Pariprashnena — Q&A Archive

Can you ask them where they found that in the Mahabharata so we can have a look.

It could be this from Anusasana Parva, Section CIV (in the Ganguli traslation)

Yudhishthira said: Man, it is said, is endued with a period of life extending for a hundred years, and with energy and might that are considerable. Why then, O grandsire, do human beings die even when they are very young? By what does a man become endued with longevity, and by what is his life shortened? Through what does a man acquire the fame that rests upon great achievements? Through what does one attain to wealth and prosperity?

a few paragraphs later in the reply from Bhishma he says:

One should wake up from sleep at the hour known as the Brahma Muhurta (before sunrise between 4 am and 6 am), and then think of both religion and profit. One should never look at the rising sun, nor at the setting sun. Nor should one look at the sun when the sun is in eclipse; nor at the suns image in the water; nor at midday when the sun is at the meridian. The Rishis, in consequence of their adoring the two twilights with great regularity succeeded in attaining to longevity. Hence, one should, restraining speech, say ones prayers regularly at the two twilights.

It doesnt mention sin there it is about longevity etc.

Where do you think they read it?

Yes, Ive heard that it is inauspicious but not exactly "sinful".

Let him never look at the sun, when he sets or rises, is eclipsed or reflected in water, or stands in the middle of the sky. (Manu smrti 4.37, Visnu smrti 71.17-24 - rules for brahmanas)

During sandhyas a brahmana should do sandhya vandana (ablutions and gayatri meditation), not looking at the sun.

Well, if it is inauspicious for a Brahmana to look at the rising/setting sun, why did the Rishis do that (as mentioned in the Mahabharata)? It seems that regular sun gazing (looking directly at the Sun) during the times of sun rising/setting gives longevity -- and that is what the Rishis used to practice and they did not even have to worry about taking any food -- they got all the energy they needed from the Sun -- it is a very ancient practice called Suryayoga. Read about this happening in Kaliyuga: http://www.solarhealing.com and http://www.suryayog.org

Dear Mballav

Could you tell us where is the part in the Mahabharata saying that, I could only find the quote I posted saying dont look at the rising or setting sun to get longevity. Bhishma teaches this and as Veda notes it is also mentioned in the Manu smrti and Visnu smrti. Can we have your reference to consider please it would really be helpful.

At the sites down those links and neither of them give any references from the Veda to support for looking at the sun.

There seems to be a confusion between looking at and facing (without looking) the sun. The latter is common. (You cannot look at the sun at midday for more than a split of a second or you burn your eyes.)

I was thinking about that I think you might be right. That is why I ask for a reference. The people down those links are looking eyes open with a coin between their eyebrows

Gazing the sun may damage your eyes if done without guide or yogi,but it can cure eyesight problems,as well as other diseases,according to ayurveda.You can safely gaze at the sun,with eyes closed.
You may also eat directly from the energy of the sun according to this article:
Hira Ratan Manek - Not Eaten Food for 7 years

Bineeta Mishra



In an exclusive interview with India Post Shri Hira Ratan Manek said that he has not eaten food since 1995. World famous doctors, engineers, scientists etc. are engaged in studying this phenomena to find out how Manek has sustained himself only on water, and on a little tea and coffee for short durations.

Shri Hira Ratan Manek, a mechanical engineer from Calicut, Kerala, says "this is not something new or that I have discovered it." This is a scientific ritual - the Surya Namaskar, originating from Lord Mahavirs Atapna principle, Gayathri mantra, Bala - Atibala, Ramayan mantra which is gaining popularity and world acceptance.

The scientific technique practiced by Manekji is simple - deriving his energy from the cosmic source or the solar energy of the sun. The sun being the most powerful source, has been used for energy by sages and rishis since ancient times including Lord Mahavir, Tibetan Lamas and rishis. Mankind is also using solar energy for running solar cookers, solar heaters, solar cars etc. he says. Similarly Manekji has converted himself into a solar cooker.

The brain and the mind are the most powerful recipients in the human body. The retina and the pineal gland (the third eye) are equipped with photoreceptor cells and may be considered photosensitive organs he says. As the plant kingdom thrives on chlorophyll and photosynthesis, which is directly dependent on the sun, similarly some kind of photosynthesis or photo analysis must be taking place when we assimilate the suns energy.

There is a pathway from the retina to the hypothalamus called the retinohypothalamic tract. The method adopted by Manekji is to initially look at the early morning sun for a few seconds and every week to increase by a few seconds which should ultimately reach several minutes. After about 3 months he says the brain gets charged and mental strength increases that heals fears and many psychosomatic diseases.

At the end of 6 months all physical disease go away he says. And gradually after 8 to 9 months there is a decline in hunger, which ultimately disappears. This is the utilization of energy mathematics and is different from food or calorie mathematics he said. He calls this micro or mind utilization food.

Manekji says most people utilize only 3 to 10% of their brains, but he has utilizes 25% of his brainpower. Manekji says he is the only person to come forward and has attracted medical attention. CT scans and MRI scan reports say that his 66-year-old pineal gland is comparable to a man in his 20s.

He also says one should walk barefoot on mother earth for 45minutes every day to recharge the energy in the body.

He has 25,000 people around the world that have started to practice his technique. According to him food is a secondary source of solar energy. He is also planning to write a book. At present he is in the US where a team of medical doctors are going to conduct tests. In the mean time he gives several discourses to explain on a scientific level how he has sustained himself for seven years and says will continue.

To arrange lectures contact: Cosmic Energy Center, 582 Ridgeline Run, Longwood, Florida, 32750, USA, Phone #: 407-260-2303, Fax: 407-260-5249.

In India his contact information is: HF-2-131 KSHB, Vikas Nagar Colony, Chakor Tha Kulam, Calicut, 673-006, Kerala. Phone #: 0495-369928

Well, this person, Hira Ratan Manek, looks directly at the Sun with his bare eyes -- though he follows certain rules like he gazes only 1 hour within (before) sunset and 1 hour within (after) sunrise. Also, his website recommends a process of start gazing for 10 seconds a day and then increase the duration by 10 seconds every day eventually reaching 45 minutes at the end of 9 months.

To answer your question, abrennan, I was just told by someone that it is sinful and that that is mentioned in Mahabharata. I myself have not seen a quote confirming that in the book.

I am still wondering... if Brahmanas were not allowed, how come the rishis sungazed on a regular basis?