It is a question asked by many as to why animal skins were used for meditation and worn as apparel. I have attempted to answer these questions. One has to remember that this was roughly a time frame of 1,500 to 500 BCE. Animal skins were used in several different ways, according to Vedic culture.
According to Apastamba, who was a sage and scholar in the Vedic period described the use of the skin of a red bull. When the married couple entered the house after their wedding, they were asked to be seated on a red bull skin to perform the entry homa. ‘The red bull’s skin is spread in the centre of the house, with the neck to the east. With his hair up in a top knot, the husband makes her recite the next mantra while she enters the house, placing her right foot forward.’ (Apastamba Griha Sutra 2.6.8, Hiranyakesin G.S 1.7.22.8). The red bull skin was also used during post cremation rituals for the family to sit on.
The deer skins were used in several ways. A deer skin was part of the dress of a Vedic scholar. It was his outer garment. (Apastamba 4.10.11, Hiranyakesin 1.1.17), so he would also use to sit on while performing his daily meditation and the Gayatri Japa. The black antelope skin was worn by a brahman, the skin of a spotted deer by a Rajanya (warriors, Raj puts), the skin of a he-goat was worn by a Vaisya Brahmachari (Hiranyakesin 1.1.4 Sankhayana 2.1, 2.4-5). Also, it was said by Asvalayana, that when cremating the body, it should be laid on the skin of a black antelope. The dead body was placed on kusha grass (sacrificial grass) and black antelope’s skin with the hair outside.
According to the Vedas, five different seats were used in meditation and Japa. Each seat brought different results. The deer skin is conducive to increase of knowledge. Deer skin was also used because it kept snakes, scorpions and other insects away while one was meditating. The tiger skin is best for liberation A red woollen blanket for all desiderative (desires and wishes) activities. Kusha grass is for longevity. A silk cloth for health. A plain wooden plank for all niskamya karmas (those unmotivated by desires for rewards.
Gita describes the best seat for meditation in verse 6.11. It should be in a clean place, one should sit on a firm seat, which is neither too high nor too low. It should be covered with cloth or a deer skin and kusha grass one over the other. The reason is that prana is generated in the body will be dissipated if the body is in contact with naked earth. Therefore, a seat of deer skin, kusha grass, silk cloth helps to conserve the energy produced.
Lastly there is no reference as to how the animal skins were obtained. The skins were probably obtained from tribal hunters or warriors, who hunt animals for food. It is also important to remember that the skins used would have to be cured and softened. There is a reference in Shiva Tandava that Shiva wore the uncured elephant skin of Gaja Asura, the demon monster. It describes Shiva’s temperament that he was uncaring about himself and he was the ultimate ascetic.
What is important to remember, dear ones, is that in order to meditate one must be comfortable and therefore sit on a blanket or a cushion, made from silk, wool or cotton. Do not get obsessed with the quality of the fabric.
And always remember that with today’s high quality non-animal fabrics, you no longer need to rely on these ancient tips.
Aim Hrim Klim