'SANSKARA' means cultivation of noble qualities. It reforms our body and
mind through different noble practices. Some are reformed by birth; some are
reformed by practice in course of time. Some others are compelled by
surrounding to reform them. It purifies our”ATMA” or soul. One’s “ATMA” is
purified through sixteen SANSKARAS. It starts from GARBHADHANA and ends with
SANYASA. In the stage of GARBHADHANA a child is reformed in the mother’s womb
itself. We consider mother’s womb as a field to sprout the child. Here, the
infant is considered as the seed. The second step of SANSKARA is called
PUNSHAVANA, where the child becomes physically fit through different kinds of
foods. The third step of SANSKARA is SIMANTANA, where the intellect of the
child is developed. The next step of SANSKARA is JATAKARMA SANSKARA, where the
child is named. The next step of SANSKARA is MUNDANA SANSKARA. Here, it meant
whipping out different bad ideas of the child and infusing good knowledge in
him. This is followed by UPANAYANA SANSKARA, where the child takes an oath i.e.
VRATA to be good and honest.
In between MUNDANA and UPANAYANA, there comes ANNAPRASANNA, which
habituates the child with different kinds of foods or tastes. Its significance
lies to face different challenges of life through odds and obstacles. Ghee,
honey and curd are taken together for preparing a healthy food to nourish the
brain of the child in this stage.
VRATA symbolizes one’s power of determination to perform duty with
sincerity. It is followed by BRAHMACHARYA, where the child starts his career at
GURUKULA. Here, he learns different arts of life for the benevolent cause of
the society. After successful completion of his career, he enters in to
GRAHYASTHA stage. This is meant to spread noble successor for the protection of
the earth. After proving his
ability in this stage, the stage of retirement from duty comes and here, he
shifts his responsibility to the next right successor and remains as a guiding
spirit behind the screen. After being satisfied with his successor’s welfare
deeds, he enters the next stage i.e. SANYASA. In this stage, he renounces the
world and goes for penance for the greater benefit of the world.
Hence, while summarizing SANSKARA, one can say, it is a process of
healing to go towards divinity from the stage of devils. This is a path, on
which one can walk to meet the noble goal of life through honesty and
discipline. No doubt, it is difficult to achieve, but not impossible. Only will
power can take one on this way.
