Today, let’s delve into an ancient concept that forms the bedrock of our spiritual and societal obligations according to Vedic wisdom—the Five Rinas or debts.
According to the Shatpatha Brahman (1.7.2.1-6) and the Taittiriya Sanhita (6.3.10.5), every child has five inherent debts. In spiritual practices, they are called 'Rina'.
These debts are our inherent responsibilities that we must strive to repay throughout our lives.
The Five Rinas: A Pathway to a Balanced Life
1. Deva Rina (देव ऋण): - Be grateful to Energies
This is the debt we owe to the energies and the nature. One of the meanings of the word 'Deva' is Indriyas. What your Indriyas can grasp is the nature around you. You have a specific debt to pay to the nature around you. Respect it, worship it and take good care of it. By being conscious of how to live in sync with nature, you are paying the debt of the energies in the nature.
2. Pitru Rina (पितृ ऋण): Be grateful to Ancestors
We owe this debt to our ancestors who gave us life and heritage. They have paved the way for our existence, and we honor this debt by living righteously and ensuring the continuation of our lineage through ethical procreation and by enhancing the quality of life for future generations. This is
3. Manushya Rina (मनुष्य ऋण): Be grateful to fellow humans
This debt is to humanity at large. Our existence is interwoven with the lives of others, and we repay this debt by treating our fellow human beings with respect, kindness, and support. It’s about contributing positively to society and fostering human connections.
4. Bhuta Rina (भूत ऋण): Be grateful to nature around
This is the debt to nature, encompassing plants, animals, and the environment. Our sustenance and survival are deeply dependent on the natural world. We repay this debt through acts of conservation, sustainable living, and performing the five great sacrificial fires (pancha maha yajna) as householders, which symbolize our commitment to protecting and nurturing the ecosystem.
5. Rishi Rina (ऋषि ऋण): Be grateful to the knowledge heritage
Perhaps the most profound of all, Rishi Rina is the debt we owe to the sages and intellectuals of the past. These enlightened beings have gifted us with knowledge and wisdom. We honour this debt by engaging in the pursuit of knowledge, teaching and sharing wisdom with others, and contributing to the body of human understanding.
The Essence of Rishi Rina on Guru Purnima
Guru Purnima is a day dedicated to honouring our gurus, the embodiments of Rishi Rina. The term 'guru' signifies a teacher or a guide who dispels the darkness of ignorance. On this auspicious day, we pay homage to the lineage of teachers who have imparted invaluable knowledge and guidance, leading us towards enlightenment and self-realization.
Guru Purnima is the perfect occasion to reflect on Rishi Rina. It is a reminder of our duty to preserve and propagate the wisdom handed down by the sages. By studying diligently, teaching sincerely, and continuously seeking knowledge, we actively participate in the cycle of learning and teaching that has sustained human progress through the ages.
Guru Purnima or Vyasa Purnima
It is also the birthday of Maharshi Vyasa. Maharshi Badarayana Vyasa classified the Vedas into four parts, wrote the Mahabharata (which also includes the Bhagavad Gita), authored the Brahma Sutras, which explain the Upanishadic concepts lucidly, and wrote 18 Puranas.
Maharshi Badarayana is named Vyasa after the classification (classification is Vyasa in Sanskrit) of the Vedas. He has the most significant role to play in our daily life. Therefore, we celebrate the 'Guru's day' on his birthday. Starting from Vyasa to all our Gurus, we remember today and remember their significance in our journey.
Repaying Rishi Rina: A Lifelong Journey
Repaying Rishi Rina isn’t limited to academic pursuits; it encompasses all forms of wisdom—spiritual, practical, and philosophical. Here’s how you can honour this debt:
a. Learn Continuously:
Embrace a lifelong learning mindset. Seek knowledge in all its forms, be it through formal education, self-study, or spiritual practice.
b. Teach Others:
Share what you have learned with others. Whether you are a formal teacher or simply imparting wisdom in your daily interactions, you are contributing to the legacy of knowledge.
Remember 'Maharshi Maudgalya's explanation - Svadhyaya and Pravachana are the most important factors of human life.
c. Contribute to Knowledge:
If possible, add to the existing body of knowledge. This could be through research, writing, creating art, or any other form of intellectual contribution.
Conclusion
As we celebrate Guru Purnima, let us remember the Five Rinas and, in particular, the significance of Rishi Rina. By honouring our teachers and committing ourselves to the pursuit and dissemination of knowledge, we can repay this sacred debt and contribute to the continuous flow of wisdom that enriches humanity.
May this Guru Purnima inspire you to honour your debts and walk the path of knowledge and enlightenment.
Namaste.
