Do you know the oldest scripture?

Ever thought about the oldest scriptures we have in Hindu religion?

All vedas depict something particular in itself.

The Rigveda underlines the path of Jnana or knowledge, the Yajurveda that of Karma or action and the Samaveda that of Bhakti or devotion.

Rigveda, 1500 – 1100 BCE Approx.

Most ancient collection of scriptures we have. ‘Veda’ itself means knowledge. Amazing is that the text is a collection of hymns and 10,600 verses collected in ten books also known as Mandalas.

This long collection of short hymns is mostly devoted to the praise of the gods. However, it also contains fragmentary references to historical events, notably the struggle between the early vedic peoples (known as Aryans) and their enemies, the Dasa.

Epic, Isnt it !

Samaveda, 1500 - 500 BCE

It is something like singin……ggggg a songgggggg……………..Veda of songs for god. Kind of musical version of some of the hymns of Rig veda. So, Rigveda and Samaveda is linked with each other. Also, Samaveda is the shortest of all four Vedas. The Samaveda is compiled exclusively for ritual application, for its verses are all meant to be chanted at the ceremonies of the Soma-sacrifice.

Among the four Vedas, the Samaveda is regarded as the foremost. In the Bhagavadgata, Lord Krishna has declared "Among the Vedas I am Samaveda"- Vedanama Samavedosmi (Gita, 10.22).

Yajurveda, 1500 - 500 BCE

“Yajus” means sacrifice. Yes, you guessed it right. This veda is about religious sacrifices. Some might think of physical sacrifice, but this veda acknowledge with both type of sacrifices i.e. inner sacrifice & outer sacrifice. But, inner sacrifice  is given more importance.

Sacrifice is self-offering. Self-offering is self-fulfillment. Self-fulfillment is love-manifestation and Truth-perfection. Through our outer sacrifice we become a divine part of Mother-Earth. Through our inner sacrifice we become an immortal part of Father-Heaven. We make the outer sacrifice when we come out of the domain of binding desires and enter into the domain of liberating aspiration. We make the inner sacrifice when we try to manifest God in the world of ignorance after having achieved God-realization. The outer sacrifice demands strength of a hero. The inner sacrifice demands the power of an army. With our outer sacrifice we see the Truth. With our inner sacrifice we become the Truth.?

Atharva veda, 1500 - 500 BCE

This Veda is always been in a little debate on whether or whether not it’s should be a part of sacred collection of Vedas. As it’s always been looked as a collection of hymns containing “Black magic spells” ( Although, I still doubt)

Avoid Griffith and Mueller's translations of vedas. They have worked hard to translate it in the worst possible way. If you really do want a solution, pick up the number of the hymn and look for the sanskrit text. Use nirukta (vedic thesaurus) for reference and translate yourself to know its deeper meaning. There is more than they actually portrayed it to be.

Best thing Atharva veda  has given us is the knowledge of Ayur veda. No hymn in Atharva Veda asks the followers to use it as a spell, or incantation, or black magic, nor kill an animal for their prayers.

Upanishads, 1200 - 500 BCE

Upnisha literally means “sitting close to” or “sitting close to” knowledge. The Upnishads have the potential to ignite the flame of knowledge in the mind of seekers of knowledge. In the Upanishads the spiritual meanings of the Vedic texts are brought out and emphasized in their own right. In earlier times, groups of pupils sit near the teacher to learn from him the secret doctrine. In the quietude of the forest hermitages the Upanishad thinkers pondered on the problems of deepest concerns and communicated their knowledge to fit pupils near them.

Bhagavad Gita, 400 BCE - 300 CE

It is a collection of 700 verses and important as it is the part of Mahabahrat. Bhagwad Geeta is the classic example of a Guru-Disciple relation. Lord Krishna teaches Arjuna about the real responsibility of oneself.

The Bhagavad- Gita is considered by easterners and western scholars alike to be among the greatest spiritual books the world has ever known. In a very clear and wonderful way the Supreme Lord Krishna describes the science of self-realization and the exact process by which a human being can establish their eternal relationship with God.

Ramayana, 400 BCE - 400 CE

Ramayana is one of the largest scriptures containing 24,000 verses embedded in 500 chapters. This book is considered holy for all Hindus. Ramayana is not only the word of god but it is the history. This is the book mainly revolving around Lord Ram, Seeta, Laxman, Hanuman and Raavan. There are places and spots still present where the history of this book can be claimed true. The much in debate “Ram Setu” (a bridge connecting India to Sri lanka  ) is still visible half perished in the sea which is believed to be build in that era. Ramayana portrays the life that one should live to be “an ideal human being”.

(Personally, studying Ramayana, I think one cannot make all the human beings  happy at the same time. Comment below, what do you guys think?? )

Here, I finish my very first article. OMG! I am so excited to hear from you guys.

Stay Blessed guys! Stay Happy!