20 August 2013 - QA 7

Gurudev, today, while changing the sacred threads (during the Upanayanam ceremony) the pundits chanted the Rishi Vandana. Could you please explain the significance of this mantra?
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar: Today we remember the Rishis - the ancient sages and seers who have kept this knowledge alive and have brought this knowledge to you. They have given the great mantras of the Vedas. So, today when people change sacred thread they recite this Mantra. What does the sacred thread represent? It means to take responsibility by thought, word and deed. To remind you that you are shouldering the responsibility, they put a thread on. It is like saying, ‘I am shouldering this responsibility’. And feeling grateful is a part of the process.