Sadhaka: Artha? What does that mean?

Sai: Meaning, declaration of distinction! The Vedas are the expression of the highly spiritualised vision of sages or Rshis. The Vedic manthras are the precious treasure garnered by Rshis for liberating man. Thus sayeth the Rg Veda.

The Brahman concept of the Vedas is also denoted by the word that has sa as the end syllable. Vedah, for this reason means wealth (Dhana), wisdom (Jnana) and the highest potence (Param Aiswarya). The wealth here indicated is distinct from worldly gains and possessions. It is the means by which the supreme goal can be attained. In other words, the wealth acquired through the Grace of Mother Veda (Veda Maatha) is the most potent Wisdom itself. For this reason, the Vedic Rshis prayed thus: "God! You are the very embodiment of the Veda (Veda Swarupa). Fill me, not with the burden of cattle and children, but with the Wisdom that is the source of Param Aiswarya. I shall be fully content with that wealth (Dhana). And, since such wealth is capable of being utilised for your service, you too will be glad when I have it."

Sadhaka: Swami! We do not find today feelings that produce such prayers anywhere among men. People repeat these Vedic prayers, as gramophone records do, without any knowledge of their meanings, out of sheer habit. Is it not so? Do they get the Wisdom that is the most precious treasure of God?

Sai: My dear fellow! You yourself said now that they recite the Veda as gramophone records do, didn't you? So, they gain as much wisdom and Aiswarya as those records get. How can they acquire the treasure of full potence? Planting a branch that has been severed, can one claim that it is a tree growing there? Those who recite the Vedas with the awareness of their meaning, experiencing at the same time the feelings embedded in the hymns, they alone can earn the Grace of Brahman, the Brahma Vidya, the Highest Wisdom, the Supreme Treasure (Sakalaiswarya).