"Vedic Literature"

   'Veda' is said to be the Ultimate, the 'Truth". It is the 'shruti vakya', heard by the jnyani in a transcendental state (during their intense meditation on Brahman), a state of savikalpa samadhi! The adepts who sat in tapas for long periods like nine months (navaghvas) or ten months (dashaghvas) heard voices from space (akashavani). These ancient Rishis have instructed this knowledge to their trusted disciples who are pure and selfless. Thus we have shruti vakyas that need no other proof! 

  It is also stated that the Vedic doctrines enunciated in the Vedic literature do not belong to a particular Rishi of a particular time! May be, it is collected and codified later. The Veda was Ekayana of a lakh verses in the beginning and it goes to the credit of the learned sage Krishna Dvaipayana, who came to be known as Vyasa Deva, for classifying the voluminous literature into four functional divisions. The Rk Veda Samhita is the first division consisting of basic principles, the Rks (mantra).  The Yajus are the mantra used for fire worship. the Saman are the mantra to praise the Gods. And, the Atharva Veda consist of mantra for use in daily life- for cure of ailments, social welfare, etc. It is interesting to note here how the mantra imparted by Brahma to his first-born of Mind or Will, Desire to become many, or iccha 'EkO'ham, bahusyam.

  We have almost 24 Divisions and Sub-divisions that included Upanishads (Vedanta) of these Vedic Doctrines under the Category of Veda, Vedanga, Veda Upanga, Veda pratishakya, as well as, Veda under Brahmana (Mantra) and Aranyaka. The Aranyaka are mantra used by the adepts who retired to forests and practiced the Veda. The brahmanas are practiced by house-holders. A number of great Sages are associated with these divisions and it goes to the credit of a Minister under the King Krishna Deva Raya of Vijayanagara Empire, Sayana, who gave us a set of these codified literary works. Many old records are either lost (due to foods, fires, etc.) or, just not yet available since these are with some renown Pundits in remote villages! There are no concerted efforts by our youngsters to retrieve them and study, albeit much effort is made to preserve them in electronic devices.   

  It goes to the credit of Sri Maharshi Mahesh Yogi who has given us an entire set of these Vedic Literature, numbering almost 40 and, attributed these to our own Consciousness.

The Chart giving divisions and sub-divisions of Vedic Literature is given separately.

Divine Grace Foundation: From "Animal to Man- the- Divine"

Divine Grace Foundation: From "Animal to Man- the- Divine"

From "Animal to Man- the- Divine"

 There are references to Creation in the Rk Veda Samhita, particularly, the Purusha Sukta. There are also many theories and hypotheses put forth by scientists like Darwin regarding evolution of life on earth. The Vedic doctrine attributes origin of life to divine source, whereas, the Darwin's theory puts it as an evolution from the stage of monkey, orang utang, gorilla, and chimpanzee to man. These theories and hypotheses are also supported by fossil studies and other excavations of early human habitations. None of these seems to be satisfactory. If we go back to our origin, we can trace to spiritual basis that is invisible and have no traces, whatsoever! However, Bio-chemistry and Anthropology may help us to some extent. Cell Biology, DNA and RNA studies hold the key. A study of impregnation of a male sperm (of the millions and millions ejected by male into the womb of female) also tells us a story of mysterious origin of life! Not all the female get impregnated and give birth to a child unless there is the 'Will  of the Lord'! It is the Vedic doctrine that the supreme Lord only appears in different names, forms, and functions. It is He, the Blessed Lord, Who sits within the sacred space of the heart (hridaya) and breathes! 'tadsruShtvaa tadevaanupravishat' is the Vedic doctrine, meaning, Having Created, He only entered into it! Thus, one has to realize the divine spirit behind the material  body. Even when all the parts, the adjuncts of the physical body fall off, there remains something called the indomitable spirit, that governs life. The Bhagavan Sri Krishna asserts that nothing is born and nothing dies! There is only transformations from one thing to another. Even the scientists say, "Nothing is lost when a candle is burnt"! No body dies, although the physical body is worn out and discarded and the body laid to rest. The human body cremated either way, burnt or buried, only turns unto dust. It is said that everything is from dust and unto dust! Look what the Lord says in the Bhagavad-Gita! Arjunaa, you and I always exist and nothing like Time, Space and Causality can limit us!  The Spirit of the Soul is indomitable! It may appear strange that Everything has its origin in 'Nothing' since No thing also holds the traces of Things. There are radio active mineral traces that indicate the possibility of existence of rare earths! Similarly, there are traces of Life in something that is invisible and the source of life cannot be traced! Given a little bit of soil, moisture and hear, lo! there appears some life-form! This is the mystery! However, human life begins with the first 'Purusha' the 'Param Atman'. Jeevatman is the manifest aspects of Paramatman only!  One who knows this, the divinity aspect of all life forms become a kind and benevolent creature! So, Be Kind to All!