Prajapati and Purusha! These words might sound big, but let’s make them easy to understand. Prajapati is the big creator or boss of the universe, and Purusha means 'man' or a human being. 

1. Human Body is Like a Lake

Imagine the human body is like a big lake. In the middle of this lake, there is a beautiful lotus flower. This lotus is like our heart. The lotus blooms, or opens up, when it gets sunlight. In our story, Prajapati is like the sun, and his rays give energy to the lotus. So, just like the lotus needs the sun to bloom, we, as humans, need Prajapati’s energy to live and feel alive. Without the sun, the lotus would not open, and without Prajapati, humans wouldn’t have life.

2. Prajapati is Like a Huge Forest

Now, think of Prajapati as a big, huge forest. This forest is filled with many different trees. Each tree represents an individual person. So, if you look at the whole forest, it’s like looking at all the people in the world together. Each person, like each tree, is unique and different, but they are all part of the same big forest. Prajapati is the forest that holds us all together. Just like trees need a forest to belong to, we need Prajapati to feel connected to the world.

3. Prajapati is Light, and Man is the Shadow

Here’s another  way to think about it: Prajapati is like a bright light, and a human (Purusha) is like a shadow. A shadow only exists when there is light. If there’s no light, there’s no shadow! This means that humans are like shadows that can only be there if Prajapati, the light, is there. It’s like when you stand in the sun and see your shadow on the ground. Your shadow is there because of the sun’s light, just like we are here because of Prajapati’s energy.

It’s like we’re all part of this big, beautiful story where everything is connected. Prajapati gives us the energy and space to live, grow, and shine, just like the sun helps a lotus bloom and a forest grow.

Learning about Prajapati and Purusha can change how we see the world around us. Here's how:

1. We Are All Connected

Prajapati is like a big forest, and we are like the trees. This helps us see that everyone is connected. We are all part of one big family. Just like trees in a forest share the same space and light, we share the same world. This teaches us to respect each other and work together.

2. Life Needs Light

Prajapati is the light, and we are like shadows. Shadows only exist when there is light. This reminds us that we need something bigger than ourselves to live. It teaches us to be thankful for what we have, like the sun’s light, our family, and friends. Without these, life would be hard.

3. We Get Energy from a Greater Source

Our bodies are like lakes with lotus flowers inside. Just like the lotus needs the sun to bloom, we need good things in our lives to feel alive. This means we should take care of our bodies, think good thoughts, and stay connected to things that give us energy, like kindness and love.

4. Everything Has a Purpose

Every tree in a forest has a role. Every shadow comes from light. This helps us see that everyone and everything has a purpose. It makes us feel important. Even small things in life matter. This teaches us to be patient and kind, knowing that everything has its place.

Seeing the World in a Simple Way

These ideas help us see the world differently. We learn to see how everything is connected. We see the importance of light and energy in life. We start to understand that everyone has a purpose. It’s like looking at the world with fresh eyes, seeing how everything fits together like a big puzzle.

Knowledge Bank

What does Yama teach about the difference between preya and shreya in the Kathopanishad?

In the Kath0panishad, Yama explains the difference between preya (dear, pleasant) and shreya (good, beneficial). Choosing shreya leads to well-being and the ultimate goal. In contrast, choosing preya results in transient pleasures and losing sight of the goal. Wise individuals choose shreya over preya. This choice is associated with the pursuit of knowledge and wisdom, which is difficult and eternal. On the other hand, pursuing preya leads to ignorance and delusion, which is easy but transient. Yama emphasizes seeking lasting good over immediate gratification.

Who are true sanyasis according to Bhagavad Gita?

True sanyasis are those who carry out their duties as prescribed by scriptures, recognizing them as essential, but without yearning for the outcomes. Their renunciation lies in letting go of the fruits of their actions, and thus, they are free from desires for sensory pleasures. This purity of mind earns them the title of sanyasis and yogis. Simply giving up all actions, like stopping rituals such as the sacred Agnihotra, does not make one a sanyasi. Similarly, just abandoning all physical activities and sitting still with half-closed eyes does not make one a yogi. True sanyasis and yogis maintain inner detachment and continue their duties without attachment to results. - Bhagavad Gita 6.1