Significance of Mahalaya Amavasya

The word ‘Runa’ is usually seen in the connotation of a debt. A debt is also a form of a ‘bondage’. There are various types of Runas seen in our culture:

• Pitru Runa
• Maatru Runa
• Deva Runa
• Rishi Runa
• Manushya Runa
• Bhuta Runa, etc.

‘Pitru’ (पितृ) means ‘father’ and the word also indicates ‘ancestors’ in general. Pitru Runa is a debt we carry towards our ancestors. What have we actually received from the ancestors that we are indebted to them for? Essentially it is their genetic material that we inherit.

When someone talks about the highest form of Mukthi or Moksha, one is talking of the ultimate freedom, a freedom from the very cycle of birth and death — i.e. Saayujya, merging with the ultimate consciousness or the Divine.

So, to attain Saayujya, all the Runas including the Pitru Runa have to be resolved. This is impossible if one cannot “genetically distance” oneself from the Pitrus or ancestors. How does one genetically distance oneself from the Pitrus?

Our wise rishis did not make anything unattainable for everyone. They devised ways for everyone. It is just that with time, we have forgotten and missed the essence of most of what they have taught. This includes the significance of the Pitru Pakshas and Mahalaya too.

According to the #GarudaPurana, for Grihasthas and Sanyasis alike, #Yogabhyasa is a must as a way to their Mukti or Moksha and the text clearly says that those who attain to a certain siddhi will not have the next birth at all.

So, clearly according to the Purana, with Guru’s grace and Yogabhyasa, one can attain Saayujya (i.e.) one can go beyond all Runas — including and especially the Pitru Runas, achieving the genetic distancing. What better reminder for this possibility than #MahalayaAmavasya!