Significance of number 6 - contd

Vedas—has Six Angas or Shadangam.

It is from this word that the Tamizh word “Sadangu” appears

to have originated. The following are the six Angas.

1. Seekshaa—detailing the way the Vedas are to be learnt, the exact location in

the body from which the various sounds—vowels and consonants—have to

emanate, the way they are to be intoned, etc.

2. Vyaakaranam—is Grammar

3. Cchandas—is all about the metres to which various Veda vaakyaas are set,

like Gayatri, Ushnik, Trishtup, Jagatee, Brihatee, etc.

4. Niruktam—can be defined as the Dictionary of the Vedas, the Etymology

that furnishes us with the meaning of each word, each letter of Veda mantras.

5. Jyotisham—deals with movements of planets and the way they affect human

beings, the ideal time for performance of sacrifices, etc.

6. Kalpam—is all about the construction of Yaaga shaalaas, the shapes to be

adopted for the Yagya Kundam, etc.

But there are some deadly things too, which number six. These are our

sworn enemies, internal ones, which keepus enshackled in Karma, ensuring

that we stay forever in bondage.  These are

Kaamam, Krodham, Lobham, Moham, Madam and Maatsaryam.

Lord Krishna has told us about 6 things which fall prey and they are

Sangam, Kaamam, Krodham, Sammoham, Smriti Bhramam and Buddi Naasam.

Sangam is desire, born out of association with objects.

We are willing to go to any extent to achieve the same, is known as Kaamam.

There are obstacles and we again go to any extent.  The desire then turns

into anger or Krodham.

We fail to understand between good and bad, correct and condemnable

conduct, is known as Sammoham.

This loss of such knowledge and perception are known as Smriti Bhramsam. 

And finally comes  Buddhi Naasam, resulting in total ruin, psychological and spiritual.

1. Asanaaya—skipping a single meal and consequent gnawing in the stomach. It is the

unending Hunger, which prompts most of our unrighteous actions.

2. Pipaasa is Thirst. We may even go without a meal, but cannot remain without

slaking our thirst.

3. Shokam is distress and Sorrow which are our principal enemies.

4. Moham  is the loss of reasoning faculties.

5. Jaraa—is old age which makes our body, will and brain weak.

6. Maranam—Death is the ultimate stage.

If we overcome the above, then we can follow the following six which are called 

'Shad vidhaa Sharanaagati'. 

1. Absolute Surrender, of oneself, heart and soul, to the Lord.

2. Anukoolyasya Sankalpam or adoption of conduct as ordained by the Lord

3. Praatikoolyasya Varjanam or eschewing behaviour contrary to His dicta

4. Rakshishyati iti Visvaasam or faith in the Lord’s role as savior.

5. Goptrutva Varanam or accepting Brahman  as Master and refuge.

6. Kaarpanyam or the realisation of inability to understand ways for salvation.