Sadhaka: Manthra? What does 'Manthra' means?

Sai: Manthra is the exposition of the goal that is set; That is to say, it is that which prompts and promotes manana or probing through the mind. 'Man' syllable indicates the process of probing and the syllable 'thra' means "the capacity to take across, to liberate, to save." In short, manthra is that which saves when the mind dwells upon it. While rites and ritual sacrifices are performed, the person has to remind himself constantly of their nature and significance. The formulae he has to repeat to achieve this end are manthras. But, today, those who perform these rites either recite them mechanically or allow them to roll on the tongue. They pay no attention to the meaning of the manthra. When manthras are uttered as rigmarole they yield no fruit! The person can reap full reward only when he recites them with the knowledge of the meaning and significance. Each Veda has many 'saakhas' and the total direction and purpose of each 'saakha' has also to be known by the Vedic scholar.

Sadhaka: What are 'saakhas'?

Sai: Saakha means 'limb', a text arising out of the main Veda. A tree has branches, each branch has twigs and bunches of leaves. When all these are conceived together, the tree emerges. Each Veda has a large number of main branches and subsidiary branches. Not all have come to light. Only a few have been identified and studied. The number of saakhas lost from memory and practice will add up to thousands and even lakhs. Even their names have disappeared; no one can recall them. This is the reason why the scriptures declare, "The Vedas are endless" (Anantho Vai Vedaah). As a result, each of the great saints and sages took up for study and practice only a few saakhas from one Veda or other.

Sadhaka: What is the Rg Veda? How was the name applied to it?

Sai: Rg Veda is the collection of mantras or hymns in praise of Gods. The term Rg Veda can apply to the Gods who are praised.

Sadhaka: Which God is most adored and glorified in this Veda?

Sai: There are many Gods whose praise is contained in it. The Rg Veda deals with thirty three of them as important.