Ancient Vedic Knowledge
Vedas – the most ancient scriptures known to humankind scripted in Vedic Sanskrit language has a great to offer in terms of knowledge and spirituality. Few facts, which are quoted in these texts written around 2000 BC are so much astounding that they somehow matches with our modern scientific inventions and discoveries. Ancient Vedic Knowledge Online is the collection of hymns or songs that very rhythmically and systematically make us familiar with many such aspects of life which we fail to do in our busy lives. Before getting deep into the inscriptions of these ancient texts, let us know about their occurrence and classifications.
Vedas are basically the spiritual literature of the ancient Indian culture, written in the Sanskrit language. They are comprised of a huge collection of books, which include material (mundane), religious (ritualistic), as well as spiritual (monotheistic) knowledge. The expression, “Vedic” is derived from the Sanskrit word “Veda”, which means knowledge or revelation. Vedas is a great composition of facts related to most ancient cultures, timeless relationships and truth, universal facts and divine incarnations. Composed by sages and seers, or the philosophers and scientists of that age, the Vedas contain preaching of values and principles related to evolution of human race till the need and practice of maintaining human values in the course of leading a flawless life.
As displayed above, Rig Veda, Yajur Veda, Sama Veda and Atharva Veda are the four Vedas which holds information and facts related to the most important aspects of human life. Rig Veda comprises of verses related to Gyana or Knowledge. These verses refers to the importance of earning knowledge and what can be the result when an individual gains ultimate knowledge. Vesres and rhymes of Rig Veda emphasizes on the knowledge factor of both materialistic and spiritual essence and grants equal importance to both. Yajur Veda unveils the concepts of Karma and clearly illustrates the fact that Karma or Deeds of an individual is all that is the deciding factor in achieving anything in life. It also states that no attempt or contribution of an individual in this universe goes in vain. Everything returns.
Sama Veda brims with the need and effects of the Practice of Bhakti or Devotion. It explains that to achieve anything in life, a proper path of Bhakti or Devotion is required. Atharva Veda consists of various scientific explanations and theories which were hypothetically examined by sages and seers of that age and has many practically proved and discovered fact, most of which are certified by our Modern Science.
Before taking a deeper plunge into the ocean of knowledge and information as cited in the Vedas, we must clarify few basic concepts or FAQs on the Vedas like –
Who wrote the Vedas?
The credit of writing the Vedas can never be extended to any particular individual. These oldest scriptures of Hinduism took textual format after 1900 BC. Until then they were circulated in the society and transferred to generations by means of “shruti” and “smriti”, which means, hearing and learning or remembering. In the epic Mahabharata, the root creation of the sacred books is credited to Lord Brahma. Henceforth, many sages and saints, often said to be “apauruseya” or superhuman, made significant contribution in giving the Vedas its complete form as we are having now.
What is the language of Vedas?
Many often confuse that Vedas must be written in Sanskrit. But that is not the fact. Vedas are written in Vedic Sanskrit, which is very close to the Devanagri dialects and completely different from the contemporary and traditional Sanskrit we are knowing and practising now.
What is the meaning of the word “Veda”?
Veda is a Sanskrit word derived from root word “vid” which means “to know”. Hence, in Sanskrit, the word “Veda” means knowledge and wisdom. The word has been decoded and decrypted in many other languages like Indo-European, Greek and Modern Sanskrit and in all forms, the meaning refers to wit, wisdom, form, aspects and knowledge.
What is the difference between the four Vedas?
The four Vedas, namely, Rig, Atharva, Sama and Yajur were composed at different times in the history of mankind. Rig Veda is the most ancient and deals with all the paradigms of modes and aspects of attaining knowledge. Atharva Veda gives lessons related to the good and bad outcomes you can face in your life according to your deeds. Sama Veda gives information related to the methods and prospects of practising Bhakti or devotion to demigods and incarnation of Gods. Yajur Veda has great contents related to science and medicine. All the four Vedas are pinnacle source of knowledge and information in their respective segments of specialisation.
These are just a droplet of information springing out of the endless ocean of knowledge and wisdom stored in the most Ancient scriptures of the planet, the Vedas. In my next article of the series, I shall explain you the details of Rig Veda. Until then, we must acknowledge the saints and seers of that time who preserved the banks of such great knowledge and wisdom in scriptures named as the Vedas.
