Devotion to our rishis, sages, Gurus and following their guidance, one must unfold the meaning of and uphold their teachings, and sacred wisdom
Just like a Financial Balance sheet, Vedic traditions look at another balance sheet - analysing the Karmas of an individual with a focus on our Rina or Debts.
Rina (debts) a key concept in Vedic tradition, emphasises the accountabilities and obligations each individual is born with and is compelled to repay-as an obligation towards the karmic inheritance to help understand one's duties for spiritual &material progress.
The debts include an obligation towards Deities, seers & sages, ancestors, nature & elements, and community&mankind. We strengthen our karmic balance sheet, when we fulfil our duties with humility and no expectations.
Rishi Vyasa Deva says in the Shrimad Bhagwatam says:
_.kSlfHkfnZ~otks tkrks nsof"kZfir`.kka çHkksA
;K/;;u&iq=SlufulrZ~;tUirRkAA
Ãiõais tribhir dvijo jaato devarÈhi-pitÅiõaaÉ prabho.
Yajñaadhyayana-putrais taany anisteerya tyajanpatet.
A twice born (Brahamanaa) has three debts: to God, to the sages and to the ancestors. These are cleared by yajnas sacrifice, studying,and learning of the Vedic texts and looking after children. A successful person accomplishes these before forsaking the body.
The sacred texts, including the Matsya Purana, elaborate on 5 primary debts - The first 3 one is born with
Debt to the Gods (Deva Rina)
Debt to the Ancestors (Pitru Rina)
Debt to the Sages (Rishi Rina)
Debt to Fellow Humans (Manushya Rina)
Debt to Nature and All Living Beings (Bhuta Rina)
Deva Rina: The debt to the Gods emphasizes Bhakti devotion, worship, performing rituals and Yajnas sacrifices paying obeisance to the Divine power seen as nourishing and sustaining the cosmic order.
;Kf'k"Vkf'ku%lUrkseqpUrsloZfdfYc"kS%A
Hkq¥~trsrsRo?kaikik;sipUR;kRedkj.kkRk~AA
YajñashishtÀs´hino santomuchantesarvakilbiÈhaiÍ
Bhuñjate te tvaghÀÚ pÀpÀ ye pachantyÀtmakÀraõÀt
The wise and spiritually-minded, who eat the food that is first offered in sacrifice, are released from all kinds of sin. Others, who cook food for their own enjoyment, verily eat only sin.
A reminder to eat food as prasada (sanctified food from the rituals) as a sense of gratitude towards the Divine order that is the provider.
Pitru Rina:The debt to ancestors involves rituals like Shraadha and Tarpanto ensure the peace and well-being of our forefathers - an expression of reverence and connection to the Cosmic order reinforcing the values of family lineage.
vFkSrkfuçk.kk/kkjk'popZlfLr"BfUr;LRo;aHkqä~okA
lokZvikeFklUrqL;kfiHkwrkfLFkrkrLRok_fRota;LRosoku`ÙkEk~AA
Atha itÀniprÀõÀdhÀrÀs´hcha varchasastishÇhanti yas tvayaÚ bhuktvÀ
SarvÀ apÀmatha santu syÀpi bhÂtÀ sthitÀtastva ÃtvijaÉ yastevÀnrÉttam
"These offerings, rooted in our forefathers, sustain our vitality and merit. Those who partake of these and perform the rites in adherence to tradition, their ancestors are respected, and their lineage remains blessed."
Remembering and performing with devotion Shraaddh (rituals for ancestors) is crucial to fulfilling this debt and ensuring their spiritualcontentment.
Rishi Rina:The debt to sages underscoresthe obligation to perpetuate the wisdom of seers. It is about engaging in jignyasa - inquiry and learning the scriptures and living by their teachings.
xq#afirjaofl"Ba p Lo/kesZ.k;kscykr~A
loZewyafoeq¥~pR;fLeUxqásrq lnk fgrkAA
GuruÉ pitaraÉ vasiÈhÇhaÉ cha svadharmenayobalÀt
SarvamÂlaÚ vimuchchatyasminguhye tu sadÀ hitÀ
"He who adheres to his Svaadharma - his Dharma duties and responsibilities and respects the Guru, teacher, father, and the sage Vasishta, is freed from all fundamental debts."
Devotion to our rishis, sages, Gurus and following their guidance, one must unfold the meaning of and uphold their teachings, and sacred wisdom.
Manushya Rina:The debt to humanity highlights virtuous conduct and social responsibility… being compassionate and empathetic to our community.
foosd–f"Va çtkuka iq.;k;sr o;a ;FkkA
xq.kkukeqifr"BfUr lUr% lUrks p fgrk rqAA
Vivekadars´hÇiÉ prajÀnÀÉ puõyÀyeta vayaÉ yathÀ
GuõÀnÀm upatiÈÇhanti santaÍ santo cha hitÀ tu
"May we always look upon people with discernment and fulfil our duties towards them. The virtuous, by maintaining this, ensure their own welfare and that of others."
Fulfilling social duties is vital to maintaining harmonious relationships and societal balance.
Bhuta Rina: The debt to Mother Nature and the elements, is key to our sustenance and evolution. Being sensitive&considerate to all life forms.
foosd–f"Vaçtkukaiq.;k;sro;a ;FkkA
xq.kkukeqifr"BfUrlUr%lUrks p fgrkrqAA
"ãõaÉ tu pÃthivyÀÍ pitÃõÀÉ ca sarvadÀ”
PitaraÚ ca vÃÈÇivyÀghraÚ dÀnaÚ ca tuyatnataÍ”
"One is always indebted to the Earth and to one's ancestors. Always be diligent in offering reverence and donations to both the Earth and the forefathers."
It is our conscientious duty to respect Nature and all the Universal forces.
This Balance sheet provides comprehensive framework for understanding one's Dharma towards life and its stakeholders, living authentically,and fulfilling our dues to the Universe. Let us strive to keep the Karmic balance worthy of who we are.
— The writer is a versatile professional with three decades in corporate experience & leadership roles, excelling in several areas as a ICF Certified Mentor Life Coach, Corporate Coach, Spiritual Intelligence Coach & CXO Coach. Spiritual counselor, Astro & Vastu consultant (25+ years of grounding in Vedanta philosophy) and a Motivational speaker. He is a Dale Carnegie’s T3 graduate
