Sri Rudram - Namakam

“Rudram forms a very important section of Kṛṣhṇa Yajur Vēda. Rudram is generally understood to be a prayer to Lord Rudra. In fact, it is the essence of all the Vedas, viz. Ṛg Vēda, Yajur Vēda, Sāma Vēda and Atharvaṇa Vēda. Another important feature of Rudram is the ēkatva (unity) between its two parts, Namaka and Chamaka. Namaka lays stress on virakti (detachment) whereas Chamaka dwells on desires for this and that. What is to be discarded and what is to be desired? That which is evil is to be discarded and all that is good is to be desired. Understanding of both these aspects is essential for man.” Extracts from Bhagavān Sri Sathya Sai Baba’s discourse during Ati Rudra Mahā Yajña, August 2006