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The Vedas (Knowledge, Truth) are part of the Hindu Shruti -- these religious scriptures form part of the core of the Brahminical and Vedic traditions. The Vedas contain hymns, rituals, and spells. There are 4 categories (samhitas) of Vedas: the Atharva-Veda, Rig-Veda, Sama-Veda, and the Yajur-Veda; the last three are referred to as the "Threefold Veda". The Arthava-Veda is deemed to be somewhat less authotitative. Each category was appropriate to distinct groups performing different social functions within early Hindu culture. It is sometimes argued that there is a fifth samhita, the Vedanta.

Origins of the Vedas

Hinduis believe that the Vedas were transmitted, via an oral tradition, for ~8000 years. The first Veda, the Rig-Veda, was formally written by 1500 BC. (Fisher) Astronomical references, in the Vedas, date to the 4th or 5th millennium BC. It is sometimes argued that these texts show a Zoroastrian influence.

Hymns which were largely in the nature of prayers and dedications to Gods were collected —- says the tradition —- by Paila under the guidance of Vyasa, and went to form the Rik mantra Samhita. (Rigveda)

Hymns which were particularly chanted during religious and social functions of the community were compiled by Vaishampayana under the title Yajus mantra Samhita. (Yajurveda)

Jaimini is said to have collected hymns that were set to music and melody—Saman. (Samaveda). There is also the fourth collection of hymns and chants ascribed to Sumantu, known as Atharva Samhita. (Atharvaveda)

Each of these Samhitas was followed gradually by explanations and dissertations in prose and in verse for elucidating the meanings, allusions, legends, etc. of the hymns and their application. These portions are known as braahmaNaas. The concluding portions of these or the portions attached to them are discussions and speculations of a philosophical and spiritual import based certainly on the ideas and texts found in the Hymns. They are called the aaraNyakas and Upanishads.

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. There are four Vedas: the Rigveda, Samaveda, Yajurveda and Atharvaveda. Each Veda is in turn divided into four sections. The orginal text is called the Samhita. Explanatory ritual commentary is referred to as the Brahmana. More speculative interpretations form the Arayokas. Philosophical discussion at the end is called the Upanishad. Within orthodox Hinduism all these sections are deemed to be divinely inspired, having been 'overheard' rather than created by their ancient authors.

The Upanishads are assumed to be of a much later date than the original Samhitas. In fact it is a thought that more than a thousand years may separate the oldest and newest portions of the Vedas. The oldest and most important of the four Vedas is the Rigveda, or 'knowledge of praising', a long collection of short hymns devoted to the praise of the gods. It details the earliest form of Hinduism, sometimes referred to as the 'Vedic' or Aryan stage of the religion, which is closely tied to the pre-Zoroastrian Persian religion.

External Links

References

Fisher -- Living Religions (5th Edition -- 2002), p.82

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 [[de:Veda]]
-The '''Vedas''' ('''''Knowledge''''', '''''Truth''''') are part of the [[Hinduism|Hindu]] ''[[Shruti]]'' -- these [[religion|religious]] [[scripture]]s form part of the core of the [[Brahmin]]ical and [[Vedic]] [[tradition]]s. The Vedas contain [[hymn]]s, [[ritual]]s, and [[spell]]s. There are 4 categories ('''samhitas''') of Vedas: the [[Atharvaveda|Atharva-Veda]], [[Rigveda|Rig-Veda]], [[Samaveda|Sama-Veda]], and the [[Yajurveda|Yajur-Veda]]; the last three are referred to as the "'''''Threefold Veda'''''". The Arthava-Veda is deemed to be somewhat less authotitative. Each category was appropriate to distinct groups performing different [[Functionalism|social function]]s within early Hindu [[culture]]. It is sometimes argued that there is a fifth samhita, the ''[[Upanishads|Vedanta]]''.
+The '''Vedas''' ('''''Knowledge''''', '''''Truth''''') are part of the [[Hinduism|Hindu]] ''[[Shruti]]'' -- these [[religion|religious]] [[scripture]]s form part of the core of the [[Brahmin]]ical and [[Vedic]] [[tradition]]s. The Vedas contain [[hymn]]s, [[ritual]]s, and [[spell]]s. There are 4 categories ('''samhitas''') of Vedas: the [[Atharva-Veda]], [[Rig-Veda]], [[Sama-Veda]], and the [[Yajur-Veda]]; the last three are referred to as the "'''''Threefold Veda'''''". The Arthava-Veda is deemed to be somewhat less authotitative. Each category was appropriate to distinct groups performing different [[Functionalism|social function]]s within early Hindu [[culture]]. It is sometimes argued that there is a fifth samhita, the ''[[Upanishads|Vedanta]]''.
 ==Origins of the Vedas==