Hindu Scriptures Part 2

Hindu Scriptures Part 2

By Pt. Charranlall Avishkar Nandalall

Vedas are Self-authorities 

Unlike modern faiths, the scriptures of Hinduism that is Sanaatana Dharma does not have any special person as the authority of over the scriptures. The Vedas are themselves the authority. As the eternal cosmic body of knowledge, Vedas are described as the breath of God. It is for this reason books may be destroyed but not Vedas.

The cosmic body of self-existing knowledge we referred to as Vedas has been categorised it into four by the Sage Vyaasa. These are:

1. Rig Veda
2. Yajur Veda
3. Saama Veda
4. Atharva Veda

Each Veda deals with specific subjects in their entirety. It is the source of knowledge for the particular subject. Manu Smriti says, “The Vedas are the ‘Source of all Dharma’, religion, morality, righteousness and control of mind”.

The Rig Veda consist mainly hymns of praises; the Yajur Veda deals explicitly with rituals. It comprises sacred mantras and special verses for rituals and ceremonies. The Saama Veda comprises of melodies and songs to be chanted for specific ceremonies; the Atharva Veda deals with special and distinguished formulae. It consists of Yantras, Mantras and other types of esoteric knowledge.

Each of the four Vedas contains three portions namely:

1. Samhitas—the Mantra portion—hymns in praise of the Supreme Lord and other presiding Deities.
2. Brahmanas—the ritualistic portion—the practical application of Mantras in the performance of rituals and guidance for the conduct of those rituals.
3. Aaranyakaas—the contemplative portion.

The first two (Samhitas and Brahmanas) make up the “Karma Kanda” or the work portion of the Vedas and the latter (Aaranyakaas) constitutes the knowledge portion of the Vedas known as the “Jnana Kanda”.

The Upanishads

The Jnana Kanda—the knowledge portion made up of the Aaranyakaas—the contemplative section of the Vedas form Upanishas. The Upanishads make up the climax of the Vedas. They are called Vedanta or the final knowledge. It is this portion of Vedas which forms Hindu Philosophy.

The teachings of the Upanishads are profound and soul stirring. They explore the most divine and sublime spiritual truths to the world.

Shri Rajagopalachari, a great Indian statesman says, “In the Upanishads we have a scripture which among all the holy scriptures of the world displays the most scientific sprit in connection with spiritual enquiry. The sages whose thoughts and teachings we read in the Upanishads seem to be as much inspired by constructive doubt as the most modern men of science. The questions and answers as contained in the Upanishads indicate that they lived in an age when men thirsted for Truth and the atmosphere was charged with the boldest free thought.”

Schopenhauer wrote, “The study of the Upanishads is the most rewarding and the most elevating reading which there can possibly be in the world. It has been the solace of my life and will be the solace of my death.”

There are 108 main Upanishads amongst which the following are mostly read and taught:

1. Isa
2. Kena
3. Katha
4. Prasna
5. Mukunda
6. Mandukya
7. Aitareya
8. Taitteriya
9. Chhandogya
10. Brihad-aaranyaka
11. Kaushitaki
12. Shwetashwatara

To be continued…

(Pt. Nandalall is a practicing Hindu Priest in Guyana. He studied Hindu Philosophy (Vedanta) and Bhagavad Geeta through Chinmaya International Foundation, India and is the Publisher of The Hindu Media Guyana).