Vedas
The Vedas are part of the Hindu Shruti -- these religious scriptures form part of the core of the Brahminical and Vedic traditions. Strictly the word 'ved' is singular, 'veda' is plural, but traditionally the word is given in English as 'veda' with the standard added 's' for plural. In Sanskrit the word means Knowledge or Truth.
The Veda contain hymns, rituals, and mantras. There are 4 Veda's: the Atharva-Veda, Rig-Veda, Sama-Veda, and the Yajur-Veda; the last three are referred to as the "Threefold Ved". The Arthava-Veda is often deemed to be significantly less authoritative. It is sometimes argued that there is a fifth Veda, the Vedanta. The original text of the Veda is known as the Samhita. However the Samhitas are supplemented by many commentaries and explanations, forming the 'Shruti' as a whole. The most developed of these commentaries, the Upanishads, engage in philosophical speculation about the implications of the ancient invocations and rituals recorded in the Samhitas. Thus the Vedas are structured rather like a venerated work of classic literature supported by elaborate footnotes and introductory essays explaining its hidden complexities.
Origins of the Vedas
Many Hindus believe that the Vedas were transmitted, via an oral tradition, for perhaps 8000 years (Fisher) . Many Western commentators see this as an exaggeration, dating the earliest part of the Veda, the Rig-Veda Samhita, to around 1800-1500 BCE.
According to tradition, the hymns of the Rig-Veda Samhita were collected and arranged by Paila under the supervision of Vyasa. Hymns which were particularly chanted during religious and social functions of the community were compiled by Vaishampayan under the title Yajus mantr Samhit. (Yajur-Veda). Jaimini is said to have collected hymns that were set to music and melody — 'Saman'. (Sama-Veda). The fourth collection of hymns and chants known as Atharv Sanhita (Atharva-Veda) is
ascribed to Sumantu.
The Vedas are perhaps the oldest consistent and complex body of knowledge detailing astrology, astronomy, ritual practice, and how these relate to the spiritual life of humanity.
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See also: pandit
References
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