शासनात् त्राणात् शास्त्रम् । That which controls us from pitfalls, through educating us about the universal rules...

शासनात् त्राणात् शास्त्रम् । That which controls us from pitfalls, through educating us about the universal rules and as a result protects us is shastra - this is Vyakarana definition of shastra. The tattva definition of shastra is चतुर्वर्गफलप्रदायकं शास्त्रम् उच्यते - that which gives us the fruit of chaturvarga. Chaturvarga means Dharma-Artha-Kaama-Moksha. Shastra gives us regulated methods of fulfilling our Kaama (desires) through Artha (Means) with Dharma (Meta Rules based on Universal Order) as the foundation and ultimately attain Moksha or Yoga (Liberation) not just through one but multiple paths. How to use a particular path for Moksha is the subject of Shastra.

One can choose a path that is most suitable based on one's disposition. The path of Karma, Saankhya, Music, Performing arts, and even Vaak (speech) etc. can be used for this. Shastra gives a methodical step by step path from Dharma first and to finally Yoga or Moksha ultimately. Paatanjala Ashtanga yoga of Bhagavan Patanjali as a shastra helps one to unite using the Eight angas and their classifications. This primarily teaches us how to use the breath as a path to attain. Vyakarana shastra through the method of Shishta-parijnaana and Vaakyoga. Nyaya shastra through logical inquiry into padaarthas (metaphysical concepts) and their associations etc. Dharmashastra through the code of conduct and disciplined lifestyle. Saankhya (Jnana-yoga) through the path of inquiry in to the existence, Ayurveda as a shastra through maintaining good health and food. Vaastu shastra through the method of creating the right kind of adhikarana (locus). Naatya shastra explains using Naatya (performing arts) as a path. Shaastriya sangeetam in Sangeeta Ratnakara - Sangeeta Shasta explains how Music can be a path to attain Moksha.

Similarly Bhakti (Narada Bakti sutra), Yajna (Vedas), Japa, Karma (Geeta), Vaak (Mahabhashyam, Vaakyapadiyam), etc. can be a path to attain not only attain but also lead a happy life in the earth, because Shastra is not just for Moksha but also for understanding Dharma, Artha, Kaama also - don't we see people making a livelihood out of being a Yoga teacher, Music teacher, Actor, Pravachana karta, etc.

Each one of the Yoga from the 18 chapters of Bhagavadgita also represents this aspect. Our Rshis have used anything and everything as a method, and created systematic tools to use that method as a path - these are called as shaastras.

Among all shastras Veda is the first one and not created by Human beings - therefore it is most cryptic and most difficult to understand - but the central theme of Veda is "Sacrifice" - that is used as a path for Moksha. Veda also gives us the most celebrated path - the path of Jnana (also called in ancient times as Saankhya) in the later part - Upanishad or Vedanta

Now what Bhagavadgita says about shaastras?

यः शास्त्रविधिमुत्सृज्य वर्तते कामकारतः ।
न स सिद्धिमवाप्नोति न सुखं न परां गतिम् ।।

तस्मात् शास्त्रं प्रमाणं ते कार्याकार्यव्यवस्थितौ ।
ज्ञात्वा शास्त्रविधानोक्तं कर्म कर्तुमिहार्हसि ।।

श्रीमद्भगवद्गीता 16.23, 16.24
#sanskrit   #shastra   #vedas   #vedanta    #Bhagavadgita   #dharma