Geethartha Chinthane 07: The Goal of Uplifting All Living Beings

It was the great philanthropic act of Vedavyasa to make Vedic knowledge accessible to those unfamiliar with the Vedas through the Mahabharata and to show a path by which everyone could serve the Lord. Although the deities prayed primarily for the salvation of humans, the purpose of the incarnation was not limited to humans alone; it also aimed to benefit all living beings, including animals.

Some beings are not inherently what they appear to be. For instance, Jadabharatha was reborn as a deer. This demonstrates the Lord’s compassion for all life forms in this world. Among the 84 lakh species of living beings (Jivas), the lowest tier is ‘Trina’ (grass), which is why the phrase ‘trinasamana‘ (as humble as grass) is used. The incarnation of Bhagavan also included a focus on deities like Brahma and Rudra. If the incarnation was meant solely for humans, it would have been sufficient for Lord Brahma to take the form. However, since even Brahma required guidance, the Lord Himself had to incarnate.

This aspect is confirmed by Srimadacharya in the ‘Narayanashtaksharakalpa‘. Starting from the lowest form of life, ‘Trina,’ up to the highest, represented by Brahma, Vedavyasa incarnated with consideration for all beings. When performing the ritual of ‘tarpana‘ for departed souls, both ascetics and householders recite ‘Abrahmastambaparyantam devarshipitramanavah,‘ which means ‘from Brahma to the smallest blade of grass, may all beings be satisfied.’ This mantra reflects the noble idea of ensuring the well-being of all living beings, from the lowest (Trina) to the most exalted (Brahman).

~ Sri Sugunendra Theertha Swamiji of Paryaya Sri Puthige Sri Krishna Matha

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