(27) DEVATAYAA PRASUTAH PRA SARPAAMI

-------------(10/30 Yajurveda)

O God! May we, being inspired by virtuous qualities, tread on the path of righteousness so that we can attain self-development and all round progress. We should imbibe inspiring thoughts and should follow a righteous path. If this is done then progress is certain. We should always take inspiration from great scholars and sages. We should try to emulate them and become ‘purusharthi’ (hard working)

(28) YUKTENA MANASAA VAYAM DEVASYA SAAVITUH SAVE | SWARGYAAYA SHAKTYAA ||

-------------(11/2, YAJURVEDA)

Living in this world created by the Almighty—the creator of all— and preferring solitude to the hustle and bustle of the world, one should work according to one’s capabilities and limitations to attain the 'supreme-bliss'. We should first steady our mind by practicing 'Yoga' and then strive incessantly and selflessly to achieve the desired objective—'supreme bliss'.

(29) SAM VASAATHAAM SWAVIDAA SAMICHI URASAATMANAA AGNIMANTAR BHARISHYANTI JYOTISHMANTAM JASRAMIT||

-------------(11/31,Yajurveda)

You both (husband and wife) after having realised your true selves with the help of fully concentrated mind) and partaking the fiery Agni, should ensure that it always remains kindled. Realise yourself through self-analysis & introspection. By concentration, kindle the flame of knowledge within the body and do not allow it to get extinguished. This is a sure way to self-development and prosperity

30) PUNAR URJAA NI VARTTASVA PUR RAGNA ISHAA AAYUSHAA PUNARNAH PAHMAM HASAH

-------------(12/9, Yajurveda)

O Agni, I invoke you along with your energy and radiance. Give us good food, bless us with long life and protect us from sin.
The ultimate objective of human life is to be free from sin. Therefore, one should always aspire for increment of strength, food and long life because each of them is dependent on other. One should always endeavour to be free from any type of deficiency because destitution leads us to sin.

31. AVA PATANTIR VADANDIVA OSHADH YASPARI VAM JEEVAM ASHNAVAA MAHAI NA SA RISHYATI PURUSHAH.

-------------(12/91, Yajurveda)

Herbs (medicines), while descending down from heaven to earth proclaimed, "Those who eat us, are never destroyed.
This particular 'richa' eulogises the importance and utility of Herbs. Medicines cure us and give us relief from all type of ailments/diseases provided they are taken on the prescription of an efficient doctor. By taking these medicines one can also escape death, which means that they give us a long life.

32. SAMYAK SRAVANTI SARITO NA DHENAA ANTARHRIDDA MANASAA POOYAMAANAAH

-------------(13/38, Yajurveda)

Speech emanating from a pure heart and mind of learned men and scholars are naturally pure just like water of a river.
We should speak only after our thoughts have been purified and our mind and heart have become pure. We should avoid speaking unpleasant things, which our heart and mind do not approve of. This means to say that one should speak twice before speaking.

33. AAYURME PAAHI PRAANAM MEIM PAAHMA PAANAM MEIM PAAHI VYAANAM MEIM PAAHI CHAKSHURME PAAHI SHROTRAM MEIM PAAHI VAACHAM MEIM PINVA MANO MEIN JINVAAT MAANAAM MEIM PAAHI JYOTIRME YACHCHAM.

-------------(14/17, Yajurveda)

O God! Protect my life, protect my vital force, protect my 'Apaan' and 'Vyaan' vayu, protect both my eyes, both my ears, bless my mind and speech, protect my soul and bless us with radiance.
Self-development cannot take place until and unless our heart, mind, body and soul have been purified. Once this is done the process of self-development's inception starts automatically which shall unequivocally lead to success and prosperity.

34. ISHE TVONJE TVAA RAIYAI TVAA POSHAAYA TVAA LOKAM TO INDRAM

-------------(14/22, Yajurveda)

I accept you (Agni) for you are the provider of food grains and the nurturer of all. May you protect this world! Everybody adores the great king Indra.
Agni or fire is the one that gives us food because it is present in sunlight, which is necessary for germination of seeds and growth of plants. Agni (heat) is imperative for growth and energy therefore one should take maximum advantage of this natural force for the production of diverse things. This will automatically lead to the use of 'Agni' for the welfare of all and as a result everywhere peace and prosperity will prevail.

35. RASMINAA SATYAAYA SATYAM JIND PRETINAA DHARMANAA DHARMA JINVA

-------------(15/6, Yajurveda)

Pacify truth with the help of 'Agni' so that nothing but truth prevails and pacify 'Dharma' by imbibing supreme and divine knowledge.
One should always adhere to ‘Satya’ (truth) and accept it in totality so that it can be protected. One should not only imbibe the divine knowledge but also bring it in practice because this is the only way of protecting 'Dharma'. Imbibing 'Satya' and 'Dharma' in one's life automatically leads to self-development. So it is imperative that for the 'preservation of Truth' and 'prevalence of Dharma' we bring both of them into practice.

(36) PRATIPADASI PRATIPADE TVAA ANUPADASYANUPADE TVAA SAMPADASI SAMPADE TVAA TEJO ASI TEJASE TVAA ||

-------------(15/8, Yajurveda)

You are the intellect! I invoke you so that I am blessed with intelligence; you are the cereals! I invoke you for the attainment of food-grains; you are the wealth! I invoke you so that I am blessed with prosperity; you are the radiance! I invoke you so that I am blessed with brilliance.
A man is judged by his intelligence. Knowledge increases with the refinement of intelligence because it becomes easy to grasp knowledge. By eating nutritious food, the body gets energy necessary to perform our regular duties. Wealth and prosperity determines man's status and capability in the society and so it has it's own importance which cannot be overlooked. In the same manner, the attractiveness and magnetism of a man's personality is the result of his inner radiance. Therefore a man should endeavour to adopt all means that are helpful in the growth and increment of intelligence, food-grains, wealth and radiance.

(37) PRAVRIDASI PAVRITE TVAA VIVRIDASI VIVRITE TVAA SAVRIDASI SAVRITE TVAA |

-------------(15/9 Yajurveda)

You are the one who inspires everyone to do his duty; I am inspired by your 'inspiration of duty'. You are directly or indirectly involved with each and every action that takes place in this world. Your morality is impeccable and that is why you inspire me.
We should take inspiration from learned people and sages and put them into practice. We should try to accomplish our work by employing fair means. A scholar who also possesses good character is respected and emulated by all.

(38) YATHA NAH SARVAMIJJA GADAYAKSHMAM SUMANAA ASAT |

-------------(16/4 Yajurveda)

O Rudra! May the entire universe be free from diseases and all its inhabitants be blessed with supreme thoughts.
A healthy mind resides in a healthy body. Good thought can be imbibed by reading and studying good books and by contemplating on them. Therefore one should regularly exercise and take nutritious food.

(39) NIHAARENA PRAAVRITAA JALPYAA CHAASUTRIP UKTHA SHAASASCHARANTI |

-------------(17/31 YAJURVEDA)

Those whose minds are covered by the darkness of ignorance, who merely play with words just to impress people and receive their recognition as 'enlightened-souls', but believe only in preserving their bodies, are nothing but hypocrites. Ignorance makes a man an atheist and makes him bereft of divine knowledge, the attainment of which is the prime objective of man's life. Just as the maxim goes that 'little knowledge is a dangerous thing', such pseudo-intellectuals are a threat to the society because they poison the minds of the common man. One cannot attain God unless ignorance is washed away. Ignorant people search God 'without', but the fact is that God is present within each individual in the form of consciousness— the fountainhead of divine-knowledge. The attainment of divine-knowledge leads to 'bliss', and finally, 'God-realisation'.

(40) UDGRAABHAM CHA NIGRAABHAM CHA BRAHMA DEVAA AVEEVRIDHAN |

-------------(17/64 Yajurveda)

May the Gods bless us with supreme capabilities so that we are always victorious against our enemies, and so that our knowledge is enhanced. In this particular 'richa', the deities have been prayed to for strength and might, so that we are successful in vanquishing our enemies. One should therefore constantly try to enhance his knowledge and strive for self-improvement by employing intelligent means, so that our enemies don't even think of any misdemeanour against us.

(41) EYAKSHMAANAA BHRIGUBHIH SAJOSHHAH SWARYANTU YAJAMAANAAH SWASTI |

-------------(17/69 Yajurveda)

Even the desire of performing aYagya is enough to destroy all the sins of a man along with the added benefits of love for mankind and attainment of heaven. This particular 'richa' eulogises the virtues of a 'yagya' in glowing terms, implying that one who makes a resolution to perform a 'yagya' and then accomplishes it successfully, not only gets absolved of all his sins but is also blessed with many other virtues like love for all mankind. Such a man definitely attains heaven after his death.

(42) VAAJASHYA ME PRASAVASHCHA ME PRAYATISHCHA MEIN
PRASITISHCHA MEIN DHEETISHCHA MEIN KRATUSHCHA ME
SWASHCHA ME SHLOKASHCHA ME SHRAVASHCHA ME
SHRUTISHCHA ME JYOTISHCHA ME SWASHCHA ME YAGYENA KALPANTAAMA|

-------------(18/1 Yajurveda)

May the performance of this 'yagya' bring to me- food, comforts, perseverance, discriminative-intelligence, pure-speech and hearing, radiance, inner-strength and energy to perform and eulogise the virtues of 'Yagya'.
The acquiring of above mentioned virtues and qualities should unequivocally lead to success and prosperity.

(43) YADAA KUTAATSAM SUSRODDHADO VAA MANASO VAA SAMBHRITAM CHAKSHUSHO VAA |

-------------(18/58 Yajurveda)

One should endeavour to acquire 'absolute-knowledge' by keeping his heart, mind and all the senses (external) open. The source of knowledge is undoubtedly within us. We have to imbibe it by self -study, introspection, contemplation and action. We would strive to enhance our 'knowledge' as much as possible.

(44) SHANYUNA PATNI SANYAAJAANSA MISHTA YAJUSHAA SANSTHAAM |

-------------(19/29, Yajurveda)

The practice of self-control and restraint is helpful in developing a cordial relationship between husband and wife. Unanimous decisions taken by an institution helps it to function smoothly. Any plan that an institution or an organisation desires to implement for the welfare of society cannot be successful unless it is unanimous. Any difference of opinion will definitely mar its prospects.
Similarly, over-indulgence in sensual pleasures acts as a barrier in married life. By exercising a little bit of self-control, one can greatly enhance the enjoyment of married life. Excess of anything leads to monotony and gradual decline of interest in that particular object. On the contrary, a 'middle-path' always increases its charm.

(45) VRATENA DIKSHAA MAAPNOTI DIKSHAAYAA AAPNOTI DAKSHINAAM DAKSHINAA SHRADDHA-MAAPNOT SHRADDHYA SATYA MAAPYATE|

-------------(19/30, Yajurveda)

Austerities help a man to attain efficiency. Efficiency develops faith, which is helpful in experiencing 'Satya' or truth.
When a person resolves to do a Yagya, he naturally puts his heart and soul into it for its successful accomplishment. Constant practice of austerities increases his efficiency. The accomplishment of austerities and the resultant efficiency develops staunch faith and unflinching devotion in 'Yagya'. Ultimately, devotion and faith in Yagya helps him to experience 'Satya' or truth.

(46) RITEN SATYAM INDRIYAM VIPAANAM SHUKRAMANDHASA INDRASYE INDRIYAMIDAM PAYO AMRITAM MADHU|

-------------(19/76, Yajurveda)

The realisation of absolute truth and the consequential knowledge urges one to indulge in virtuous deeds, which automatically bring an abundance of food, milk, honey, comfort, radiance, glory, and powerful and strong armies.
By following the righteous path, one can inherit all the good qualities and things mentioned above. Therefore, one should strive for 'Satya' and follow the righteous path with unwavering faith.

(47) NISHSAADA DHRITVRATO VARUNAH PASTYAASWA SAAMRAAJYAAYA SUKRATUH MRITYOH PAAHI VIDYOTPAHI|

-------------(20/2, Yajurveda)

May he who treads the path of truth and accomplishes austerities of the 'yagya' be blessed with 'good-intellect' and earn honour and respect in society for his good deeds. May he protect people from life threatening natural events like 'lightening' and 'death'.
The person who accomplishes his tasks in a disciplined way is blessed with leadership qualities and he naturally becomes the leader of the masses. It is natural for such a man to think of people's well-being and welfare. Such benevolent deeds naturally bring name and fame to him and he receives honour and accolades from people.

(48) BAAHU ME BALAM INDRIYAM HASTAU ME KARMA VEERYAM|

-------------(20/7, Yajurveda)

May my shoulders and every sense organ be strong. May both my hands be blessed with valiance and be constantly engaged in deeds.
There is no doubt that if sense organs and limbs are active and functioning to their potential, it naturally shows on man's strength and power.

(49) MAHO ARNAH SARASWATI PRA CHETAYATI KETUNAA DHIYO VISHWA VI RAAJATI|

-------------(20/86, Yajurveda)

Saraswati- the Goddess of knowledge and learning- illuminates the vast expanse of the sky with the light of consciousness and enlightens the minds of people with all kinds of diverse knowledge.
It is explained that the Goddess enlightens all the minds with knowledge. Emulating Her, a man should, with the help of his awakened consciousness, illuminate his mind with the light of knowledge.

(50) SHAM NO BHAVANTU VAAJINO HAVESHU DEVATAATAA MITADRAVAH SWARKAAH| JAMBHAYANTO AHIM VRIKAM RAKSHAANSI SANEMYASMADYU YAVANA NAMIVAAH||

-------------(21/10, Yajurveda)

O Scholars! Just like the deities invoked in the 'Yagya', you are strong and intelligent, disciplined and blessed with supreme-knowledge. May you free us from the terror of snakes, demons, wolves, so that our yagya could be accomplished successfully and we are blessed with eternal happiness and good health. Scholars who are experts in their respective fields are respected by masses. During the vedic period, people faced problems in accomplishing their yagyas because of wild creatures like snakes, demons wolves, etc. So, in this richa, scholars are invoked to neutralize the terror of such problematic creatures.

(51) TATSA VITUR VARENYAM BHARGO DEVASYA DHEEMAHI DHIYO YONAH PRACHODAYAT|

-------------(22/9,30/2, Yajurveda)

We contemplate on the divine form of Almighty, who is the creator, protector and preserver of the Universe and who inspires our intelligence to follow the path of virtuosity.
Adding ‘Om Bhurbhuvah Swah’ in the above mantra of the Yajurveda has developed the Gayatri Mantra. The Gayatri mantra is as follows-

AUM BHUR BHUVAH SWHAH TATSA VITUR VARENYAM BHARGO DEVASYA DHEEMAHI DHIYO YONAH PRACHODAYAAT|

This mantra means - 'AUM' the supreme cosmic soul is the creator of this universe and the provider of all the comforts and luxuries of life. He is the one who enlightens the minds of all the creatures, who is pure and free from any kind of impurity and worthy of being eulogised.
We consecrate this almighty in the temple of our heart so that he leads us to the path of virtuosity by making our intelligence pure. Keeping unflinching devotion in Him and indulging ourselves in virtuous deeds gives peace and prosperity.

(52) AAYURYAGYEN KALPATAAM PRANO YAGYEN KALPATAAM CHAKSHURYAGYEN KALPATAAM SHROTRAM YAGYEN KALPATAAM VAAGYAGYEN KALPATAAM MANO YAGYEN KALPATAAM ATMAYAGYEN KALPATAAM BRAHMAA YAGYEN KALPATAAM JYOTIRYAGYEN KALPATAAM SWARYAGYEN KALPATAAM PRISHTHAM YAGYEN KALPATAAM YAGYO YAGYEN KALPATAAM|

-------------(22/23, Yajurveda).

May the accomplishment of 'Yagya' bless us with long-life. May the accomplishment of 'Yagya' strengthen our vital force or 'prana'. May the accomplishment of 'Yagya' strengthen our vision. May the accomplishment of 'Yagya' improve our hearing. May the accomplishment of 'Yagya' improve our speech. May our soul become enlightened by the virtues attained from the performance of 'Yagya'. May 'Brahma' derive power from the 'Yagya'. May the flames of self-knowledge be enkindled in our heart by the virtue of Yagya. May we attain 'Swarga' and 'Brahmaloka' by the virtues of 'Yagya'. Let the accomplishment of 'Yagya' propagates the tradition of 'Yagya'

(53) YADDEVAASO LALAAMAGU PRA VISHTEE MINMAAVISHUH |
SAKTHNAA DEDISHYATE NAARI SATYASYAAKSHI BHUVO YATHAA ||

-------------(23/29 Yajurveda)

Knowledge helps scholars to acquire a rational mind, which is necessary for making judicious decisions just as a woman’s thighs reveal her character.
It is very easy for a scholar who is well equipped with the right knowledge to make judicious decisions because he possesses an analytical mind, which comes from knowledge. One should learn to see or experience truth as it is and try to understand the in-depth meaning behind it by means of proper analysis of the matter.

(54) RAJATA HARINIHI SISA YUJO YUJYANTE KARMABHIHI | ASHWASYA VAJINASTVACHI SIMAHA SHAMYANTU SHAMYANTI ||

-------------(23/27 Yajurveda)

Women who are loving, attractive, pious and engage in household work, are married off to strong and able men, giving happiness to their husbands and themselves by leading disciplined lives.
Women should therefore engage in good deeds and discipline so that they can lead a peaceful and cordial conjugal life.