Sage College Of Spiritual Studies

Samhita
Samhita (Sanskrit:

(IAST: sahit), "compilation of knowledge" or "collection of

Mantras or Hymns") may refer to:

The basic metrical (mantra) text of each of

the Vedas (Rigveda, Yajurveda, Samaveda and Atharvaveda). According to scholars
the Vedas are divided into four sections the Samhitas, the Brahmanas,
the Aranyakas and the Upanishads. The Samhitas and Brahmanas form the KarmaKanda segment of the Vedas and deals with ceremonial rites and rituals, whilst
the Aranyakas and the Upanishads form the Gyan-Kanda segment of the Vedas and
focus on philosophy and spiritualism.

The Samhitas form the first part of each of the four Vedas. As Samhita is the
collection of the mantras, so sometimes Samhitas are referred to as Mantras. Most
of these mantras or hymns are concerned with nature and deities.

The Samhitas are named after the Vedas they belong to, for example RigSamhitas or Rig-Veda-Samhitas will refer to Samhitas of Rigveda.

Rig-Samhitas consist of mantras known as Richas.

Sam-Samhitas consist of mantras in the form of songs, which are meant

for liturgy.

Yajur-Samhitas consist of mantras composed in the form of poems and prose.

Atharva-Samhitas consist of mantras meant for routine rites and rituals.

What is a Mantra?
The word mantra has two parts: man, which is the root of the Sanskrit word for mind;
and tra, which is the root of the word instrument. A mantra is therefore an instrument of the
mind, a powerful sound or vibration that you can use to enter a deep state of meditation.
According to the Vedic tradition, the ancient sages were able to hear the subtle vibrations
produced by everything in naturethe sounds of the wind, thunder, butterflies, rushing
rivers and all other creations. They recognized that these sounds are the manifestation of
spirit into matter. They identified Om (or aum) as the most elemental sound, representing
the infinite universal consciousness. For thousands of years, people have used this mantra
to expand their awareness of the divine.
The ancient seers also identified all the primordial vibrations or mantras that make up the
universe and these were eventually recorded in the Vedic literaturethe four texts that form

Sage College Of Spiritual Studies

the basis for the Hindu religion. You can actually hear all the mantras yourself if you sit
quietly. Youll notice a background hum in the air, and as you practice focusing on that hum,
youll ultimately hear every mantra the sages recorded long ago.

Why do we silently repeat the mantra?

Silently repeating a mantra as you meditate is a powerful way to enter the silence of the
mind. As you repeat the mantra, it creates a mental vibration that allows the mind to
experience deeper levels of awareness. As you meditate, the mantra becomes increasingly
abstract and indistinct, until youre finally led into the field of pure consciousness from which
the vibration arose.
Repetition of the mantra helps you disconnect from the thoughts filling your mind so that
perhaps you may slip into the gap between thoughts. The mantra is a tool to support your
meditation practice. Mantras can be viewed as ancient power words with subtle intentions
that help us connect to spirit, the source of everything in the universe. As you experience
deeper meditative states, all thoughts and worries drop away and you experience the quiet
that always exists beneath the noisy internal dialogue of the mind. In this stillness you may
feel oneness with all life and profound peace.

Why do we use different mantras each day?

Each mantra induces specific vibrations in the mind, which is why people use different
mantras depending upon their intentions. However, mantras dont have particular
meaningsthey are simply vibrations of consciousness. When theyre silently repeated,
they help us disconnect from the thoughts filling our mind and slip into the gap between
thoughts. Since each mantra induces specific vibrations in the mind, Deepak uses a variety
of them throughout the Meditation Experience to align with the daily message and
meditation.

What if I do not pronounce the mantra correctly?

Some spiritual traditions put great emphasis on the correct pronunciation of mantras. After
decades of experience, the perspective of Deepak and the Chopra Center is that the exact
pronunciation of the mantra doesnt matter at the non-local level of intelligence. If someone
tries to maintain distinct pronunciation while the mind is in the process of transcending, the
conscious effort for right pronunciation will undermine the natural meditation process.

Origin of Mantras
Mantras are Vedic in origin. The teachings of the Vedas consist of various Mantric chants or
Page | 2

Sage College Of Spiritual Studies

hymns cognized by different seers or Rishis from the Cosmic Mind. Since the Vedas are
impersonal and eternal, the exact historical date of the origin of Mantra chanting is hard to
arrive at. For example, every Mantra in the Vedas, Upanishads and various religious
traditions (sampradayas) within Hindu religion begin with Om or Aum - the primordial
sound, the sound that is said to have its origins at the time of the creation of the cosmos also referred to as the 'Big Bang'.

Om: The Beginning & the End

The Bible (John 1:1) says: "In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God and
the Word was God." Modern Vedic philosophers have interpreted this teaching of the Bible,
and equated Om with God. Om is the most important of all mantras. All mantras generally
begin and often also end with Om.

Healing by Mantropathy
The chanting of Om in Transcendental Meditation has now received widespread
recognition. Mantras can be used to treat tension and many other difficult diseases that are
yet to come. The Brahmvarchas Shodh Sansthan, research center for integration of science
and spirituality in Shantikunj, Haridwar, India, is the only place I know of which carries out
extensive experiments on 'mantra shakti'. The result of these experiments is used to testify
that Mantropathy can be used scientifically for healing and environment cleansing.
Over the last 21 years of my Vedic religion broadcast, several listeners have told me how
they have benefited physically and spiritually from chanting Maha-Mrtyunjay mantra for 15
minutes every morning.

How to Chant
There are many schools of thought on the methods of chanting. A Mantra chanted correctly
or incorrectly, knowingly or unknowingly, carefully or carelessly, is sure to bear the desired
result for physical and mental well being. It is also believed by many that the glory of Mantra
chanting cannot be established through reasoning and intellect. It can be experienced or
realized only through devotion, faith and constant repetition of the Mantra.
According to some scholars, Mantra chanting is Mantra Yoga. The simple yet powerful
Mantra, Om or Aum harmonizes the physical forces with the emotional forces with the
intellectual forces. When this happens, you begin to feel like a complete being - mentally
and physically. But this process is very slow and requires a lot of patience and unfailing
faith.

Page | 3

Sage College Of Spiritual Studies

The Guru-Mantra
In my opinion the healing through chanting can be expedited if the mantra is received from
a guru. A guru adds a divine potency to the mantra. It becomes more effective and thus
helps the chanter in his/her healing faster.

Keep the Faith!

It is important to have complete faith in the recitation of Mantras. It is primarily through faith
- aided by strong will - that one achieves one's goals. A sound body and calm mind are
essential for the chanter of Mantras. Once you are free from all worries and have achieved
stability in mind and body, you will derive maximum benefit through the recitation of
Mantras. You must have a definite object in view and a strong will power to obtain the
desired objective, and then direct that will to achieve the goal.

How Mantras affect the mind?

The mantra is like a seed. Every seed has the potential to become a tree. Similarly, these
sound vibrations contain all the possibilities of creation. Some mantras are in the seed form,
called the bija mantras. Others are fully expressed, i.e, the fruit of the mantra is also
expressed, such as the Gayatri mantra.
Mantras are a secret. That which is kept a secret alerts the sub-conscious mind. The
mantras work at the level of the consciousness. When we want a seed to sprout, it needs to
be sown into the soil, hidden, a secret. If it is simply thrown around, birds may eat them up.
We can read and learn about mantras and their uses from books and the internet but that
will only satisfy the intellect and not translate into experience.

Mantra and Meditation

When we chant the mantras, or listen to them, we get purity of mind and word. This
prepares us for meditation. As a result of the sound vibrations, different patterns of the mind
re-arrange themselves to become tranquil. Agitation is reduced, helping us to turn inward.
For instance, when we laugh, our happiness increases. When we cry, the heaviness of our
sorrow is released. Just the sounds of laughter and crying have helped. Mantras act in a
similar manner. Repetition of the Mantras creates a psychological or mental response that
is very deep and beyond the realm of words or expression. It can only be experienced.
Speech falls short as it cannot go beyond the expression level into the experiential level.
When the mind is calm and centered, it can turn inward. Only a mind turned inward can
experience the vastness and beauty of the Divine consciousness. When our focus is
outward on the objects of the senses, our mind is scattered and racing behind one craving

Page | 4

Sage College Of Spiritual Studies

or another. Physical senses seek to know all about the external universe. Meditation is the
tool for inner exploration.
Antarmukhi Sada Sukhi one whose mind is turned inward is ever in bliss. Mantras are the
tools which allow the mind to dissolve and repose in the Self.

Why should we repose in the Self? How is this going to help in our day-today life?
When the river is calm, the reflection is clearer. When the mind is calm, there is greater
clarity in the field of expression. Our sense of observation, perception and expression
improve. As a result we are able to communicate effectively and clearly.
Most of our problems or misunderstandings arise because of a lack of proper
communication. When our mind is free from agitation, the way we interact and
communicate is so much more pleasant and effective. Our efforts are not hindered by rifts
caused due to communication gaps. This leads to a lot of positivity in our outlook and
progress in life.
Mantras are as subtle as the air which creates ripples in the water as it gently moves over
it. Air is all-pervading and at the same time affects specific regions. The field of the mantras
is also such. It is all pervading and also creates an impact on the one who is practicing.

A Bija Mantra (Seed Mantra) is assigned to each Chakra, and each petal of the Lotus
blossom carries a Sanskrit syllable that is described as the guardian of that particular
Chakra. When we repeat the Mantra belonging to a Chakra in meditation we unite with the
quality and vibrational energy of the Chakra and with this awaken its qualities within us.
A Mantra is a syllable, a word or a sequence of words with a high spiritual vibration. All
elements and energies in the Cosmos can be influenced and guided by Mantras. That is
why Mantra is the best aid in awakening the dormant consciousness.
There are three types of Mantras:

Prayer

Guru Mantra

Bija Mantra

Prayer is a way of communing with God.

The Guru Mantra represents the essence of prayer, and anchors us in God, the tma and
the Supreme Self. It is the first initiation given by the Master to the disciple on the spiritual
path. How we should treat the words and blessings of the Master is illustrated in a short
story:
Page | 5

Sage College Of Spiritual Studies

Once a farmer and a businessman asked a Master for a Mantra. The Master presented
each of them with a small green soybean and said: I am going away for some time. Look
after the soybean well. When I come again I will take it back from you. Whoever can give it
to me then will receive Mantra, and that one who has been thoughtless or has lost it will
receive nothing.
The businessman took his soybean, wrapped it carefully in cottonwool and put it safely in a
small, lockable casket. But the farmer thought about it: Who knows how long the Master
will be away. By then the bean could have dried out or been eaten by moths. As it was
exactly the time to sow crops the farmer planted the soybean in the earth. Soon a beautiful
bud grew and by harvest time the farmer had a whole kilo of soybeans from the one
soybean. As the Master still had not appeared within the next year the farmer sowed the
beans again. This time he harvested a few hundred kilos, and after the third year the
harvest filled an entire storeroom.
Finally during the fourth year the Master returned. Both disciples greeted him with joy. The
businessman ceremoniously opened his casket wanting to present the soybean to the
Master. To his great horror there was only a dried out maggot in the casket. A grain moth
had slipped in through the keyhole and had laid its egg. The maggot had eaten the bean
and then perished in the casket. The Master shook his head and said to the businessman:
So my instructions were not thought about.
He then turned to the farmer and asked: Where is your bean? The farmer answered:
Master the soybean you gave to me has grown so much I am unable to carry it here.
Please come with me so I can give it to you. He led the Master to the storeroom in which
there were soybeans by the tonne. You have understood properly, said the Master. He
blessed him and gave him Mantra.
The Mantra is a living word: It is like a seed that grows into a strong tree, blossoms and
produces a multitude of fruit. It contains an immense power for propagation and enrichment
within itself though only if the disciple always carries it in his mind and practises daily.
Continuous practice of Mantra purifies the consciousness and the mind, and removes
Karmas in much the same way as constantly walking over weeds on a path crushes them.
Only those who continue to work with this gift from the Master are able to harvest its fruits.
If it is merely put away and stored it withers like flowers without water.
The even finer vibration of the BJA MANTRA forms the essence of the Guru Mantra. The
Bja Mantra is the vibration and the call of the soul. Its effect develops more readily in
deep meditation. As it works at the astral level it guides and influences the course of our
destiny. This is not as unusual as it may appear at first sight. The Mantra is vibration,
sound. Tests have shown that certain sounds stimulate the growth of plants and are even
able to cure disease. This indicates that vibrational energy influences the Tattvas (subtle
elements).
Spiritual Mantras are generally written in Sanskrit and play an important role in the
awakening of the Chakras. The reason for this goes back to the beginning of creation. Lord
Page | 6

Sage College Of Spiritual Studies

Shiva, himself, transmitted the Sanskrit language to humans and its sounds are also known
as Devas. The word Deva has three meanings: God, protector (or guardian angel) and
cosmic vibration. Lord Shiva brought the Devas down to earth in the form of letters, and this
is why the characters of Sanskrit are called Devangar, the citizens of God.
Sanskrit is not merely spoken, it is intoned and articulated in a very specific way.
Unfortunately, nowadays this knowledge has largely been lost. In Sanskrit there are fiftytwo letters, the same number as the levels (Lokas) which exist in the Cosmos. As these
levels also exist within us the Sanskrit language is therefore a key to our inner world. In
meditation when we are deeply immersed in the cosmic spheres we occasionally perceive
the corresponding Sanskrit letters and Mantras and feel the Tattvas and qualities
associated with them.
Vibrations can be audible or inaudible. For example, thoughts and feelings are counted as
soundless vibrations. These are no less effective than the spoken word. To the contrary.
After death the soul is guided on the astral level by invisible and inaudible spiritual
vibrations. The vibration of the Mantra leads the soul directly towards the light of realisation.
A Master only ever passes on a Guru Mantra (or Siddha Mantra) to another according to
the ancient and venerated Master-Disciple tradition. It does not act like a suggestive
formula, such as I am well, I feel Gods presence or There is peace within me, which
merely serve to quieten the mind. Instead, a Siddha Mantra works in such a way that the
spiritual power contained within the vibration of the word or words is realised within us.
The Mantra is internalised in five stages:

LIKHITA through writing

VAIKHAR through speaking

UPMSHU through whispering

MNASA through thinking

AJAP through uninterrupted inner repetition.

A spiritual Mantra always contains the word OM and the name of a divine incarnation. This
name is full of significance. It possesses even greater spiritual power than the person.
There is a story in the Rmyana that illustrates this clearly.
When Lord Rma and his helpers reached the sea between India and Sr Lanka in their
search for Rmas abducted wife, St, it appeared that a crossing would be impossible as
there was neither a ford nor a bridge available. But Rmas faithful follower, Hanuman, said:
Lord we will build a crossing with your name.
He picked up a stone, wrote the Sanskrit word RM on it and threw it into the water.
Miraculously the stone did not sink, but floated on the surface of the water. The others

Page | 7

Sage College Of Spiritual Studies

followed his example and began to throw stones with Lord Rmas name on them into the
water, in this way forming a floating stone bridge.
Lord Rma also wished to help and threw a stone into the water. But his stone did not float,
it sank! A second try was also unsuccessful. All the stones that Rma threw into the water
sank to the bottom, while the stones of his followers floated on the surface. Perplexed,
Rma turned to Hanuman: Tell me, how come the stones that you throw remain on the
surface and my stones sink? Hanuman answered: That is as clear as daylight. You,
yourself, have taught us that those whom God allows to fall inevitably perish. Therefore,
everything you throw away must sink to the bottom. But we are acting with complete faith in
you and so this miracle occurs through the power of your name.
This tale illustrates that there is indeed a miraculous power in the name of God repeated in
a Mantra, which makes everything possible.

Types of Mantra
Types of Mantra differ according to their origin and meaning. Mantra meditation involves
chattering of different types of Mantras like Om Mantra, Gayatri and Mahamrityunjaya
Mantra.
Types of mantras include those that vary with their pronunciation. These can either be
monosyllabic or in verse form. Mantra literally means thinking that protects or liberates.
Mantra meditation is an ancient practice to achieve spiritualism. It can be attained by the
way of chanting the different types of meditation mantras. Mantra is the powerful verse,
which has a sound effect that heals mind and body and takes them to a higher level of
consciousness, which ultimately lead to attain spiritualism.

Types of Mantras
There are two types of mantras depending upon their pronunciation. They are monosyllabic
and verse. The mantra in which one syllable is used is called monosyllabic mantra like Bija
mantras. When more than sixty syllables are used in a mantra it is called verse mantra. An
example of verse mantra is Gayatri Mantra.

Gayatri Mantra
Gayatri is the feminine form of `Gayatra`, which is a Sanskrit word, which means song or
hymn. In Hinduism, the Gayatri Mantra is attributed to Vishwamitra. The Gayatri Mantra
itself is considered as the goddess as its epitome, which represents Prabrahaman.
Goddess Gayatri is the incarnated form of the mantra. She is also considered as `Veda
Mata`, the mother of all Vedas and companion of Lord Brahma. Beyond the entire theory,
Page | 8

Sage College Of Spiritual Studies

the ultimate eternal truth is all pervading Parabrahman. The Gayatri Mantra is considered
not only as goddess, but a depiction of the Brahaman himself in the feminine form.
Goddess Gayatri is thought to possess all phenomenal attributes of Brahman, including all
the features of past, present and future as well as three spheres of existence namely
Swarga, Martya and Patal. Goddess Gayatri is also worshipped as the Hindu Trimurti deity
combined as one. In Hinduism, there is only one creation who can bear with the brilliance of
Aditya and that is Gayatri. Some also consider Goddess Gayatri to be the mother of all
gods and the apogee of Goddess Laxmi, Parvati and Goddess Saraswati.

Gayatri is depicted as a goddess seated on a `red lotus`, suggesting wealth. The Gayatri
Mantra is a highly venerated mantra in Hinduism. The Mantra is in second highest position
to the Om Mantra. The Gayatri Mantra starts with the prefix `Om Bhur bhuvah Shaha`,
which is taken from Yajur Veda. This mantra is found in all four Vedas. This Mantra is also
known as `Savitri`. However in Atharva Veda, Gayatri Mantra is a little different. Gayatri
mantra is also considered as the heavenly awakening of mind and soul. It is the way of
reaching most supreme form of survival and the way to be unified with the ultimate supreme
power the `Brahman`. The Gayatri Mantra is considered by many as the most powerful way
to attain god. Traditionally Gayatri Mantra is chanted everyday to develop intelligence,
knowledge and wisdom and to expand the consciousness. It is also said that the sages who
utter Gayatri Mantra all the time has enhanced and sharpened intelligence and awareness.

Om Mantra
The Om Mantra is among the most significant mantras in Hinduism. Om is considered as
the amalgamation of all mantras, that ultimately leads to an enlighten state of realisation.
The conventional method of chanting Om Mantra can be classified in three ways: verbal,
whispering and mental. Mental repetition is the strongest way for Om Mantra, if the mind is
steady and free from other thoughts. There should be no distraction in mind during the
chanting of Mantra so that the attention is not diverted. One should concentrate and mind
should become internalised. And this should be specifically noticed when chanting the
mantra mentally.

OM Mantra Further, it is believed that the vibration produced by chanting Om in the physical
universe communicates to the first vibration that first occurred at the time of the creation.
The Om sound is also called `Pranava`, which means it sustains life through maintaining
`Prana` or Breath. The three sounds in Om symbolise dreaming, waking and deep sleep
positions and the silence surrounding `Om` stand for the `Turiya` state. This state is the
fourth phase, which is represented by the silence. This state is the attainment of perfect
bliss, when the individual self recognises the own individuality with the supreme.

Page | 9

Sage College Of Spiritual Studies

It is very common to chant the Om Mantra mentally but if the mind is drifting off and one
loss the consciousness of the mantra then it is better to do the mantra meditation by
whispering the Om Mantra. This helps to maintain awareness. The whisper is the simple
movement of lips and should be perceptible to only the person who utters the mantra, and
not to others. If the person is still unable to concentrate the mind and feels sleepy then he
or she should start chanting the mantra verbally. But still there are some people who cannot
hold their mind steady at one point even with the verbal repetition of the mantra. For them
visual symbol of the Om Mantra is used. The sound of Om represents the four states of
Brahman but the symbol Om written in Sanskrit language represents the totality of the
mantra. The larger lower curve depicts the material world of the waking state and the upper
left curve represents the deep sleep state. The confluent point of these two states
represents the dream state that lies between the deep sleep state above and waking state
below. The symbol`s point and semicircle are separate from the rest and rule the whole.
The point symbolises the Turiya state of absolute consciousness. The open semicircle
represents the infinite.

Mahamrityunjaya Mantra
Mahamritunjaya Mantra is one of the more effective ancient Sanskrit mantras. This mantra
is considered as a call for enlightenment and is a practice of cleansing the karmas of the
essence at a deep level. The mantra is also said to be quite useful for mental, emotional
and physical well-being. This mantra is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The mantra is

"Om Tryambakam Yajamahe Sugandhim Pushtivardhanam Urvarukamiva Bandhanan

Mrityor Mukshiya Maamritat".

There is a literal meaning for each word. Most important part of the mantra is the vibration
that is created during the chanting of the Mantra. The combination of sounds in any mantra
forms a particular vibration in the body. Human body also has a vibratory frequency. The
mantra vibration comes in harmony with the body`s vibration. Maha Mritunjaya Mantra
brings a feeling to let the healing powers of this mantra to act on the bodies of those who
are suffering from pain. The Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra brings the personal well being of the
devotees around.

On the basis of meanings, mantras are divided into Saguna Mantras (mantras that signify a
specific god or goddess) and Nirguna Mantras (mantras that are formless and conceptual
representing the whole universe). On the basis of quality, the different types of mantras are
Sattvic Mantras, Rajasic Mantras and Tamasic Mantras.

Page | 10

Sage College Of Spiritual Studies

Other Mantras
There are other mantras that are also important in Hinduism. The Maha-Mantra for Lord
Krishna is: `Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare Hare Krishna Hare Krishna
Krishna Krishna Hare Hare`

The other Mantras are: Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya, Om Sri Krishnaya Govindaya
Gopijana Vallabhaya Namah, Om Sri Krishnaya Namah

The Mantra for Sri Devi is: Om Sri Durgayai Namah Lord Ganapati Mantra is: Om Sri
Ganapataye Namah Sri Hanuman Mantra: Om Sri Hanumate Namah Mantra for Lord Hari:
Om Namo Narayanaya (Ashtakshara), Hari Om, Hari Om Tat Sat Jugal (Combined)
Mantras are: Sita Ram, Radhe Shyam, Radhe Krishna Sri Kalika Mantra is: Om Sri
Kalikayai Namah Sri Laxmi Mantra: Om Sri Maha-Lakshmyai Namah Mantra for Lord Shiva:
Maha-Mrityunjaya Mantra and Om Namah Shivaya (Panchakshara)

The Mantras for Lord Rama are: Om Sri Ram Jaya Ram Jaya Jaya Ram, Om Sri Ramaya
Namah, Sri Rama Rama Rameti, Rame Rame Manorame, Sahasranama Tattulyam Rama
Nama Varanane, Om Sri Sita-Ramachandradhyam Namah , Sri Ram etc. Sri Saraswathi
Mantra is: Om Sri Sarasvatyai Namah Lord Subramanya, Kartikeya Mantra: Om Sri
Saravanabhavaya Namah Sharangati Mantra (for surrender): Om Sri Ramah Sharanam
Mama, Om Sri Krishnah Sharanam Mama, Om Sri Sita-Ramah Sharanam Mama Sharada
Mantra is: Om Sri Bala-Parameshvaryai Namah Tripurasundari Mantra is: Om Sri TripuraSundaryai Namah.

Vedas
The Vedic scriptures are 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. According to the Vedic history, they were written down thousands of years ago.
The date, however, is not very important because, without a doubt, the knowledge
contained in these scriptures was existing a long time before it was written down.
The Veda may be understood by simply accepting what the Veda says about itself. Since
the Vedic self-understanding may be amazing or even unbelievable to the modern reader, it
seems important to dedicate a few sentences to the clarification of probable
Page | 11

Sage College Of Spiritual Studies

misunderstandings. The different opinions about the origin and history of the Vedic
scriptures are due to the fundamental difference of world-views between the followers of the
Veda and modern mundane scholars.
According to the Indological world-view, such a thing as "Vedic scripture" doesn't even
exist. The collection of books mentioned in the beginning of this article is not a consistent
body of knowledgemodern Indology saysbut a mere accumulation of texts from
different sources, written over a long period of time, starting about 1000 or 1500 B.C., after
the hypothetical Aryan invasion into the Indian Subcontinent. Only then, a "Vedic" culture
was formed through the mixture of tribes. If we believe this scenario, then it is natural to
think that the Indian scriptures are nothing but a mass of unsystematic mythological texts.
Needless to say that the Vedic scriptures themselves maintain a completely different
version. They refer to very ancient cultures, timeless revelations and divine incarnations.
They also say that the entire body of Vedic knowledge has a systematic structure and a
clearly defined goal, being compiled by the great Vedic Rishis (seers and sages), headed
by Vyasadeva, about five thousand years ago. This knowledge was then systematically put
into a written form in order to prevent it from being lost during in the upcoming age, which
was foreseen as the Kali-yuga, the Iron Age, the most fallen in the cycle of ages.
The structure of the Vedic scriptures can be compared to a staircase with many steps, with
specific scriptures corresponding to each step. The Vedic scriptures describe both the goal
and the steps leading up to this goal. They are non-sectarian because they respect people
of all "steps"; they simply encourage everyone to progress up to the next step. There is no
question of converting or pushing, because everyone has to walk for himself or herself. Or,
as the Vedic saying goes, "Even in a flock of birds, each bird has to fly for itself."
The individual evolution is not limited to one single life. The Vedic understanding is based
on the concept of reincarnation, which declares that the steps of this symbolical staircase
can also be understood as lifetimes. In other words, the almost proverbial "Hindu" tolerance
is originally based on a solid philosophical understanding and shouldn't be confused with
the attitudes of merging, indifference, or "Everything is one."
From a superficial point of view, the Vedic scriptures may appear to be unsystematic and
even contradictory, but this impression can easily be reconciled by finding out how each
step is connected with the goal.
The four Vedas: The scriptures of this category are generally labeled as the original Vedic
scriptures. These four Vedas are known as Rig, Yajur, Sama and Atharva. Rig means ritual,
and it contains mainly hymns and prayers (Mantras) in the worship of the universal forces
called the demigods. Yajur means ceremony, and it mainly describes how to perform the
rituals. Sama means singing; the scriptures of these categories contain many
other mantras as well as strict rules how to chant these mantrasaccording to mystic
vibrations. Atharva means a priest who knows the secret lore; these scriptures describe
many different kinds of worship and invocations. In a broader sense, many other scriptures

Page | 12

Sage College Of Spiritual Studies

of material knowledge are also counted in the Atharva, like the Ayurveda (pharmacological
sciences and the means to maintain health.)
All of these teachings are supposed to encourage a human being to understand that he is
not an independent entity, rather he is a part of a universal body, depending on many
higher forces. The most important lesson of these four Vedas is to learn that everyone has
to accept higher authorities. If you link up with these divine forces through the proper form
and contents (ritual and understanding), then you will profit materially and experience some
peace and harmony.
Tantric scriptures: Not everybody is inclined to follow the methods of the Vedas which
demand strictness, purity, faith and patience. Impatient, ignorant people demand results on
the spot, and these can be obtained by magic, ghost worship, etc. By providing such
knowledge, the Vedic scriptures encourage the faith of such occult people so that one day,
or lifetime, they may develop interest in the higher aspects of the Veda. These literatures
are within the modes of passion and ignorance.
The Upanishads: Woven into the four Vedas are different kinds of philosophical
discussions, like the Aranyakas and Brahmanas. Most significant are the Upanishads
("sitting beneath," i.e. knowledge obtained from a spiritual teacher). These texts indicate
that all material forms are transient; they are temporary manifestations of an eternal energy,
which in itself is beyond material duality. They indicate the oneness behind the variety and
inspire people engaged in the rituals of the Vedas to go beyond their short-term goals.
Vedanta-sutra: 560 condensed aphorisms which define the Vedic truths in most general
terms in order to provide a common ground of argument to all different kinds of
philosophical schools. Therefore, the commentaries to the Vedanta-sutras are voluminous.
Itihasas: These are the historical works, mainly the Ramayana (the history of the
incarnation Rama), the 18 Puranas and 18 Sub-Puranas (universal history of creation and
annihilation, the incarnations and the great kings, saints and teachers), and
the Mahabharata (the history of ancient India [called Bharata], leading up to the appearance
of Krishna five thousand years ago). These scriptures are essential because they expand
the understanding of the Absolute beyond the abstract, impersonal platform. The Absolute
is supremely perfect and complete; that's why it is both impersonal AND personal. Actually,
the personal aspect is the original source of the secondary impersonal existence of the
Lord, since an impersonal energy cannot be the source of persons. The Itihasas reveal this
personal feature, gradually introducing and identifying it, culminating in the purely
monotheistic revelations of Bhagavad-gita and Srimad-Bhagavatam.
Bhagavad-gita and Srimad-Bhagavatam: These sacred texts are designated even by the
Vedic scriptures themselves as the most important, essential revelations. They directly
describe the nature, energy and person of God, who is both the immanent (as Vishnu) and
transcendent (as Krishna) source of everything, the cause of all causes, of both the
impersonal and personal manifestations. Bhagavad-gita ("God's Song") is the words

Page | 13

Sage College Of Spiritual Studies

spoken BY God, and Srimad-Bhagavatam ("Divine Revelation") is the words ABOUT God,
spoken by the representatives of God.
This implicit structure of the Vedic scriptures sheds new light on the entire Vedic tradition
and deserves closer examination. However, since these scriptures want to lead us to the
supreme goalGodit is not sufficient to merely study them theoretically. They imply
practical consequences. Mere academic study of the Vedic scriptures can be compared to
reading a cookbook or a musical composition. If we don't come to the point of actually
cooking or playing, we've missed the point.

The Vedas are considered the earliest literary record of Indo-Aryan civilization, and the
most sacred books of India. They are the original scriptures of Hindu teachings, and contain
spiritual knowledge encompassing all aspects of our life. Vedic literature with its
philosophical maxims has stood the test of time and is the highest religious authority for all
sections of Hindus in particular and for mankind in general.
Veda means wisdom, knowledge or vision, and it manifests the language of the gods in
human speech. The laws of the Vedas regulate the social, legal, domestic and religious
customs of the Hindus to the present day. All the obligatory duties of the Hindus at birth,
marriage, death etc. owe their allegiance to the Vedic ritual. They draw forth the thought of
successive generation of thinkers, and so contain within it the different strata of thought.

Bhagavat Gita
Krishna Himself came to this world 5,000 years ago and spoke Bhagavad-gita to His friend
Arjuna.
At the last moment before entering a momentous battle, the great warrior Arjuna began to
wonder: Why should I fight? What is the meaning of life? Where am I going after death?
In response, Krishna brought His friend from confusion to spiritual enlightenment.
The Gita contains detailed explanations of the infinite soul (God), the finitesoul (the living
entities), karma (work in this world), time, and creation, and concisely explains the nature of
consciousness and the universeall in a relatively short seven hundred verses.
Bhagavad-gita is in a category of its own in philosophy and theology. It has been pondered
and deeply admired by philosophers and scholars around the world for centuries. It is
considered the essence of Indias spiritual wisdom. For anyone interested in understanding
the soul, God, and the intimate relationship between the two, the Gita is an essential
introduction. The text is incomparably deep and sublime.

Page | 14

Sage College Of Spiritual Studies

Srimad-Bhagavatam
Srimad-Bhagavatam, also known as the Bhagavat-Purana, is an epic philosophical and
literary classic and holds a prominent position in Indias voluminous written wisdom.
The Bhagavatamis the postgraduate, post-Vedic text of spiritual understanding. It has
served as the inspiration for countless works of literature, song, drama, painting, and
sculpture.
Known as the ripe fruit of the tree of Vedic literature, Srimad-Bhagavatam is the most
complete and authoritative exposition of Vedic knowledge. Covering everything from the
nature of the self to the origin of the universe, it touches upon all fields of knowledge.
Vyasadeva compiled Srimad-Bhagavatam after Krishna left this world 5,000 years ago. The
18,000-verse treatise centers on the science of God and devotion to Him, and includes
biographies of great devotees who followed the path of Bhakti and attained Krishna.
The first verse of Srimad-Bhagavatam makes clear that the book is intended for people
serious about spiritual progress; it will not deal with sectarian religious ideas, philosophical
conjecture, or worldly concerns. The second text promises that anyone who reads the book
systematically will achieve the spiritual success meant for all human beings.

Origin of the Vedas

The Vedas are probably the earliest documents of the human mind and is indeed difficult to
say when the earliest portions of the Vedas came into existence. As the ancient Hindus
seldom kept any historical record of their religious, literary and political realization, it is
difficult to determine the period of the Vedas with precision. Historians provide us many
guesses but none of them is free from ambiguity.

Who wrote the Vedas?

It is believed that humans did not compose the revered compositions of the Vedas, which
were handed down through generations by the word of mouth from time immemorial. The
general assumption is that the Vedic hymns were either taught by God to the sages or that
they were revealed themselves to the sages who were the seers or mantradrasta of the
hymns. The Vedas were mainly compiled by Vyasa Krishna Dwaipayana around the time of
Lord Krishna (c. 1500 BC)

Classification of the Vedas

The Vedas are four: The Rig-Veda, the Sama Veda, the Yajur Veda and the Atharva Veda,
the Rig Veda being the main. The four Vedas are collectively known as Chathurveda, of
Page | 15

Sage College Of Spiritual Studies

which the first three Vedas viz., Rig Veda, Sama Veda and Yajur Veda agree in form,
language and content.

Structure of the Vedas

Each Veda consists of four parts the Samhitas (hymns), the Brahmanas (rituals), the
Aranyakas (theologies) and the Upanishads (philosophies). The collection of mantras or
hymns is called the Samhita. The Brahmanas are ritualistic texts and include precepts and
religious duties. Each Veda has several Brahmanas attached to it. The Upanishads form
the concluding portions of the Veda and therefore called the Vedanta or the end of the
Veda and contains the essence of Vedic teachings. The Upanishads and the Aranyakas are
the concluding portions of the Brahmanas, which discuss philosophical problems. The
Aryanyakas (forest texts) intend to serve as objects of meditation for ascetics who live in
forests and deal with mysticism and symbolism.

The Mother of All Scriptures

Although the Vedas are seldom read or understood today, even by the devout, they no
doubt form the bedrock of the universal religion or Sanatana Dharma that all Hindus
follow. The Vedas have guided our religious direction for ages and will continue to do so for
generations to come. And they will forever remain the most comprehensive and universal of
all ancient scriptures.

Page | 16