Ved/ Ved(a)/ Veda
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The basics
The Veds Are Divine Knowledge
February 11, 2019: The Times of India
Discourse: Mata Amritanandamayi
The term ‘Veda’ means knowledge. The source of all knowledge is God. The rishis heard – with a mind made one-pointed by meditation – the knowledge that issued from God in the form of sound. They imparted that knowledge to their disciples. Thus, the eternal truths that emerged from the Supreme, and which the rishis perceived, are what we mean by the Vedas. As the rishis had heard these truths and had imparted the knowledge to their disciples through words, the Vedas are known as shruti. The rishis who perceived the mantras are known as mantra-drashtas.
Vedas are the experience of the rishis, who realised the supreme Truth. If there was someone who witnessed a murder, the testimony of that witness is accepted as proof in a court of law, not the words of a thousand people who say that they did not witness the murder. Vedas are not the experience of just one rishi, but that of countless rishis who realised the truth. So let’s not negate the Vedas just because we have not experienced the truth. The intelligent one strives to walk the path the rishis have shown and tries to experience that eternal truth for oneself.
Vedas contain all the eternal truths relating to God and the universe. They are not the work of any individual, but eternal truths that emerged from the Supreme. Hence the Vedas are considered apaurusheya, impersonal. These Vedas are the root of all dharmas – laws of righteousness – and the basis of all scriptures and knowledge.
Vedic truths transmit goodness everywhere. The Vedas aim to uplift everyone spiritually and materially. There is no place for sectarianism in the Vedas. They contain principles that promote peace and contentment throughout the world. The message of the rishis is encapsulated by the mantra: ‘Lokah samastah sukhina bhavantu’ – ‘May all beings everywhere be happy’. The Vedas are not blindly accepted just because they are hailed as apaurusheya.
On the contrary, it is because they uphold universal values such as truth, righteousness, austerity, compassion, love, sacrifice and non-violence that Hindus regard the Vedas as being of utmost sanctity and as the most authoritative scripture.
It is true that the Vedas are not easy to understand. However, one can understand the essence and import of the Vedas through the Upanishads. The Bhagwad Gita is a distillation of the quintessence of all the Upanishads. Rishis have illumined the essential principles of the Vedas in the Itihasas and Puranas through the use of stories and historical events so that ordinary people can understand those principles.
Over and above this, divine incarnations and mahatmas have been born in every age to interpret the Vedic principles according to the needs of the time. The advice of mahatmas is simple and easy for ordinary people to understand.
Vedas are as vast as the ocean. When seawater evaporates as a result of sunlight and falls as rain, it fulfils all the needs of people. In the same way, mahatmas, who abide in the truth, convey the essence of the Vedas in a way that ordinary people can understand easily and practise, and which is suited to the age in which they live. Therefore, for those who cannot understand the Vedas on their own, it is enough if they follow the teachings of a mahatma.
Details
The etymological meaning of the word ‘Veda’ is knowledge – of two types. One type is subject to time, space and person, and the other is realisation of Self, independent of all subjections. The former is called aparajnana, relative knowledge, because it is related to objects. The latter is parajnana, spiritual knowledge. Here the word, Veda, is used in the sense of spiritual knowledge.
One day, Vaedarbhi, the son of Bhrigu, asked the learned sage Pippalada, “My Lord, what is Brahmavijnana [Intuitional Science]? What is the relation between Brahmn and the world?” The sage replied: Just as the spokes are attracted to the hub of a wheel, similarly, every object in this universe is Brahmn-centric and thus has kept up its individual existence. The nucleus of the cosmic system is the source of all entities from the highest created being down to the lowest insect. Rig, incantations, Yaju, invocations, Sama, songs all are dependent on Brahmn, the source of their existence. The word praja means what is evolved. Brahmn is Prajapati, lord of evolved objects for he is the controller of all.
Prajapati Brahmn moves about in the womb as the embryo and when it is born, the event, in fact, should actually be called the reflex birth of Brahmn instead of his birth, because all created entities are merely manifestations of Brahmn. For instance, there is only one moon, but its reflection falling in the countless footprints of cows (Gospada) appears as countless moons. No new moons are created. The same moon is being reflected in several receptacles. Similarly, one Brahmn is manifesting in an infinite number of units in countless mental receptacles. Brahmn is Absolute Bliss. That is why the units or microcosms are always racing with the help of their sensory and motor organs towards their inner selves, towards the attainment of happiness. So it is said that knowingly or unknowingly, the units are moving towards Brahmn, filled with inspiration.
Several times in the Atharva Veda the word, ‘Prana’ has been used to mean Purusha, and the word, ‘Rayi’ to mean Prakriti.
The word ‘Deva’ means the carrier of sensations, that is, organs and nerves. Through these the body expresses a sensation or feeling and that is why they are called devas or gods of the microcosmic body. But these organs and nervous systems are completely dependent on the spine for their existence and functions. Sensation is transmitted along the spine and that is why without a spine the unit would be a motionless, inert, fleshy mass.
A shloka declares that, what spine is to the unit, Brahmn is to the universe. Without Brahmn the universe would be utterly destroyed, the seed of the imagination would be completely obliterated. According to an ancient custom, death rites in honour of the deceased used to be performed by using svadha mantra – an invocation chanted while offering a sacrifice to the spirits of the dead. That is why, it is said that Brahmn, as the first and foremost point in order of succession, is as important to all mundane objects as the first recipient of obsequial oblations is, to the subsequent ones ... Without truthfulness intellectual expansion towards the Supreme is not possible.
Mantr(a)s, Vedic
Mystical powers of
Alka Nigam, August 22, 2024: The Times of India
The ancient cultures and traditional beliefs agree that our universe is resonant with vibrational frequencies inaudible to human ears. The fundamental cosmic sound is imbued with mystical energy making the entire existence reverberate with energy. We all are familiar with the hypnotic charm of hymns, chants, spiritual musical compositions in Zoroastrianism, Taoism, Shintoism and their magical power in kindling the inner awakening. Vedic mantras channelise this mystical power of cosmic sound with mathematical precision and solemnise this utterance by offering it to invoke gods and goddesses for their corresponding energy.
The most basic mantra is the holy vibration identified as OM, pronounced without the help of tongue as AUM. The first letter of the sound ‘A’ represents the physical aspect of universe and man in the form of desires. ‘U’ is the tejas, the subtle form manifesting as wisdom. ‘M’ closes the mouth while pronouncing it, signifying the end of ‘A’ and ‘U’ suggesting the dissolution of desires and intellect and entering the causal domain of dreamless sleep. Thus on the wings of AUM, we reach a vast chasm of pure consciousness of the Self. Mandukya Upanishad illustrates that whoever knows AUM as the Self becomes one with the formless Brahmn. Mantras are the quintessence of eternal truths. Some well-known mantras are Shanti Mantra, Gayatri Mantra, Asato Ma Sadagamaya. The sacred mantras are believed to be dev-vani revealed to the Self-realised seers, only. Over time, puranas and epics were composed and spirituality evolved from the mysterious uncertainties of life to enable experiencing of the transcendental spiritual bliss. Each vedic mantra has four centres: Rishi, who composes the mantra; Devata, around whom the mantra is woven; Swar, method of utterance; and Chhand, the meter of the mantra producing desired sound. Strict discipline and chaste meter in the composition of the mantra is the reason why even after years of their origin, the mantras in vedas, puranas and smritis retain their pristine, original form.
Vedas are called shrutis. Seers absorbed the mantras and recited them orally explaining their meaning to disciples. This tradition of mantrapaath coming down from guru to the disciple kept their continuity as well as safeguarded their purity. Moreover, these mantras are in sound-sensitive Sanskrit language, in which every sound has a definite form, leaving no scope for any distortion. The result is, as explained in ‘Origin of Religion’, “The texts of the Veda have been handed down to us with such accuracy that there is hardly a various reading in the proper sense of the word or even an uncertain accent in the whole of Rig Veda.”
There is a belief that mantras tap the desired energy from the different layers of cosmic vibrations. Each mantra has a presiding deity and its selective sounds become the key to open up a specific dimension of energy identified with that deity. Each mantra thus offers a different spiritual experience. Repeating a mantra is like a gramophone needle stuck on the disc and the sound keeps digging deeper grooves on the mental slate transporting the consciousness to serene bliss.
Shruti: The Four Vedas
The Vedas are considered the oldest Hindu texts. Scholars believe that they were written down some 2,500 years ago, though the tradition often dates them to the beginning of Kali-yuga (circa 3000 BCE). Some Hindus say that there was originally only one Veda, the Yajur, which was later divided into four. Scholars, however, usually consider the Rig-Veda the oldest of all Hindu writings. The following is an overview of the four Vedas.
The Four Véd(a)s
The Rig-Ved(a)
The most important and, according to scholars, oldest of the Vedas. It is divided into ten books (called mandalas) and has 1028 hymns in praise of various deities. These include Indra, Agni, Vishnu, Rudra, Varuna, and other early or "Vedic gods." It also contains the famous Gayatri mantra and the prayer called the Purusha Shukta (the story of Primal Man).
The Yajur-Ved(a)
A priestly handbook for use in the performance of yajnas (sacrifices) It is divided into two sections, the earlier "black" and the more recent "white."
Sâm(a)-Ved(a)
This consists of chants and melodies to be sung during worship and the performance of yajna.
Atharv(a)-Ved(a)
Contains hymns, mantras and incantations, largely outside the scope of yajna.
A brief synopsis
Sambhunath Tiadi | FOUR VEDAS-A BRIEF SYNOPSIS | Speaking Tree
Rigveda
The Rigveda Samhita is the oldest and collection of 1,028 Vedic Sakrit hymns and 10,600 verses in all, organized into ten books.. The hymns are dedicated to Rigvedic deties.The books were composed by poets from different priestly groups over a period of several centuries, commonly dated to the period of roughly the second half of the 2nd millennium BCE (the early Vedic Period in the Punjab.Rigveda manuscripts were selected for inscription in UNESCO's Memory of the world Register in 2007.
Yajurveda
The Yajurveda Samhita consists of archaic prose mantras and also in part of verses borrowed and adapted from the Rigveda. Its purpose was practical, in that, each mantra must accompany an action in sacrifice but, unlike the Samaveda, it compilation apply to all sacrificial rites.. There are two major groups of recensions of this Veda, known as the "Black" (Krishna) and "White" (Shukla). Yajurveda (Krishna and Shukla Yajurveda respectively). While White Yajurveda separates the Samhita from its Brahmana (the Shatapatha Brahman), the Black Yajurveda intersperses the Samhita with Brahmana commentary. VIDEO : 5 Simple Ways To Discover Your Purpose 5 Simple Ways To Discover Your Purpose 0.4M views Technology Related Videos Technology 04:23 Benefits of scalp massage Technology 04:08 Chanakya Tips - Do these things and instantly get Goddess Laxmi's blessings Technology 04:04 सुबह का नाश्ता करने के फायदे Technology 04:27 सेब खाने के अनोखे लाभ Technology 05:17 Health foods for changing weather
Of the Black Yajurveda four major recensions survive (Maitrayani, Katha, Kapisthala-Katha, Taittiriya).
Samaveda
The Samveda Samhita consists of 1549 stanzas, taken almost entirely (except for 78 stanzas) from the Rigveda. Like the Rigvedic stanzas in the Yajurveda, the Samans have been changed and adapted for use in singing. Some of the Rigvedic verses are repeated more than once. Including repetitions, there are a total of 1875 verses numbered in the Samaveda recenssion translated by Griffith. Two major recensions remain today, the Kauthuma/Ranayaniya and the Jaiminiya. Its purpose was liturgical, as the repertoire of the "singer" priests who took part in the sacrifice.
Atharvaveda
The Atharrvaveda Samhita is the text 'belonging to the Atharvan and Agnirasa poets. It has 760 hymns, and about 160 of the hymns are in common with the Rigveda. Most of the verses are metrical, but some sections are in prose. It was compiled around 900 BCE, although some of its material may go back to the time of the Rigveda, and some parts of the Atharva-Veda are older than the Rig-Veda though not in linguistic form..
Unlike the other three Vedas, the Atharvanaveda has less connection with sacrifice. Its first part consists chiefly of spells and incantations, concerned with protection against demons and disaster, spells for the healing of diseases, for long life and for various desires or aims in life.The second part of the text contains speculative and philosophical hymns. The Atharvaveda is a comparatively late extension of the "Three Vedas" connected to priestly sacrifice to a canon of "Four Vedas". This connects to an extension of the sacrificial rite from involving three types of priest. The Brahman oversees the ritual. The Atharva Veda is concerned with the material world or world of man and in this respect differs from the other three Vedas. Atharva Veda also sanctions the use of force, in particular circumstances and similarly this point is a departure from the three other Vedas.
Four types of composition/ divisions within each Ved
Within each of the four books there are four types of composition, or divisions, as shown below. In the narrowest of senses, only the Samhitas comprise the true Ved(a)s. The first two divisions relate to the performance of sacrificial rituals (the karma-kanda section), whereas the second pair consists of philosophy (and belong to the jnana-kanda section).
The Samhitãs – literally "collections," in this case of hymns and mantras. They form the Ved(a) proper.
The Brahmanas – prose manuals of ritual and prayer for the guiding priests. They tend to explain the Samhitas. They also contain early versions of some stories.
The Aranyak(a)s – literally "forest books" for hermits and saints. They are philosophical treatises.
The Upanishads – books of philosophy, also called "Vedânt(a)," the end or conclusion of the Ved(a)s.
There are also two important bodies of supplementary literature, related closely to the Ved(a)s themselves. They are:
The Vedâñg(a)s, which expound the sciences required to understand and apply the Ved(a)s.
The Upavéd(a)s (usually considered smriti) which deal with the four traditional arts and sciences.
Vedâñg
The Six Vedâñgas (limbs of the Ved(a)s)
Kalp(a) (ritual detail)
Siksha (pronunciation)
Vyakaran(a) (grammar)
Nirukti (etymology)
Chandas (metre)
Jyotisha (astronomy/astrology)
Upavéd(a)
The Four Upavéd(a)s (following the Ved(a)s) explain arts and sciences
Ayur-Ved(a) (medicine)
Gandharv(a)-Ved(a) (music and dance)
Dhanur-Ved(a) (warfare)
Shilp(a)-Ved(a) (architecture)
Gayatri Mañtr
Scriptural Passage
"We meditate on that most adorable, most desirable and most enchanting effulgence of the Supreme Lord, who is the source of creation, inspiration and eternal happiness. May His light inspire and illumine our intellect."
--Gayatri Mañtr(a) (from the Rig Ved(a))
The essence
Swami Ramswarup Ji , Indian culture "Daily Excelsior" 8/10/2017
Culture gives us education how to spend life time. Vedas feed us with the eternal knowledge of science [Gyan kand], form of deeds i.e. moral duties to be discharged [Karma kand] and how to worship [Upasana kand] (Manusmriti Shloka 1/23 refers). Until we study Vedas from a learned Acharya, it is not possible to hold the said three educations which are full of unlimited knowledge. That is why, Sri Ram also studied vedas under the guidance of Mahrishi Vasishth. So, our ancient kings and ministers followed Vedas, knew the knowledge how to nurse and protect the public but you see nowadays there is a dearth of ministers and politicians in the world, who know the above three types of educations.
The reason behind oversighting the vedic education is this that after Mahabharat war, i.e., about five thousand three hundred years ago, for one or the other reason when the public stopped making contact with learned Acharya of Vedas to listen and to hold the vedic knowledge in daily life, the whole earth became ignorant.
You see when a farmer sows the seeds then plants are grown in the fields. If the farmer does not take care of plants by pulling out the weeds/grass etc., then it is observed that the weeds-grass grows up more than the height of real crops and thus the crops are hidden. Similarly, when the eternal knowledge of four vedas, right from the beginning of the earth till Mahabharat war, was in vogue and was held in the daily life of king, political leaders and every citizen then the whole public used to be very well nursed and protected by the king and his ministers, being the order of the Vedas.
In Vedas, God orders that the King and his ministers must be aware of the knowledge of Vedas and they must be impartial to whole of public. King should be religious minded, he should protect and nurse the public well. He should also protect all the animals. (Yajurved mantra 9/32 refers)
“But, in the absence of vedic knowledge”, the king and the public have forgotten to discharge their moral duties according to Vedas and to destroy the views of human-beings against the Vedas, which gave birth to several new paths of worship etc., against the Vedas by the arrogants for the last about two thousand to two thousand five hundred years.
In the said line, we can not forget the newly raised sant-mat whose main and most of the views do not tally with Vedas. Thus a huge crowd of religions has hidden the eternal vedic knowledge as the weeds/grass did with real crops, quoted above. If we study the said crowd of newly raised religions, we find that they have neither advised the political leaders to protect and nurse the public properly nor have advised the public to exercise control over their senses, to maintain peace and promote international brotherhood etc. as compared to the impartial vedic knowledge of Vedas. For example- sun, moon, air, food, water and unlimited matters of creation are equally applicable not only to all human-beings but to other living-beings as well, whereas the thoughts of the above quoted man-made religions are not impartial, that is not equally applicable to all the living-beings. Though above sects and saints etc. claim that God is one but when the question of concerned personal sects arises, all religions raise their swords to cause blood shed everywhere. So, where does the claim of God being one and we all being His children and each other’s brother and sisters, vanish away.
And most important fact is this that mostly the views of newly raised sects and sant-mat donot tally with Vedas, whereas Vedas are the main evidence to decide the true views. (Yog Shastra Sutra 1/7 refers)
In addition, we can also not forget Kapil Muni’s Sankhya Shastra Sutra 5/51 wherein he states that Vedas contain their own natural divine power of knowing the divine meaning of ved mantras. That is why, the Vedas are self-evidence. That is, to achieve the truth, the evidence of ved mantras is required but for any ved mantra no other supportive evidence is required. Study of Vedas reveals that God Himself has given order to obey the preaching of Vedas. So, we should save ourselves from committing the sin of oversighting the eternal vedic culture, which emanates directly from God. However with respect and honour, the present sects may also be followed by the respective people along with the Vedas. This process will enable all the human-beings to understand the impartiality, secrets of the Vedas and the eternal fact that vedas are the knowledge, which emanates directly from formless, Almighty, Omnipresent God who creates and nurses the universe. People would be able to know that vedic knowledge is meant for the benefit of entire mankind equally.
The said fact can also be experienced from Vanparv of Mahabharat epic wherein, Yaksha asked Yudhishthir, “ Keh Panthaha” what is the path i.e. what is the path to be adopted by the human-beings?
Yudhishthir answered- There is only one vedic path which is followed by the learned dignitaries. So, we must follow the learned of Vedas and not others. If we go in depth of the answer given by Yudhishthir, we would find that answer was given keeping in view the situation of that time i.e. about five thousand three hundred years ago. And it was the time when the present sects and sant mat had not originated. Therefore, the king and the public used to follow only Vedic path, vedic path being in vogue at that time.
Here, we must consider deeply that Yudhishthir is telling to follow vedic path only. And if at present any so-called saint etc. imposes himself as famous dignitary before the public (equivalent to the dignitary of the time of Yudhishthir) and asks people to follow whatever he says then his preach would be full of selfishness and totally away from the traditional truth and even insult of Mahahrishi Vyas, the writer of Mahabharat epic.
Here every citizen of India should pay attention to Atharvaved mantra 4/30/3 wherein it is stated that when a Rishi after studying Vedas, performing daily yajyen, name jaap and hard practice of Ashtang Yog, controls his senses, becomes impartial and attains several divine qualities and realizes God then God Himself awards him the title of Rishi, Brahmin etc. So, the title Rishi, Muni, Brahmin having divine intellect etc., are awarded by God, as quoted above. Whereas at present, in the absence of vedic knowledge, so called Gurus, saints etc. declare themselves, Rishi-Munis, Brahmarishis, saints etc. without following vedic path and attaining above quoted divine qualities and hence the problem that people are cheated. (Yajurved mantra 40/7 also refers).
