Vedas
The Vedas (ved - single, veda - plural) (Sanskrit, Knowledge, Praising, Truth) are part of the Hindu Shruti -- these religious scriptures form part of the core of the Brahminical and Vedic traditions. The Veda contain hymns, rituals, and mantras. There are 4 Ved's: the Atharva-Ved, Rig-Ved, Sama-Ved, and the Yajur-Ved; the last three are referred to as the "Threefold Ved". The Arthav-Ved is often deemed to be significantly less authoritative. It is sometimes argued that there is a fifth Ved, the Vedant. The original text of the Ved is known as the Sanhita. However the Sanhitas 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 Ved are structured rather like a venerated work of classic literature supported by elaborate footnotes and introductory essays explaining its hidden complexities.
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Origins of the Vedas
Many Hindus believe that the Ved 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 Ved, the Rig-Ved Sanhita, to around 1800-1500 BCE.According to tradition, the hymns of the Rig-Ved Sanhita were collected and arranged by Paila under the supervision of Vyas. Hymns which were particularly chanted during religious and social functions of the community were compiled by Vaishampayan under the title Yajus mantr Samhit. (Yajur-Ved). Jaimini is said to have collected hymns that were set to music and melody — 'Saman'. (Sam-Ved). The fourth collection of hymns and chants known as Atharv Sanhita (Atharv-Ved) is ascribed to Sumantu.
The Ved's 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
