Post by admin on Feb 29, 2004 15:38:27 GMT -5
WHAT ARE THE SACRED BOOKS OF HINDUISM?
The very first sacred books of Hinduism is called VEDAS. VEDAS means KNOWLEDGE. There are four VEDAS and they claim to teach men the highest aspects of truths which can lead them to God. Vedas and Upanishads are SRUTI scriptures. The word VEDA came from the root word "vid" meaning "to know". Vedas are the very first scriptures of Hinduism. Vedas as per scriptures was written by God. Vedas state "SELF REALIZATION" is one and the goal of human life. Vedas also discuss in detail rituals and ceremonies to attain self-realization. There are 4 Vedas. The first Vedas are known as the TRIPLE VEDAS.
They are:
RIG VEDA--------------- KNOWLEDGE OF HYMNS --10589 verses
The Hindu Rig Veda is the foremost book of Hindus. It is the oldest book in the world. Nobody knows when Rig Veda was written. According to B.G. Tilak it was written in 5000 BC. German philosopher Max Muller dates 1500 BC. According some it took centuries to write this book from 1500 B.C. to 500 B.C. Rig Veda is older than GILGAMESH [2500 B.C] and the Old Testament.
The very first Veda, Rig Veda very clearly shows that it was written, when nomad man first settled down on the banks of rivers like Ganges, Brahmaputra, Indus etc. That is the reason why, in Rig Veda, you see, people are worshiping natural powers like lighting, rain, Sun, fire [Agni]; water; air, that effects cultivation It consists of 1028 hymns, comprising of 10,589 verses in 10 chapters known as MANDALAS. 33 gods are worshiped in Rig Veda. There are 100 hymns addressed to Soma; 250 addressed to Indra; 200 hymns addressed to Agni; Many addressed to Surya. Few addressed to USHAS, ADITI, SARASWATHI, VARUNA and ASVINS. Lord Vishnu is a minor god in Rig Veda.
One of the most important statement came from the Rig Veda is "EKAM SAT, VIPRAH BAHUDHA VADANTI ---meaning "Truth is one but men describe it differently". Lord Vishnu has minor importance in Rig Veda. Name of Lord Siva is mentioned as RUDRA. SOMA in Rig Veda is intoxicating drink to gods. The word SURA came those who drink an intoxicating drink which I think is SOMA. The word ASURA came from those who does not drink that drink. Another word that caught my attention in RIG VEDA is the word RTA which means some kind of cosmic order. I think the word DHARMA originated from the word RTA.
One of the most prominent hymns of Rig Veda "Purusa-Sukta ----Purusha [man] and the Primordial sacrifice of Purusha for the betterment of man and the world". Another one is "CREATION HYMN".
Caste system started in Rig Vedic period. The Rig Vedic Hymn, known as PURUSHA-SUKTA (Mandala-x, 19th hymn, 12th verse) states: THE BRAHMIN WAS PURUSHA'S (cosmic man - the first principle of SANKYA PHILOSOPHY in Hinduism) MOUTH, THE KSHATRIYA HIS ARMS, THE VAISYA HIS THIGHS, AND SHUDRA HIS FEET.
YAJUR VEDA----------- KNOWLEDGE OF LITURGY --3988 verses
deals with KNOWLEDGE OF RITES. This Veda is based on Rig Veda. It contains rules and regulations explaining how to conduct rituals. It consists of prose as well verse. Sacrifice is one of the most important aspect of this Veda.
SAMA VEDA------------ KNOWLEDGE OF MUSIC ---1549 verses
deals with the knowledge of chants. Sama means "melody". The classical Indian music originated from this Veda. This Veda is also based on Rig Veda. Verses from this Veda is sung when "Soma Sacrifice" is performed. Sama Veda is similar to Psalms in Christianity.
ATHARVA VEDAC ---KNOWLEDGE GIVEN BY SAGE ATHARVAC6000 verses ---731 hymns contains the knowledge given by sage Athrvana. Some state that sage Athrvana did not formulate this Veda but was the chief priest in the ceremonies associated with it. Atharvana who is mentioned in the Rig Veda was considered as the eldest son of Lord Brahma [God of creation]. ATHARVA VEDA was non-existent when other 3 Vedas were composed.
AUYRVEDA THE HINDU MEDICINE SCRIPTURE consists of more than 100,000 verses initially. Still it is considered as a UPA VEDA of ATHARVA VEDA.
A---SAMHITAS----basic texts for hymns to deities, formulas and chants. The Sankrit word SAMHITA means "put togther".
B---BRAHMANAS--description as well as directions for performance of rituals. The word originated from the word Brahmins. Brahmins are the original Hindu priests and they follow Brahmans to conduct rituals.
C---ARYANAKAS contain Mantras and interpretations of rituals--This book also known as "the forest books" since book is used by saints who meditate in the forests.
D---UPANISHADS--texts revealing ultimate truths by different saints. Upanishads teach men that there is ONE AND ONLY thing and that is BRAHMAN. You and I just reflections of Brahman. Or we are indeed God... Upanishads teach us "Tat tvam Asi" CC THAT THOU ART. In fact, the word UPANISHAD can be broken down as UPA [near] NI [down] SHAD [sit] meaning that teachings of Upanishads were conveyed from masters to students when students sat very next to masters and nobody overheard those teachings.
TOTAL 108 UPANISHADS .
Principle ones 13. Some of the Upanishads are named after the sages who answered all questions. Some as per the first word in the Upanishad. [ I shall write details separately]
1. ISA UPANISHAD- 2. KENA UPANISHAD 3. KATHA UPANISHAD 4. PRASNA UPANISHAD 5. MUNDAKA UPANISHAD 6. MANDUKYA UPANISHAD 7. AITAREYA UPANISHAD 8. TAITTIRYA UPANISHAD 9. CHANDOGYA UPANISHAD 10. BRIHAD-ARANYAKA UPANISHAD 11 KAUnutsAKI UPANISHAD 12. SHVETASHVATARA UPANISHAD 13 MAITRI UPANISHAD SMRITI LITERATURE CONSISTS OF LARGE NUMBER OF BOOKS.
A. VEDANGAS: scriptures attached to Vedas.
1. DHARMA SUTRAS- [Codes of Manu, Yatnyavalkya etc]
2. JYOTHISHA [ astrology and astronomy ]
3. KALPA [rituals and legal matters]
4. SIKSHA [phonetics ]
5. CHHANDAS [measurements]
6. NIRUKTA [Etymology]
7. VYAKARANA [ Sanskrit grammar ]
B-----UPAVEDAS
1. AYURVEDA---Hindu science of health and longevity
2 DHARNUR VEDA---Hindu science of archery & war
3 GANDHARVA VEDA--Hindu science of Music
4 ARTHASHASTRA---Hindu science of governing by Kings
C----- DARSANAS [HINDU JNANA YOGA - PATH OF KNOWLEDGE]: 6 of them
1. NYASA: by sage Gautama wrote Nyaya sutras
2. VAISHESHIKA: by sage Kanada wrote Vaisheshika sutra
3. SAMKHYA: by sage Kapila- Gita starts with this philosophy
4. YOGA: by Pathanjali who wrote PATHANJALI YOGASUTRA
5. MIMAMSA: by sage Jaimini who wrote MIMAMSA SUTRA
6. VEDANTA: by sage Veda Vyasa VEDANTA [AT THE END OF VEDAS] meaning it started at the end of Vedic age] has two parts.
1. ADVAIDA PHILOSOPHY- ONE ONLY - great exponent ADI SANKARA 2. DWITA PHILOSOPHY - TWO - almost all Vaishnava saints
The very first sacred books of Hinduism is called VEDAS. VEDAS means KNOWLEDGE. There are four VEDAS and they claim to teach men the highest aspects of truths which can lead them to God. Vedas and Upanishads are SRUTI scriptures. The word VEDA came from the root word "vid" meaning "to know". Vedas are the very first scriptures of Hinduism. Vedas as per scriptures was written by God. Vedas state "SELF REALIZATION" is one and the goal of human life. Vedas also discuss in detail rituals and ceremonies to attain self-realization. There are 4 Vedas. The first Vedas are known as the TRIPLE VEDAS.
They are:
RIG VEDA--------------- KNOWLEDGE OF HYMNS --10589 verses
The Hindu Rig Veda is the foremost book of Hindus. It is the oldest book in the world. Nobody knows when Rig Veda was written. According to B.G. Tilak it was written in 5000 BC. German philosopher Max Muller dates 1500 BC. According some it took centuries to write this book from 1500 B.C. to 500 B.C. Rig Veda is older than GILGAMESH [2500 B.C] and the Old Testament.
The very first Veda, Rig Veda very clearly shows that it was written, when nomad man first settled down on the banks of rivers like Ganges, Brahmaputra, Indus etc. That is the reason why, in Rig Veda, you see, people are worshiping natural powers like lighting, rain, Sun, fire [Agni]; water; air, that effects cultivation It consists of 1028 hymns, comprising of 10,589 verses in 10 chapters known as MANDALAS. 33 gods are worshiped in Rig Veda. There are 100 hymns addressed to Soma; 250 addressed to Indra; 200 hymns addressed to Agni; Many addressed to Surya. Few addressed to USHAS, ADITI, SARASWATHI, VARUNA and ASVINS. Lord Vishnu is a minor god in Rig Veda.
One of the most important statement came from the Rig Veda is "EKAM SAT, VIPRAH BAHUDHA VADANTI ---meaning "Truth is one but men describe it differently". Lord Vishnu has minor importance in Rig Veda. Name of Lord Siva is mentioned as RUDRA. SOMA in Rig Veda is intoxicating drink to gods. The word SURA came those who drink an intoxicating drink which I think is SOMA. The word ASURA came from those who does not drink that drink. Another word that caught my attention in RIG VEDA is the word RTA which means some kind of cosmic order. I think the word DHARMA originated from the word RTA.
One of the most prominent hymns of Rig Veda "Purusa-Sukta ----Purusha [man] and the Primordial sacrifice of Purusha for the betterment of man and the world". Another one is "CREATION HYMN".
Caste system started in Rig Vedic period. The Rig Vedic Hymn, known as PURUSHA-SUKTA (Mandala-x, 19th hymn, 12th verse) states: THE BRAHMIN WAS PURUSHA'S (cosmic man - the first principle of SANKYA PHILOSOPHY in Hinduism) MOUTH, THE KSHATRIYA HIS ARMS, THE VAISYA HIS THIGHS, AND SHUDRA HIS FEET.
YAJUR VEDA----------- KNOWLEDGE OF LITURGY --3988 verses
deals with KNOWLEDGE OF RITES. This Veda is based on Rig Veda. It contains rules and regulations explaining how to conduct rituals. It consists of prose as well verse. Sacrifice is one of the most important aspect of this Veda.
SAMA VEDA------------ KNOWLEDGE OF MUSIC ---1549 verses
deals with the knowledge of chants. Sama means "melody". The classical Indian music originated from this Veda. This Veda is also based on Rig Veda. Verses from this Veda is sung when "Soma Sacrifice" is performed. Sama Veda is similar to Psalms in Christianity.
ATHARVA VEDAC ---KNOWLEDGE GIVEN BY SAGE ATHARVAC6000 verses ---731 hymns contains the knowledge given by sage Athrvana. Some state that sage Athrvana did not formulate this Veda but was the chief priest in the ceremonies associated with it. Atharvana who is mentioned in the Rig Veda was considered as the eldest son of Lord Brahma [God of creation]. ATHARVA VEDA was non-existent when other 3 Vedas were composed.
AUYRVEDA THE HINDU MEDICINE SCRIPTURE consists of more than 100,000 verses initially. Still it is considered as a UPA VEDA of ATHARVA VEDA.
A---SAMHITAS----basic texts for hymns to deities, formulas and chants. The Sankrit word SAMHITA means "put togther".
B---BRAHMANAS--description as well as directions for performance of rituals. The word originated from the word Brahmins. Brahmins are the original Hindu priests and they follow Brahmans to conduct rituals.
C---ARYANAKAS contain Mantras and interpretations of rituals--This book also known as "the forest books" since book is used by saints who meditate in the forests.
D---UPANISHADS--texts revealing ultimate truths by different saints. Upanishads teach men that there is ONE AND ONLY thing and that is BRAHMAN. You and I just reflections of Brahman. Or we are indeed God... Upanishads teach us "Tat tvam Asi" CC THAT THOU ART. In fact, the word UPANISHAD can be broken down as UPA [near] NI [down] SHAD [sit] meaning that teachings of Upanishads were conveyed from masters to students when students sat very next to masters and nobody overheard those teachings.
TOTAL 108 UPANISHADS .
Principle ones 13. Some of the Upanishads are named after the sages who answered all questions. Some as per the first word in the Upanishad. [ I shall write details separately]
1. ISA UPANISHAD- 2. KENA UPANISHAD 3. KATHA UPANISHAD 4. PRASNA UPANISHAD 5. MUNDAKA UPANISHAD 6. MANDUKYA UPANISHAD 7. AITAREYA UPANISHAD 8. TAITTIRYA UPANISHAD 9. CHANDOGYA UPANISHAD 10. BRIHAD-ARANYAKA UPANISHAD 11 KAUnutsAKI UPANISHAD 12. SHVETASHVATARA UPANISHAD 13 MAITRI UPANISHAD SMRITI LITERATURE CONSISTS OF LARGE NUMBER OF BOOKS.
A. VEDANGAS: scriptures attached to Vedas.
1. DHARMA SUTRAS- [Codes of Manu, Yatnyavalkya etc]
2. JYOTHISHA [ astrology and astronomy ]
3. KALPA [rituals and legal matters]
4. SIKSHA [phonetics ]
5. CHHANDAS [measurements]
6. NIRUKTA [Etymology]
7. VYAKARANA [ Sanskrit grammar ]
B-----UPAVEDAS
1. AYURVEDA---Hindu science of health and longevity
2 DHARNUR VEDA---Hindu science of archery & war
3 GANDHARVA VEDA--Hindu science of Music
4 ARTHASHASTRA---Hindu science of governing by Kings
C----- DARSANAS [HINDU JNANA YOGA - PATH OF KNOWLEDGE]: 6 of them
1. NYASA: by sage Gautama wrote Nyaya sutras
2. VAISHESHIKA: by sage Kanada wrote Vaisheshika sutra
3. SAMKHYA: by sage Kapila- Gita starts with this philosophy
4. YOGA: by Pathanjali who wrote PATHANJALI YOGASUTRA
5. MIMAMSA: by sage Jaimini who wrote MIMAMSA SUTRA
6. VEDANTA: by sage Veda Vyasa VEDANTA [AT THE END OF VEDAS] meaning it started at the end of Vedic age] has two parts.
1. ADVAIDA PHILOSOPHY- ONE ONLY - great exponent ADI SANKARA 2. DWITA PHILOSOPHY - TWO - almost all Vaishnava saints