VEDAS

[Guest guest]

In the Rig Veda, the universal truths propounded explain the universal order of

life in three planes

* Internal ( to the Soul ) * External ( to the body in terms of Dharma or

worldly life ) * Spiritual ( in terms of the cosmos )

The universal order of life in these three planes is then linked to the Supreme

encompassing the three planes. Thus all terms / names mentioned such as Indra,

Agni, Vayu etc. have exoteric and esoteric significance in each of the three

planes as understood by the individual Soul depending on the spiritual

evolution of the Soul

 

The Sama Veda consists of hymns (many of them common with the Rig Veda) which

when sung in the appropriate manner will strike a chord in enabling one to

understand the universal truths and order of life depending on their stage of

spiritual evolution. The source of the musical patterns of the Sama Veda hymns

is derived from the vibration / sounds of the cosmos. This reveals that

spiritual evolution can be achieved through music (by hearing as well as

singing).

 

The Yajur Veda consists of hymns from the Rig Veda along with other hymns which

when recited in the performance of a yajna / havan will enable the Soul or the

beneficiaries to understand the universal truths of the Veda in any or all of

the three planes of its meanings depending on the individual's stage of

spiritual evolution. Though the Yajur Veda is associated with performance of

Yajna for worldly gains, it is understood that the individual beneficiaries

will ultimately evolve spiritually and subsequently undertake these Yajnas for

the spiritual and material benefits of mankind as a whole. The Yajur Veda has

two distinct schools of presentation and following as explained below.

 

This Veda is followed in the Northern parts of India and has mantras in the form

of the Veda and Brahmanas (explanatory notes to the mantras) presented in the

Satapatha Brahmana. The Shukla Yajur Veda is said to have been taught by the

"Sun" to sage Yajnavalkya and hence the name "Shukla" or "White" Yajur Veda.

 

This is followed in the Southern parts of India and has Veda mantras and

Brahmanas intermixed - that is, the Brahmanas follow the mantras as explanatory

notes in the Veda text itself. Since Shukla Yajur Veda is known as "White", this

Yajur Veda has been denoted as "Krishna" or "Black" Yajur Veda. Both the

versions are accepted as authentic and both schools are practised widely.

 

The Atharva Veda, when understood in the external plane, is generally known to

contain hymns common to the Rig Veda including others for the sole purpose of

performing "Magic" or to communicate with ghosts and spirits or for curing

ailments. However, when viewed in the spiritual plane, the Atharva Veda

expounds universal truths of the oneness of the universe, the way to live in

communion with the world of evolved souls, to pray for a healthy life and

finally to merge with the Supreme.

 

All the Vedas provide the same knowledge to experience the Supreme through different paths.

The Rig Vedi would approach this goal through prayer and intellectual pursuits.

The Sama Vedi through musical renderings of the hymns

The Yajur Vedi through Yajna and invocation of Agni to carry the message of the

hymns to the Supreme.

The Atharva Vedi through tantra or other rituals.

All the Vedas provide the same knowledge to experience the Supreme through

different paths. The Rig Vedi would approach this goal through prayer and

intellectual pursuits. The Sama Vedi through musical renderings of the hymns

The Yajur Vedi through Yajna and invocation of Agni to carry the message of the

hymns to the Supreme. The Atharva Vedi through tantra or other rituals. The

Vedas propound and accept all forms of religious practice in the pursuit of

understanding and merging with the Supreme. Hence it is highly secularand

tolerant in its teachings by ultimately preaching.

"May Happiness and Peace come to One and All irrespective of Faith, Creed,

Colour and Social order of the Society including Beings of other forms of

evolution."