions before taking water. Four Brothers die and the last the eldest Yudhistra answers all the questions. These questions summarize Hindu Dharma. For more Click on to: http://mghariharan.wordpress.com/2011/10/15/35-qa-on-hindu-dharma/

2. Prologue
Yaksha said, your brothers tried to forcefully drink the pond water, in spite of my warning.Do not dare to drink this water without answering my questions or you will also suffer the same.
Yudhisthira said I will not dare to encroach on your rights, I cannot praise myself but according to my wisdom, I will try answering your questions.
With help from Yakshna Prashna by K Balasubramania Iyer
3. Yaksha What is making the sun rise? Who revolves around it? Who causes it to set and where is it established?
Yudhisthira - The Brahman makes the sun rise and devas revolve on his four sides and the eternal laws make him set and He is established in truth.
Note: Truth is defined as that which does not change There is nothing in this world except laws of nature which does not change. So this could be construed as laws of nature make sun raise and set.
Q1
4. Q2
Yakshya - How does man become a Kshotriya (Famous)How does he achieve higher status?By whom is he made second and who makes him wise.
Yudhisthira by Learning Shruti man becomes a Kshotriya.He attains great position by penance.By courage he gets friendship and by servingelderly persons becomes wise.
5. Q3
Yaksha what is godly () in Brahmanas!What is the good conduct amongst them? What makes them Man?What are the acts of Untruthful amongst them?
Yudhisthira -learning Vedas makes a Brahmin divine. Penance is the duty of Satpurusha ( good people).Death makes him a human being and talking bad about others is the bad quality in him.
Note : Why death makes him human. Read Bicentennial man by Isaac Asimov. Where the court edicts that a Robot is a man after accepting Death
6. Q4
Yaksha what is godly () in Kshatriya?What action makes them good?What quality is human in him and what makes them untruthful?
Yudhisthira- Knowledge in weapons makes a Kshatriya divine. Performing yagas makes him good.Sense of fear is the human quality in him and not protecting the ones who have come to him for help is the bad quality in him.
Note :Fear is the driving force for success. Fools rush in where angels fear to tread. Kshatriya has to cautious. His failure will cause huge damage to all in his Kingdom.
7. Q5
Yaksha What is sama to Yagna ?What is yajus to yagnya Which is chosen for yagna? What is it that Yagna cannot bewithout
Yudhisthira- life is sama,most useful to Yagnya. Mind is yajusthe carrier of Yagnya. Rik which chooses Yagna . Without Rik there cannot be Yagnya.
Note: Rik is words Yajus is mind and Sama is Life. These question are on topic of Conduct of yaga
8. Q6
Yaksha which is most precious that Shower.Which one important amongst those thrown on ground? What is best amongst 4 footed animals? what is best begotten
Yudh rains is the most important thing that showers; Seed is the best amongst those that are put in ground. Cows are the most precious amongst 4 footed animals; Son is most important of things begotten.
9. Q7
Yaks -who though sensing through Indriyas ( sensory objects) intelligent and loved by all, respected by all creatures, though breathing is not alive
Yudh one who fails to worship by offerings the - Gods, guests, dependents, pitrs and soul he is dead even if breathing
Note: These are called Pancha mahayagnas
10. Q8
Yaks what is heavier than earth? Taller than sky? What goes Faster than wind? What is in larger quantity than grass
Yudh Mother is the heavier in earth, father higher than sky, Mind goes faster than wind and worries more numerous than grass.
11. Q9

Yaks who while sleeping does not close eyelids? At birth does not move? What does not have heart? what grows with its own speed ?

12. Yudh Fish do not close the eyes (even) in sleep,eggs do not move at birth; stone does not have heart; River grows with speed.With help from Yakshna Prashna by K Balasubramania Iyer
13. Q10
Yaks Who is the friend of one who goes long journey? Who is the friend of one who remain at home ? who is the friend of one who is sickness? who is the friend of one who is near death?
Yudh- The co-traveleris the friend of a person going on a journey. Wife is the friend of a person who remains at home. The physician is the friend of the sick man. Gift (Daanam) constitute the friend of the person who is about to die.
Note in this context: There is a verse which says wealth and learning to be
1)earned little by little and gradually and regularly, ( no age limit)
2) accumulate as if one is going to live for ever.( no maximum limit)
3) spend in charity as if Yama ( god of death ) has already caught you by your hair.( as if the time available for doing charity is scarce).
14. Q11
Yaksha- who is the guest for all creatures? what is the eternal DHARMA (virtue)? What is amrut ( nectar of life)? What is there in the entire world?
Yudh- Fire is the guest of all. Cows milk is nectar, indestructibledaily duty is the eternal dharma and wind ( AIR ) is everywhere in the world.
15. Q12
Yaksha- Who wanders alone ? what having born is born again? What is the medicine for cold? and what is thebiggest receptacle?
Yudh- Sun travels alone, Moon comes again and again, fire is the cure for cold and earth is the magnificent receptacle.
16. Q13
Yaksha- What is foundation of DHARMA? What of fame? What takes one to heaven and from where one gets happiness ?
Yudh- Virtue is the foundation of DHARMAM charity of fame , truth foundation of heaven and conduct foundation of happiness.
17. Q14
Yaksha- What is the soul of man ? and who is his divine friend ?what is his livelihood and what is his supreme shelter ?
Yudh- Son is the soul of man, wife is the divine friend, clouds ( rains ) is his livelihood and charity is his best shelter.
18. Q15
Yaksha- What is the best quality in one who becomes DHANYA (Renown). What is the best amongst wealth? what is the best acquisition and among pleasures what is the best?
Yudh- Virtue is the best quality of DHANYA. Knowledge of shastras is the best wealth. Health (good) is the best acquisition, and contentment is the best of pleasures or delight.
19. Q16
Yaksha- what is the most superior DHARMA amongst people?Which Dharma bestows benefit daily ? regulating or controlling what can one avoid all sorrows and with whom a friendship never decays ?
Yudh- Kindness is the bestis the most superior DHARMA. DHARMA prescribed byVedas gives daily fruits. Keeping Mind under control results in the absence of sorrows. Friendship with the good never deteriorates.
20. Q17
Yaksha-Renouncing what one becomes dear to all ? Renouncing what one never becomes sad ? Renouncing what one becomes wealthy ? Renouncing what one becomes happy ?
Yudh- one who renounces his Ego is dear to all,
Renouncing anger one abandons sorrow, Renouncing lust one becomes rich and Renouncing greed one becomes happy.
21. Q18
Yaksha- what for is the alms(charity or gift)for Brahmins? what for to dancers and actors? so also what for to the servants and also what for to the king ?
Yudh- Gift to Brahmin will earn Dharma, Gift to Artists will earn Fame, Gift to servants will earn control over them and to the king due to fear.
22. Q19
Yaksha- World is covered with what? It does notshine due to what ? What for does men renounce friends ? why men do not go to heaven?
Yudh- World is covered with ignorance. , It does not shine out of egoism or Thamogun, because of greed men renounce friends and because of illusion men fail to go to heaven.
23. Q20
Yaksha-When one man is described dead (while still living) ? When a country is talked of as if dead ?When the worship of the ancestors is said to be as good as dead ? and when a yagnya is so described as dead ?
Yudh- Poor man is considered dead., Without Governance Kingdom is considered dead? when one cannot get a Vedic scholar , SHRADHAM is dead, when DAKSHINA is not paid , the yaga is as good as dead.
24. Q21
Yaksha- What is direction? What is water ?and what food ?what is poison and what is the best time for Shradham; and then you can drink water
Yudh-Good people are the (source) directions; sky is the (source of) water; Cow is the (source of)*food; Wish id the poison; Availability of good Brahmin is the time for Shradha
*Note Cow is the source for butter milk curd etc
25. Q22
Yaksha- What is Characteristic Tapas (Penance)? ofgreat forbearance? What is shyness? What is shame?
Yudh-following dharma is penance; handling dilemma is forbearance? Keeping away from bad desires is shyness; Shame keeps us away from Bad conduct.
26. Q23
Yaksha- Oh King! What is called Gyana ? what is compassion? What is straightforwardness? and what is superior Daya (compassion)? What is aarjav ( straightforwardness)?
Yudh- Knowing things properly is Gyanam; Mind at peace is kshama; Desiring happiness to all is Daya (Compassion);. Straightforwardness is equanimity to all.
27. Q24
Yaksha- Who is the enemy causing defeat to man? What is the endless desire? What is a Sadhu (good man) ? Who is asadhu ( Not good man)
Yudh- Anger is the unconquerable enemy.Greed is the endless or non curable disease; one who does good for all creatures is Sadhu and one unkind person is asadhu.
28. Q25
Yaksha- Oh King ! what is called (delusion) moham, what is Manam (Pride) and who should be known as lazyand what is called as sorrow ?
Yudh- Indifference or ignoring Dharma is delusion;self pride is manam (when the pride is excessive); notobserving or protecting Dharma is laziness and ignorance is named as sorrow;
29. Q26
Yaksha- What is firmness ( according to rishis , saints) ? What is bravery , what is the perfect bath and here what is called charity ?
Yudh Steadfastness in ones own Dharma is firmness, bravery is just controlling the senses . discarding themental impurities ( keeping a pure mind ) is a perfect bath and granting protection or shelter to all being, is daanam.
30. Q27

Yaksha- Who should be considers as Pundit (Learned)?Who is a nasthik (atheist)? Who is a fool?What is lust? What is matssar (envy/ jealousy)?

31. Yudh- One knowing dharma is pundit; Atheist is a fool;Fool is an atheist; Lust is the bondage to birth; and Envy is the affliction of heartWith help from Yakshna Prashna by K Balasubramania Iyer
32. Q28
Yaksha- what is pride or egotism? what is Dhambham ( hypocritical) ? Who is called supreme GOD ? What is that ? And also what is it they call Paisoonyam ?
Yudh- Mammoth Ignorance is Ahamkaram (Egotism), Projecting oneself as great Philanthropicis hypocritical; Resultant fruit of Charity is God; Casting evil on others is Paisoonyam.
33. Q29
Yaksha- Dharma , Arth and Kamam are mentally antagonistic , how can these be together in one place ?
Yudh- when the wife and Dharma are attracted to each other then these will be together in their Grahastha.
34. Q30
Yaksha- By whom is everlasting hell attained (reply quickly)
Yudh- One who himself invites a poor Brahmin and refuses charity to him goes to everlasting hell. He who has false beliefs on the Vedas , Darmashastras, Brahmins, to the Devas and to the rites done the PITRIS goes to everlasting hell; He who possesses wealth yet , under avariceand is devoid of charity or enjoyment and On asking says I dont have anything goes to everlasting hell.
35. Q31
Yaksha- Oh King ! Which out of these - noble family heritage , Acharams ( good conduct) and learning ones own Veda and hearing shashtras ,-one attains Brahminhood? ( speak after deciding).
Yudh- Dear yaksha , Listen . Noble family heritage, studying Vedas or listening to Vedaswill not get one Brahminhood. Undoubtedly Acharam alone will get you Brahminhood. Hence sadachar ( good Conduct) should be protected. Brahmin should keep an eye on following Acharam. Because if Acharam is maintained his Brahminhood is maintained and if he fails in Acharam he himself is lost; The student and teacher who learn teach and think of SHASTRASare miserable fools; Pundit(Learned) is one who does his duty. Even after studying the four Vedas , one resorts to Duracharams ( bad Acharams), he is not better than a Shudra. Hence he who does AGNIHOTRAM and also have his senses under control , he aloneis a Brahmana.
36. Q32
Yaksha-What does a sweet speaking person get? One who does deeds after deep and mature thinking , what does he get ? What one who has many friends- get? what does he a person following Dharma get?
Yudh- One speaking sweetly is loved by to all; One who acts after deep thinking gets success; the one who has many friends is always happy and one who is established in DHARMA meets with divine end.
37. Q33
Yaksha- who is Happy? what is wonder ? what is the way? the news? Answer my these four questions.
Yudh-One who at least once in every 5 or 6 days returns home from tour and eats at home , one who has no debt , or does not stay in a foreign land , such a man is alwayshappy even if he eats simple meals. Everyday Yama (god of death)goes to house of all animals but those who are remaining hope to live permanently; What can be a bigger wonder than this (contd..)
38. A33Contd.
Logic and arguments have no fixed idea Shruti also says different things, there is no one Rishi, whose opinion is Standard Meaning of Dharma is hidden Hence path followed by good people is the only way; In this big vessel of delusion Yama with the ladles of month and season is cooking the creatures tumbling them using fire and day and night as fuel-This is the news.
39. Q34
Yaksha-You have answered all my questions, correctlyNow Explain Purusha and tell me who is the richest.
Yudh He whose fame ofvirtues touches earth and heaven he is a Purusha (Until then only)One who sees Love and hate, happiness and sadness, Past and future with same he alone is the richest
40. Q35
Yaksha-You explained , Oh King, who is wealthy and who is perfect Purusha Hencetherefore , whom so ever of your ( four ) brothers, you like you can he alone will come back to life
Yudh This of black colored , red eyed, tall like banyan tree, broad shoulderedmight armed Nakula should be brought back to life.
41. Clarification
Yaksha Who has 10000 elephants strength that Bhimasena you left and why are you asking for Nakula? And on whose arms the Pandavas are dependent that Arjuna also you left and (why) are asking for Nakula; Why?
42. Reply for clarification

Yudh If Dharma is destroyed then the destroyer ( Kartha) is also destroyed If Dharma is protected then he is protected by Dharma; Hence I dont forsake Dharma; So that I am not destroyed by Dharma; I think having equal opinion aboutall is greatest Dharma. People think I(Yudhishtra) is follower of Dharma. My father had two wives Kunti and Madri. Both had sons. To me Kunti and Madri have same respect. There is no difference between them. I respect same feelings towards both of them So let Nakula live.
Note :Kuntis sons are Yudhistra, Bhima and Arjuna and Madris sons are Nakula and Sahadeva
43. Blessings
Yaksha-Oh the great Bharatha explained the meaning of Arth(Fame) kaam (Love) with equanimity You have shown that your kindness and magnanimity are farsuperior to desire and love of wealth.LET ALL YOUR FOUR BROTHERS LIVE- Oh Lord of Bharatha dynasty.

35 Q&A on Hindu Dharma

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Transcript of 35 Q&A on Hindu Dharma