Vol 01.007 3. The Sruti texts ch 3. Hinduism rediscovered

3. FROM CHAPTER 3 OF HINDUISM REDISCOVERED

SECTION 2 : THE SRUTI TEXTS.

2.1. VEDAS
The word `VEDA' itself means `wisdom', `knowledge'. Scholars say that it bears resemblance to the English `Wit', the German `WIZEN' or the Latin `VIDERE; stemming from `VID' to See. The wisdom of the Vedas is absolute and inherent and not the material or empirical knowledge.

Vedas were not created by anybody - not even by God. Hence, they are called "Apaurusheyam" (Authorless ), the Vedic hymns were passed on by teachers to pupils through an oral tradition. It is essentially an auditory phenomenon. Vedas are supposed to have existed always. After every deluge (Pralaya) when the universe remanifested, God remembered the texts of the Vedas exactly as they were before the deluge and taught them to the fourfaced Brahma and through him to succeeding generations through Guru-sishya-parampara (generations of preceptor - pupil relationship). Even when an alphabet was sought to be introduced or altered there was strong opposition and the tradition was conveyed through `Sruti (heard or revealed) and `Smriti (remembered).

LE MAITRE, SOLANGE observes: "What is found in the VEDA has no equivalent anywhere in the religious history of mankind. A philosophic teaching of lofty range is expressed in hymns of exceptional poetry, powerful in their lyricism and often and deliberately in their symbolism, it seems the secret of the Veda must remain impenetrable to the profane". -5 Incidentally, `pro' means in front of and `fane' means temple. Hence, to be left outside the precincts of the holy.

It might take a whole lifetime may be many lives to study all that is contained in the Vedas and other scriptures or even to have a smattering. But, as Hindus, is it not necessary and desirable for us to know at least their names and briefly the basics as to what they stand for - before we proceed.?
HERE IS A RAPID LOOK AT THIS l
VEDA is also called `SRUTI'. `NIGAMA' and AMNAYA. `Sruti' : means that which is `heard' - a sacred knowledge heard by the ancient Rishis and transmitted through generations of pupils as already explained. They lay down rules of grammar, pitch, rhythm and intonation for recitation. Originally, the word `VEDA' applied to `mantras' (mental recitations) and `Brahmans' (manuals) but later extended to Upanishads and other works. When we say `heard' - it does not mean spoken by someone. The Munis (silent ones) and the Rishis (having power of knowledge) were believed to have heard through the medium of sounds the eternal truths which they grasped with their intuitive wisdom. " Purusha Prayatnam Vinaa Prakateebhutam". The word so heard itself became powerful when properly uttered by the proper person under the proper circumstances at the proper time. These materials cannot be conveyed by the printed texts.They could be transmitted only between the two minds - of theGuru and the Sishya both of whom should have the qualifications to give and to take respectively. The Auditorial character of Sruti is self evident.

`Nigama' : Means a settled text or work handed down. This is distinct from 'Agama" which is not based on the `Veda' but improvised later.

Aamnaaya' : Means what is learnt by a student and cherished by constant repetition and frequently thinking over the same. Originally, the Vedas were not classified. Great difficulty was felt in performing the Yaagas. Sage Vyasa with the help of his disciples Sumantu, Vaisampayana, Jaimini and Bylar classified the Vedas into 4 groups consisting of 1131 branches. Hence, he is called Veda Vyasa.6
The four Veda collection of Mantras of praise known as `SAMHITAS'. They are briefly as follows

2.1.1. RIG VEDA (Oldest Vedic verses in oral form ) Hymns of praise. Relates to the function of `HOTA' or the person who sits in a place, tends the sacrificial fire and recites prayers (mantras). We will discuss more about mantras later. The collection comprises of 64 Chapters, 10,552 verses in 1028 hymns arranged in 10 books (mandalas) known as `Sakala' recension, the text used by the priestly school. It included 36 hymns called `Khilasuktas' (not in the original Rig Vedic nucleus). A subsequent arrangement divides the text into 8 each of which was subject to further divisions. Mandalas IV, VI and VIII represent three well known subdivisions of the `ANGIRASAS' namely the GAUTAMAS, BARADWAJAS and KEVAL ANGIRASAS. Books III, V and VII belong to the Non-Brigu-Angirasa gotras. II and VII are classified as `Family books' while IX is confined to the `Soma' ritual. I and X seem to be late compositions- 6 .

J.MUIR observes
"RIG VEDA provides far more illustrations of the workings of human mind, in the period of its infancy upon matters of religion, than can be found in any other literature whatsoever".7

2.1.2. YAJUR VEDA ( Hymns of wisdom of sacrificial rites chanted with cadenced intonation)
Rites performed by `Advarvyu' or person engaged in actual performance of the rituals (formulas). He handles the sacrificial instruments, measures quantities of materials for sacrifices and performs the actual sacrifice.

The Veda of the Yajus (Vishnu purana V 1.3) states that originally the Veda consisted of 27 Parts (in 40 Chapters, 7 Khandas, (Cantos) 82 Prasnas ( questions), 368 Anuvakas, ( Sections) and 1987 hymns compiled by `VAISAMPAYANA' who imparted them to 27 pupils; including `YAGNAVALKYA'. But, both of them quarreled on an interpretation on the prayaschitha (atonement) for the `Mahapataka' (great sin), on the preceptor killing his own sister's child. The quarrel resulted in YAGNAVALKYA leaving his preceptor after `vomiting' what he had learnt. The other pupils immediately transformed themselves into Taittri (Black birds) and picked up the texts and hence Taittriya samhita is called `Krishna Yajurveda' ( Black Yajurveda). Another legend says that VAISAMPAYANA taught YASKA and YASKA to TITTRI. Hence, TAITTRIYA. YAGNAVALKYA learnt the texts from SUN who acknowledged his homage by appearing in the form of a horse and revealed to him again the Yajur Veda. Hence. VAJASENEYI samhita or `Sukla Yajurveda' (White Yajurveda).

2.1.3. SAMA VEDA ( Hymns of wisdom set to melodious music)
Relates to the functions of `Udgata' or person who sings Samans or Musical notes (ie) chants set to music. In the Veda of sacred songs (samans), hymns were taken out from Rig Veda transposed and rearranged to suit ritualistic requirements. Of the 1875 verses contained in 2 parts of Sam Veda -only 75 are new ones, all the others being found in Rig Veda, ( mostly in Mindless VIII and IX.) Most of these verses are in Gayatri and Jagati meters and were meant to be sung.

They have been 'notated' for purposes of chanting with a special 'cadence' and a remarkable 'melody'. The three recensions of Samaveda are the Gauthama saka prevalent in Gujarat, Jaiminiya current in Karnataka and Ranayaniya popular in Maharashtra 8 The three together were known as `Trayividya' -( three fold collection of wisdom). A fourth Veda was added later.

2.1. 4. ATHARVA VEDA
Attributed to sage ATHARVAN describing the functions of `Brahma' - - the person who is the general supervisor of rituals - the master of ceremonies. But, ATHARVA Veda is also known as a `Weird' one dealing with charms and incantations dealing with spirits, witches, goblins and Imps.
Atharva Veda which deals with magic formulae is also called `BRIGUVANGIRASA' founded by BRIGU, ANGIRASA and ATHARVAN. Originally contained 18 books but 2 more were added subsequently. The 18 books comprise 9 branches, 20 Khandas, 36 Prasnas,143 Suktas and 5977 hymns. I to VII deal with charms and imprecations. VIII to XII sacrifice of goats and five rice dishes offered, the praise of VIRAJ and the UCHISHTA ( the sacrificial remains.). Other portions deal with mystic hymns, priestly riddles and human anatomy, special amulets, list of remedies for various venoms and poisons etc. XIII to XVIII are devoted to special subjects (eg) XIV to wedding and XVIII to funeral rites.
(To be continued)