The document provides an overview of Hindu scriptures and texts. It discusses the six orthodox sections - Sruti, Smriti, Itihasa, Purana, Agama, and Darsana. It elaborates on the four Vedas and their divisions. It also summarizes the Upanishads, Vedangas, Smritis, Itihasas including the Ramayana, Mahabharata and Bhagavad Gita, and the 18 main Puranas. The document serves as a comprehensive reference guide to the extensive collection of Hindu religious literature.
The Vedas are a large body of knowledge texts originating in the ancient Indian subcontinent. Composed in Vedic Sanskrit, the texts constitute the oldest layer of Sanskrit literature and the oldest scriptures of Hinduism.
Hindus consider the Vedas to be apauruṣeya, which means "not of a man, superhuman" and "impersonal, authorless".
Upani ads are the highest portion of Veda and upani ads are called as vedanta. It is the compound word of Sanskrit like upa ni sad, which denotes sitting at the feet or presence of a guru. The upani ads are called disclosure of god. There are one hundred and eight upani ads in Indian philosophical tradition. But their numbers exceed two hundred Among of them 11 number of upani ads are treated as major upani ads. The svetasvataropani ad is a major upani ad and there are 113 mantras in this upani ad and which belongs to k ayajurveda. The svetasvataropani ad describes the yoga, its usages and merits vividly. There are seen many more descriptions of the supreme soul and the descriptions about the individual soul in this upani ad very beautifully. Nilachal Mishra ""A Brief Study on ÅšvetÄÅ›vataropaniá¹£ad"" Published in International Journal of Trend in Scientific Research and Development (ijtsrd), ISSN: 2456-6470, Volume-3 | Issue-3 , April 2019, URL: https://www.ijtsrd.com/papers/ijtsrd21743.pdf
Paper URL: https://www.ijtsrd.com/humanities-and-the-arts/sanskrit/21743/a-brief-study-on-Å›vetÄÅ›vataropaniá¹£ad/nilachal-mishra
The Vedas are a large body of knowledge texts originating in the ancient Indian subcontinent. Composed in Vedic Sanskrit, the texts constitute the oldest layer of Sanskrit literature and the oldest scriptures of Hinduism.
Hindus consider the Vedas to be apauruṣeya, which means "not of a man, superhuman" and "impersonal, authorless".
Upani ads are the highest portion of Veda and upani ads are called as vedanta. It is the compound word of Sanskrit like upa ni sad, which denotes sitting at the feet or presence of a guru. The upani ads are called disclosure of god. There are one hundred and eight upani ads in Indian philosophical tradition. But their numbers exceed two hundred Among of them 11 number of upani ads are treated as major upani ads. The svetasvataropani ad is a major upani ad and there are 113 mantras in this upani ad and which belongs to k ayajurveda. The svetasvataropani ad describes the yoga, its usages and merits vividly. There are seen many more descriptions of the supreme soul and the descriptions about the individual soul in this upani ad very beautifully. Nilachal Mishra ""A Brief Study on ÅšvetÄÅ›vataropaniá¹£ad"" Published in International Journal of Trend in Scientific Research and Development (ijtsrd), ISSN: 2456-6470, Volume-3 | Issue-3 , April 2019, URL: https://www.ijtsrd.com/papers/ijtsrd21743.pdf
Paper URL: https://www.ijtsrd.com/humanities-and-the-arts/sanskrit/21743/a-brief-study-on-Å›vetÄÅ›vataropaniá¹£ad/nilachal-mishra
Partial notes on BBA 205 course for students of IP University (Delhi) and anyone who wants a beginner's level knowledge on business ethics.
Citations are reflected in the slides.
Mathematical Concepts and its Theories in the VedasYogeshIJTSRD
Vedas are four in numbers viz. Rigveda, Yajurveda, Samaveda and Atharvaveda. The word‘Veda’ itself means knowledge. The Vedic seers invented mathematical, geometrical, astronomical, botanical formulas without which health the present development in various aspects cannot be imagined. The Vedic civilization originated in India bears literary evidence of Indian culture, literature, astronomy and mathematics. The Vedas and Veda gas are primarily religious in content but embody a large amount of astronomical and mathematical knowledge. Although the requirement of mathematics in Vedic period was clearly not for its own sake, but for the purpose of religion and astronomy, since the Vedas are not texts on mathematics, but they mention a lot of mathematical concept. In this paper, an attempt has been made to highlight different mathematical concepts and theories as found in the Vedas. Dr. Subhajyoti Borgohain "Mathematical Concepts and its Theories in the Vedas" Published in International Journal of Trend in Scientific Research and Development (ijtsrd), ISSN: 2456-6470, Volume-5 | Issue-3 , April 2021, URL: https://www.ijtsrd.com/papers/ijtsrd39977.pdf Paper URL: https://www.ijtsrd.com/mathemetics/other/39977/mathematical-concepts-and-its-theories-in-the-vedas/dr-subhajyoti-borgohain
Certain things or events, happens, that gets ingrained in the memory of not one person but of the whole race or population and then that information is passed on from one generation to the other thus becoming a legend. One such event was the great flood which got ingrained in the memory of humanity in a large scale as is evident from various legends not only from India but also from different parts of the world. The legend of the flood is one such memory of the humanity that is there in the legends of many tribes and civilizations, present and past, from Celtic in the north to India and also mentioned in the old testament. The mention of the great flood in also there in the Vedas
This presentation include brief description from vedas and learnings from them in relation to modern society problems
it tells us how to live life in this fast pacing world
-Vaibhav Singhal
Partial notes on BBA 205 course for students of IP University (Delhi) and anyone who wants a beginner's level knowledge on business ethics.
Citations are reflected in the slides.
Mathematical Concepts and its Theories in the VedasYogeshIJTSRD
Vedas are four in numbers viz. Rigveda, Yajurveda, Samaveda and Atharvaveda. The word‘Veda’ itself means knowledge. The Vedic seers invented mathematical, geometrical, astronomical, botanical formulas without which health the present development in various aspects cannot be imagined. The Vedic civilization originated in India bears literary evidence of Indian culture, literature, astronomy and mathematics. The Vedas and Veda gas are primarily religious in content but embody a large amount of astronomical and mathematical knowledge. Although the requirement of mathematics in Vedic period was clearly not for its own sake, but for the purpose of religion and astronomy, since the Vedas are not texts on mathematics, but they mention a lot of mathematical concept. In this paper, an attempt has been made to highlight different mathematical concepts and theories as found in the Vedas. Dr. Subhajyoti Borgohain "Mathematical Concepts and its Theories in the Vedas" Published in International Journal of Trend in Scientific Research and Development (ijtsrd), ISSN: 2456-6470, Volume-5 | Issue-3 , April 2021, URL: https://www.ijtsrd.com/papers/ijtsrd39977.pdf Paper URL: https://www.ijtsrd.com/mathemetics/other/39977/mathematical-concepts-and-its-theories-in-the-vedas/dr-subhajyoti-borgohain
Certain things or events, happens, that gets ingrained in the memory of not one person but of the whole race or population and then that information is passed on from one generation to the other thus becoming a legend. One such event was the great flood which got ingrained in the memory of humanity in a large scale as is evident from various legends not only from India but also from different parts of the world. The legend of the flood is one such memory of the humanity that is there in the legends of many tribes and civilizations, present and past, from Celtic in the north to India and also mentioned in the old testament. The mention of the great flood in also there in the Vedas
This presentation include brief description from vedas and learnings from them in relation to modern society problems
it tells us how to live life in this fast pacing world
-Vaibhav Singhal
The means may change the concept of Dharma never changes. Dharma is to have Self Realisation as the main theme. The means vary according to our make up, strength, priorities and convictions.
The education system which was evolved first in ancient India is known as the Vedic system of education. In other words, the ancient system of education was based on the Vedas and therefore it was given the name of Vedic Educational System. In Vedic era education had a very prominent place in society. It was being considered as pious and important for society. In the eyes of Aryans, education was the only means to acquire, prosperity in the field of physical, mental, spiritual and social developments. Education was must for everybody for becoming cultured. In absence of education people were considered as uncultured and animal like thing. Education was an instrument to show new paths and knowledge to us. Education opens our hidden qualities and helps people to attain Salvation. It can be regarded as ―Third Eye‘of human beings. Through education only a man gets rid from debt of Guru and so was the feeling of people at that time. In short by putting different logic, we can say that education was the most important aspect of human life of that period. Terms such as knowledge, awakening, humility, modesty etc. are often used to characterize education in the Vedic period.Educational Achievements of Vedic age were as follows:
1. Education emphasized the development of spirituality the ashram system was adopted for paying of the individual’s debt towards the Gods, his forefathers, his teacher and society.
2. The minds of the parents were first prepared to instill in them a desire for the education of their children. It has been said that those parents are the enemy of the child who do not teach their children.
3. Great attention was paid to the development of Childs character. Teachers laid stress on integral development of the individuals’ personality.
4. Social skill was evolved through training in fulfillment of duties
5. Efforts were made for the preservation and propagation of the national culture.
6. Education was free. Its expenses were borne by the society and the king
7. While living in Gurukul the child imbibed education in a favourable environment
8. A student was compelled to obey the ideals of the Gurukul. He had to shoulder the burden of existence through begging for alms. This practice developed humility and tolerance in the student
9. In developing the students character attention was paid to his nature, early experiences upbringing and circumstance
10. Self study (Swadhyaya) was considered more important
11. The medium of education was divine pronouncement
12. The examination was oral one. The student was required to give oral answers in a congregation of scholars. It he satisfied them, he was given a degree or little. The consensus of the scholars’ opinion was essential for obtaining such a title.
Writing an acknowledgement is an important part of project report. Acknowledgement in project reports is used to thank all those people who have helped you directly or indirectly in preparing your project or thanking people for extending time, effort, money or trust. So, here is a sample acknowledgement which you use in your projects.
Acknowledgement
The success and final outcome of this assignment required a lot of guidance and assistance from many people and we extremely fortunate to have got this all along the completion of our assignment work. Whatever we have done is only due to such guidance and assistance and we would not forget to thank them. I respect and thank Ms. Vimalah for giving we an opportunity to do this assignment work and providing us all support and guidance which made me complete the assignment on time, We extremely grateful to her for providing such a nice support and guidance.
We are really grateful because we managed to complete this assignment within the time given by Ms.Vimalah. This assignment cannot be completed without the effort and co-operation from our group members. Group member’s Zaniah, Shakila, Sharif, Icuk, and Thomas. Last but not least, we would like to express our gratitude to our friends and respondents for support and willingness to spend some time with us.
Module 2, L2 Indian Tradition Culture and Society.pptxAmitTiwari52430
A hydrocarbon is an organic compound consisting of hydrogen and carbon found in crude oil, natural gas, and coal. Hydrocarbons are highly combustible and the main energy source of the world. Its uses consist of gasoline, jet fuel, propane, kerosene, and diesel, to name just a few.
The Hindu scriptures provide the early documented history and
origin of arts and sciences forms in India such as music, dance,
sculptures, architecture, astronomy, science, mathematics,
medicine and wellness. Valmiki's Ramayana (500 BCE to 100
BCE) mentions music and singing by Gandharvas, dance by
Apsaras such as Urvashi, Rambha, ETC. The evidence of earliest
dance related texts are in Natasutras, which are mentioned in
the text of Panini, the sage who wrote the classic on Sanskrit
grammar, and who is dated to about 500 BCE. whose complete
manuscript has not survived into the modern age.
Ten Upanishads are considered as major texts in view of their indepth coverage of the specific aspects, the mentioning of these works by many spiritual masters.
Patañjali is often regarded as a great saint, who lived most probably in the second – fifth century BCE.
He is the compiler of a great treatise on Yoga, entitled Patañjali’s Yoga Sūtras. He is also regarded as the author of a great commentary on Pāṇini’s Aṣṭādhyāyī, known as Mahābhāṣya, treatise on Sanskrit grammar and linguistics.
He is also credited as the author of a medical text, a commentary on Charaka Samhita, known as Carakavartikka.
Patañjali’s Yoga Sūtras is a great treatise that outlines the art and science of Yoga meditation for Self-Realization.
It is mainly a compilation of a much older oral tradition.
Patañjali divided his Yoga Sūtras into four pāda or chapters. It consists of 196 aphorisms or sutras.
Importance of the Vedas in Human Life.pptManish836891
Vastu Shastra is a traditional Indian system of armature grounded on ancient textbooks that describe principles of design, layout, measures, ground medication, space arrangement, and spatial figure.
We as Indians have failed to understand the deep and real meaning of the holy Vedas and Hindu culture texts written by the great sages and our ancestors. Psychologically, if we look, any knowledge from our ancient times can be easily understood by adding some personal relevance around the subject to show it through storytelling, making it interesting and easy for the listener to remember. However, this concept given by our sages was not properly adopted by future generations, took only symbolic meaning without understanding it scientifically and due to lack of understanding of the original deep knowledge, a great blow was inflicted on the social, economic and spiritual spheres. Every knowledge, literature, concept written as some message is actually a deep scientific and technical concept, information about composition, medicine and surgery, advice on physical, mental and social health, nurturing and balancing of environment, life management and work management, political and economic considerations. The main objective was to create a socially, economically, spiritually healthy society so that the country and the world would progress at the same time with the theme “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam”.
Advances in science and technology are the main reason for the growth of human civilization. India has been contributing in the field of science and technology since ancient times. Even today what we call “traditional knowledge” is actually based on scientific reasoning.
Veer Savarkar wanted, “Not only a particular caste, but everyone should raise the standard of living by developing modern technology using Vedic literature”.
Lokmanya Tilak had a very in-depth study of Vedic knowledge, a treatise can be written on his knowledge.
Hindu ancestors, sages put this great knowledge not only on paper but at that time with great skill and design many concepts were practically implemented on the ground. We can see various temples, metalwork, architectural beauty, mathematics, surgical methods….
Physics
The German physicist Werner Heisenberg once said … “About Indian philosophy, some of the ideas of quantum physics that seemed so crazy suddenly became more meaningful”.
The concepts of atoms, molecules and substances can be traced back to the Vedic age. Moreover, the concepts of astronomy, metaphysics and spirituality are described in the Rig Veda, the ancient Hindu scriptures of the Vedic period.
Why have Indians built thousands, so incredibly architecturally amazing temples around the world? Were they rich enough to spend money on this venture?
Yes, their eternal Sanatan Hindu culture gave them wisdom, intelligence, hard work, spirituality and most importantly progress in the field of research, the purpose behind which was to make humanity prosperous and peaceful.
The German philosopher Gottfried von Herder once said, “The origin of mankind can be traced back to India where the human mind got its first shape of wisdom and virtue.”These copper plates absoBS
Explore the profound depths of Hinduism in 'About Everything: Hinduism.' Gain insights into its rich history, beliefs, and practices.
https://dearcomradeindia.com
https://biggboss17updates.com
The PBHP DYC ~ Reflections on The Dhamma (English).pptxOH TEIK BIN
A PowerPoint Presentation based on the Dhamma Reflections for the PBHP DYC for the years 1993 – 2012. To motivate and inspire DYC members to keep on practicing the Dhamma and to do the meritorious deed of Dhammaduta work.
The texts are in English.
For the Video with audio narration, comments and texts in English, please check out the Link:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zF2g_43NEa0
Exploring the Mindfulness Understanding Its Benefits.pptxMartaLoveguard
Slide 1: Title: Exploring the Mindfulness: Understanding Its Benefits
Slide 2: Introduction to Mindfulness
Mindfulness, defined as the conscious, non-judgmental observation of the present moment, has deep roots in Buddhist meditation practice but has gained significant popularity in the Western world in recent years. In today's society, filled with distractions and constant stimuli, mindfulness offers a valuable tool for regaining inner peace and reconnecting with our true selves. By cultivating mindfulness, we can develop a heightened awareness of our thoughts, feelings, and surroundings, leading to a greater sense of clarity and presence in our daily lives.
Slide 3: Benefits of Mindfulness for Mental Well-being
Practicing mindfulness can help reduce stress and anxiety levels, improving overall quality of life.
Mindfulness increases awareness of our emotions and teaches us to manage them better, leading to improved mood.
Regular mindfulness practice can improve our ability to concentrate and focus our attention on the present moment.
Slide 4: Benefits of Mindfulness for Physical Health
Research has shown that practicing mindfulness can contribute to lowering blood pressure, which is beneficial for heart health.
Regular meditation and mindfulness practice can strengthen the immune system, aiding the body in fighting infections.
Mindfulness may help reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes and obesity by reducing stress and improving overall lifestyle habits.
Slide 5: Impact of Mindfulness on Relationships
Mindfulness can help us better understand others and improve communication, leading to healthier relationships.
By focusing on the present moment and being fully attentive, mindfulness helps build stronger and more authentic connections with others.
Mindfulness teaches us how to be present for others in difficult times, leading to increased compassion and understanding.
Slide 6: Mindfulness Techniques and Practices
Focusing on the breath and mindful breathing can be a simple way to enter a state of mindfulness.
Body scan meditation involves focusing on different parts of the body, paying attention to any sensations and feelings.
Practicing mindful walking and eating involves consciously focusing on each step or bite, with full attention to sensory experiences.
Slide 7: Incorporating Mindfulness into Daily Life
You can practice mindfulness in everyday activities such as washing dishes or taking a walk in the park.
Adding mindfulness practice to daily routines can help increase awareness and presence.
Mindfulness helps us become more aware of our needs and better manage our time, leading to balance and harmony in life.
Slide 8: Summary: Embracing Mindfulness for Full Living
Mindfulness can bring numerous benefits for physical and mental health.
Regular mindfulness practice can help achieve a fuller and more satisfying life.
Mindfulness has the power to change our perspective and way of perceiving the world, leading to deeper se
The Good News, newsletter for June 2024 is hereNoHo FUMC
Our monthly newsletter is available to read online. We hope you will join us each Sunday in person for our worship service. Make sure to subscribe and follow us on YouTube and social media.
In Jude 17-23 Jude shifts from piling up examples of false teachers from the Old Testament to a series of practical exhortations that flow from apostolic instruction. He preserves for us what may well have been part of the apostolic catechism for the first generation of Christ-followers. In these instructions Jude exhorts the believer to deal with 3 different groups of people: scoffers who are "devoid of the Spirit", believers who have come under the influence of scoffers and believers who are so entrenched in false teaching that they need rescue and pose some real spiritual risk for the rescuer. In all of this Jude emphasizes Jesus' call to rescue straying sheep, leaving the 99 safely behind and pursuing the 1.
The Book of Joshua is the sixth book in the Hebrew Bible and the Old Testament, and is the first book of the Deuteronomistic history, the story of Israel from the conquest of Canaan to the Babylonian exile.
HANUMAN STORIES: TIMELESS TEACHINGS FOR TODAY’S WORLDLearnyoga
Hanuman Stories: Timeless Teachings for Today’s World" delves into the inspiring tales of Hanuman, highlighting lessons of devotion, strength, and selfless service that resonate in modern life. These stories illustrate how Hanuman's unwavering faith and courage can guide us through challenges and foster resilience. Through these timeless narratives, readers can find profound wisdom to apply in their daily lives.
The Chakra System in our body - A Portal to Interdimensional Consciousness.pptxBharat Technology
each chakra is studied in greater detail, several steps have been included to
strengthen your personal intention to open each chakra more fully. These are designed
to draw forth the highest benefit for your spiritual growth.
What Should be the Christian View of Anime?Joe Muraguri
We will learn what Anime is and see what a Christian should consider before watching anime movies? We will also learn a little bit of Shintoism religion and hentai (the craze of internet pornography today).
Lesson 9 - Resisting Temptation Along the Way.pptxCelso Napoleon
Lesson 9 - Resisting Temptation Along the Way
SBs – Sunday Bible School
Adult Bible Lessons 2nd quarter 2024 CPAD
MAGAZINE: THE CAREER THAT IS PROPOSED TO US: The Path of Salvation, Holiness and Perseverance to Reach Heaven
Commentator: Pastor Osiel Gomes
Presentation: Missionary Celso Napoleon
Renewed in Grace
4. SRUTHI Revealed Truths Without Beginning or End
_______________ The Srutis are called the Vedas, or the Amnaya. ________________
The Vedas are the foundational scriptures of the Hindus.
The Veda is the source of the other five Sets of scriptures
The Vedas are the eternal truths revealed by God to the great ancient Rishis of India
The truths of the Vedas are revelations.
The Vedas are the oldest books in the library of man
The Vedas are eternal. They are without beginning and end
The Veda is divided into four great books:
1. Rig-Veda
2. Yajur-Veda
3. Sama-Veda
4. Atharva-Veda
5. VEDAS SECTIONS
The Rig-Veda is divided into twenty-one sections
Yajur-Veda into one hundred and nine sections
Sama-Veda into one thousand sections
Atharva-Veda into fifty sections
In all, the whole Veda is thus divided into 1180 recensions
6. Each Veda consists of four parts:
1.Mantra-Samhitas or hymns
2. Brahmanas orexplanations of Mantras or rituals
3. Aranyakas
4. Upanishads
The division of the Vedas into four parts is to suit the four stages in a man’s life.
7. The Mantra-Samhitas
The Mantra-Samhitas are hymns in praise of the Vedic God for attaining material
prosperity here and happiness hereafter.
They are metrical poems comprising prayers, hymns and incantationsaddressed to
various deities, both subjective and objective.
The Mantra portion of the Vedas is useful for the Brahmacharins.
The Brahmana portions guide people to perform sacrificial rites.
8. The Brahmana
The Brahmana portions guide people to perform sacrificial rites.
They are prose explanations of the method of using the Mantras in
the Yajna or the sacrifice.
The Brahmana portion is suitable for the householders.
9. Aranyakas
The Aranyakas are the forest books, the mystical sylvan texts which
give philosophical interpretations of the rituals.
The Aranyakas are intended for the Vanaprasthas or hermits who
prepare themselves for taking Sannyasa.
10. Upanishads
The Upanishads are the most important portion of the Vedas.
The Upanishads contain the essence or the knowledge portion of
the Vedas.
The philosophy of the Upanishads is sublime,profound, lofty and
soul-stirring.
The Upanishads speak of the identity of the individual soul and
the Supreme Soul.
They reveal the most subtle and deep spiritual truths.
The Upanishads are useful for the Sannyasins.
11. The subject matter of the whole Veda
is divided into
1. Karma-Kanda
The Karma-Kanda or Ritualistic Section deals with various sacrifices and rituals.
2. Upasana-Kanda
The Upasana-Kanda or Worship-Section deals with various kinds of worship or meditation.
3. Jnana-Kanda
Jnana-Kanda or Knowledge-Section deals with the highest knowledge of Nirguna Brahman.
____________________________________________________________________________
Mantras and the Brahmanas constitute Karma-Kanda
Aranyakas Upasana-Kanda;
Upanishads Jnana-Kanda.
12. The Mantra-Samhitas
The Rig-Veda Samhita is the grandest book of the Hindus, the oldest and the best.
It is the Great Indian Bible, which no Hindu would forget to adore from the core of his heart.
Its style, the language and the tone are most beautiful and mysterious.
Its immortal Mantras embody the greatest truths of existence, and it is perhaps the greatest
treasure in all the scriptural literature of the world.
Its priest is called the Hotri.
The Yajur-Veda Samhita is mostly in prose and is meant to be used by the Adhvaryu, the
Yajur-Vedic priest, for superfluous explanations of the rites in sacrifices, supplementing the
Rig-Vedic Mantras.
The Sama-Veda Samhita is mostly borrowed from the Rig-Vedic Samhita and is meant to
be sung by the Udgatri, the Sama-Vedic priest, in sacrifices.
The Atharva-Veda Samhita is meant to be used by the Brahma, the Atharva-Vedic priest, to
correct the mispronunciations and wrong performances that may accidentally be committed
by the other three priests of the sacrifice.
13. The Brahmanas and the Aranyakas
There are two Brahmanas to the Rig-Veda—the Aitareya and the Sankhayana.
The Satapatha Brahmana belongs to the Sukla Yajur-Veda. The Krishna-Yajur-Veda
has the Taittiriya and the Maitrayana Brahmanas.
The Tandya or Panchavimsa, the Shadvimsa, the Chhandogya, the Adbhuta, the
Arsheya and the Upanishad Brahmanas belong to the Sama-Veda.
The Brahmana of the Atharva-Veda is called the Gopatha.
Each of the Brahmanas has got an Aranyaka.
14. The Upanishads
1. Rig-Veda ------------21
2. Yajur-Veda -------------109
3. Sama-Veda-------------1000
4. Atharva-Veda-------------50
The most important Upanishads are Isa, Kena, Katha, Prasna, Mundaka, Mandukya,
Aitareya, Taittiriya, Chhandogya, Brihadaranyaka, Kaushitaki and Svetasvatara and
Maitrayani.
These are supremely authoritative.
15. The most
importantUpanishads are
Isa, Kena, Katha, Prasna,
Mundaka, Mandukya,
Aitareya, Taittiriya, Chhan
dogya, Brihadaranyaka, K
aushitaki and
Svetasvatara and
Maitrayani.
These are supremely
authoritative.
16. The Upa-Vedas
Ayurveda ------------------------the science of health,
Dhanurveda ----------------------------------the science of war
Gandharva Veda --------------------------------the science of music
Arthasastra ----------------------------the science of polity.
17. The Vedangas
There are six Angas or explanatory limbs, to the Vedas:
1. Siksha and Vyakarana of Panini
2. Chhandas of Pingalacharya
3. Nirukta of Yaska
4. Jyotisha of Garga,
6. Kalpas(Srauta, Grihya, Dharma and Sulba) belonging to the authorship of various
Rishis.
18. Siksha is a knowledge of phonetics. Siksha deals with pronunciation and accent.
Vyakarana is Sanskrit grammar. Panini’s books are most famous. Without knowledge of
Vyakarana, you cannot understand the Vedas.
Chhandas is metre dealing with prosody
Nirukta is philology or etymology
Jyotisha is astronomy and astrology. It deals with the movements of the heavenly bodies,
planets, etc., and their influence in human affairs.
Kalpa is the method of ritual.
The Srauta Sutras which explain the ritual of sacrifices belong to Kalpa.
The sulba Sutras, which treat of the measurements which are necessary for laying out the
sacrificial areas, also belong to Kalpa.
The Grihya Sutras which concern domestic life,
and theDharma Sutras which deal with ethics, customs and laws, also belong to Kalpa.
19. The Pratishakhyas, Padapathas, Kramapathas, Upalekhas, Anukramanis, Daivatsamhitas,
Parishishtas, Prayogas, Paddhatis, Karikas, Khilas and Vyuhas are further elaborations in
the rituals of the Kalpa Sutras.
Among the Kalpa Sutras, the Asvalayana, Sankhyana and the Sambhavya belong to the
Rig-Veda. The Mashaka, Latyayana, Drahyayana, Gobhila and Khadira belong to the
Sama-Veda.
The Katyayana and Paraskara belong to the Sukla Yajur-Veda. The
Apastamba, Hiranyakesi,
Bodhayana, Bharadvaja, Manava, Vaikhanasa and the Kathaka belong to the Krishna
Yajur-Veda.
The Vaitana and the Kaushika belong to the Atharva-Veda.
20. THE SMRITIS
These are the ancient sacred law-codes of the Hindus dealing with the Sanatana-
Varnasrama-Dharma.
It lays down the laws which regulate Hindu national, social,family and individual obligations.
The Smritis have laid down definite rules and laws to guide the individuals and communities
in their daily conduct and to regulate their manners and customs.
The Hindu learns how he has to spend his whole life from these Smritis. The duties of
Varnasrama and all ceremonies are clearly given in these books. The Smritis prescribe
certain acts
and prohibit some others for a Hindu, according to his birth and stage of life. The object of
the
Smritis is to purify the heart of man and take him gradually to the supreme abode of
immortality and
make him perfect and free.
21. The Celebrated Hindu Law-Givers
Manu,Yajnavalkya and Parasara are the most celebrated persons.
We have Manu Smriti or Manava Dharma-Sastra (the Laws of Manu or the Institutes of
Manu), Yajnavalkya Smriti and Parasara Smriti.
There are eighteen main Smritis or Dharma Sastras. The most important are those of
Manu,
Yajnavalkya and Parasara. The other fifteen are those of Vishnu, Daksha, Samvarta, Vyasa,
Harita,
Satatapa, Vasishtha, Yama, Apastamba, Gautama, Devala, Sankha-Likhita, Usana, Atri and
Saunaka.
The laws of Manu are intended for the Satya Yuga, those of Yajnavalkya are for the Treta
Yuga; those of Sankha and Likhita are for the Dvapara Yuga; and those of Parasara are for
the Kali Yuga.
22. The Inner Voice of Dharma
He who is endowed with a pure heart through protracted Tapas, Japa, Kirtana, meditation
and service of Guru and who has a very clear conscience, can be guided by the inner voice
in matters of Dharma or duty or moral action. The inner voice that proceeds from a clean
heart filled with Sattva is, indeed, the voice of God or Soul or Antaryamin or Inner Ruler.
This voice is more than Smriti. It is Smriti of Smritis. Purify your heart and train yourself to
hear this inner voice. Keep your ear in tune with the ‘voice’.
23. THE ITIHASAS
The Friendly Treatises and the Commanding Treatises
There are four books under this heading: The Valmiki-Ramayana, the Yogavasishtha, The
Mahabharata and the Harivamsa.
These are very interesting volumes and are liked by all, from the inquisitive child to the
intellectual scholar.
The common man cannot comprehend the high abstract philosophy of the Upanishads
and the Brahma Sutras. Hence, the compassionate sages Valmiki and Vyasa wrote the
Itihasas for the benefit of common people. The same philosophy is presented with
analogies and parables in a tasteful form to the common run of mankind.
The two well-known Itihasas (histories) are the epics (Mahakavyas), Ramayana and
Mahabharata. They are two very popular and useful Sastras of the Hindus. The
Ramayana was written by the sage Valmiki, and the Mahabharata by Vyasa.
24. The Bhagavad-Gita
The most important part of the Mahabharata is the Bhagavad-Gita. It is a marvellous
dialogue between Lord Krishna and Arjuna on the battle-field, before the commencement
of the great war. Bhagavan Sri Krishna became the charioteer of Arjuna. Sri Krishna
explained the essentials of Hindu religion to Arjuna. Just as the Upanishads contain the
cream of the Vedas, so does the Gita contain the cream of the Upanishads. The
Upanishads are the cows. Lord Krishna is the cowherd. Arjuna is the calf. The Gita is the
milk. The wise men are those who drink the milk of the Gita.
The Gita is the most precious jewel of Hindu literature. It is a universal gospel. The Gita
teaches the Yoga of Synthesis. It ranks high in the religious literature of the world.
25. Knowledge of Ancient Indian History and Culture
The Mahabharata contains also the immortal discourse of Bhishma on Dharma, which he
gave to Yudhishthira, when he was lying on the bed of arrows. The whole Mahabharata forms
an encyclopaedia of history, morals and religion unsurpassed by any other epic in the world.
The Ramayana and the Mahabharata speak to us clearly about the ancient India, about her
people, her customs, her ways of living, her arts, her civilisation and culture, her
manufactures, etc. If you read these two books, you will come to know how great India once
was, and you will be inspired to make her great once more. No other country has produced so
many great men, great teachers, great Yogins, great Rishis, great prophets, great
Acharyas, great kings, great heroes, great statesmen, great patriots and great benefactors, as
India. The more you know of India and Hinduism, the more you will honour and love it and the
more thankful to the Lord you will be that you were born in India as a Hindu. Glory to India!
Glory to Hinduism! Glory to the seers of the Upanishads! Glory, glory to Lord Krishna, the
author of the Song Divine!
26. The Puranas are of the same class as the Itihasas. They have five characteristics
(Pancha-Lakshana) viz., history, cosmology (with various symbolical illustrations of
philosophical principles), secondary creation, genealogy of kings and of Manvantaras. All the
Puranas belong to the class of Suhrit-Samhitas.
Vyasa is the compiler of the Puranas from age to age; and for this age, he is
Krishnadvaipayana, the son of Parasara.
The Puranas were written to popularise the religion of the Vedas. They contain the essence
of the Vedas. The aim of the Puranas is to impress on the minds of the masses the teachings of
the Vedas and to generate in them devotion to God, through concrete
examples, myths, stories, legends, lives of saints, kings and great men, allegories and
chronicles of great historical events. The sages made use of these things to illustrate the
eternal principles of religion. The Puranas were meant, not for the scholars, but for the
ordinary people who could not understand high philosophy and who could not study the
Vedas.
27. The Eighteen Puranas
There are eighteen main Puranas and an equal number of subsidiary Puranas or Upa-
Puranas. The main Puranas are: 1.Vishnu Purana,
2. Naradiya Purana,
3. Srimad Bhagavata Purana,
4.Garuda (Suparna) Purana,
5. Padma Purana,
6. Varaha Purana,
7.Brahma Purana,
8.Brahmanda Purana,
9.Brahma Vaivarta Purana,
10.Markandeya Purana,
11. Bhavishya Purana,
12.Vamana Purana,
13.Matsya Purana,
14.Kurma Purana,
15.Linga Purana,
16.Siva Purana,
17.Skanda Purana and
18. Agni Purana.
Of these, six are Sattvic Puranas and glorify Vishnu; six are Rajasic and glorify Brahma; six
are Tamasic and they glorify Siva.
28. The best among the Puranas are the Srimad Bhagavata and the
Vishnu Purana. The most popular is the Srimad Bhagavata Purana.
Next comes Vishnu Purana. A portion of the Markandeya Purana is
well known to all Hindus as Chandi, or Devimahatmya. Worship of
God as the Divine Mother is its theme. Chandi is read widely by
the Hindus on sacred days and Navaratri (Durga Puja) days.
29. The Srimad Bhagavata Purana and the Ten Avataras
The Srimad Bhagavata Purana is a chronicle of the various Avataras of Lord Vishnu. There
are ten Avataras of Vishnu. The aim of every Avatara is to save the world from some great
danger, to destroy the wicked and protect the virtuous.
The ten Avataras are:
1.Matsya (The Fish),
2.Kurma(The Tortoise),
3.Varaha (The Boar),
4.Narasimha (The Man-Lion),
5. Vamana (The Dwarf)
6. Parasurama (Rama with the axe, the destroyer of the Kshatriya race),
7.Ramachandra (The hero of Ramayana—the son of Dasaratha), who destroyed Ravana,
8.Sri Krishna, The teacher of the Gita,
9.Buddha (The prince-ascetic, founder of Buddhism)
10.Kalki (The hero riding on a whitehorse, who is to come at the end of theKali-Yuga).
30. The Tamil Puranas
Lord Siva incarnated himself in the form of Dakshinamurti to impart knowledge to the four
Kumaras. He took human form to initiate Sambandhar, Manikkavasagar, Pattinathar. He
appeared in flesh and blood to help his devotees and relieve their sufferings. The divine Lilas of
Lord Siva are recorded in the Tamil Puranas like Siva Purana, Periya Purana, Siva Parakramam
and Tiruvilayadal Purana.
31. The Upa-Puranas
The eighteen Upa-Puranas are: Sanatkumara, Narasimha, Brihannaradiya, Sivarahasya,
Durvasa, Kapila, Vamana, Bhargava, Varuna, Kalika, Samba, Nandi, Surya, Parasara, Vasishtha,
Devi-Bhagavata, Ganesa and Hamsa.
32. The Agamas are theological treatises and practical manuals of divine worship.
The Agamas include the Tantras, Mantras and Yantras.
These are treatises explaining the external worship of God, in idols, temples, etc.
All the Agamas treat of
(i) Jnana or Knowledge,
(ii) Yoga or Concentration,
(iii) Kriya or Esoteric Ritual and
(iv) Charya or Exoteric Worship.
They also give elaborate details about ontology and
cosmology, liberation, devotion, meditation, philosophy of Mantras, mystic diagrams, charms
and spells,
The Agamas are divided into threedomestic observances, social rules, public festivals, etc
temple-building, image-making, sections: The Vaishnava, the Saiva and the Sakta.
33. The Vaishnava Agamas
The Vaishnava Agamas are of four kinds: the Vaikhanasa, Pancharatra, Pratishthasara and
Vijnanalalita.
The Brahma, Saiva Kaumara, Vasishtha, Kapila, Gautamiya and the Naradiya are the
seven groups of the Pancharatras.
The Brahma, Saiva Kaumara, Vasishtha, Kapila, Gautamiya and the Naradiya are the
seven groups of the Pancharatras.
There are two hundred and fifteen of these Vaishnava texts. Isvara, Ahirbudhnya,
Paushkara, Parama, Sattvata, Brihad-Brahma and Jnanamritasara Samhitas are the important
ones.
34. The Saiva Agamas
The Saivas recognise twenty-eight Agamas, of which the chief is Kamika.
The Agamas are also the basis of Kashmir Saivism which is called the Pratyabhijna system.
Lord Siva is the central God in the Saiva Agamas.
They are suitable to this age, Kali Yoga. They are open to all castes and both the sexes.
35. The Sakta Agamas
There is another group of scriptures known as the Tantras.
They belong to the Sakta cult. They glorify Sakti as the World-Mother.
There are seventy-seven Agamas.
The texts are usually in the form of dialogues between Siva and Parvati.
Mahanirvana, Kularnava, Kulasara, Prapanchasara, Tantraraja, Rudra-Yamala, Brahma-Yamala,
Vishnu-Yamala and Todala Tantra are the important works.
Among the existing books on the Agamas, the most famous are the Isvara-Samhita,
Ahirbudhnya-Samhita, Sanatkumara-Samhita, Narada-Pancharatra, Spanda-Pradipika and the
Mahanirvana-Tantra.
36. THE SIX DARSANAS
These are the intellectual section of the Hindu writings, while the first four are intuitional,
and the fifth inspirational and emotional.
Darsanas are schools of philosophy based on the Vedas.
The Darsana literature is philosophical. The Darsanas are meant for the erudite scholars who
are endowed with acute acumen, good understanding, power of reasoning and subtle
intellect.