The Vedas, Hinduism’s most sacred texts, are believed to have been revealed at the time of mankind’s creation.
The teachings of the Vedas discuss varied aspects of life such as Devotion, Union with the divine (Yoga), Wealth, Desire and Salvation. They also discuss the pros and cons of various paths in life and recommend prescriptions for right living. Some examples:
What one should acquire and what one should give up
- Preya : Actions that appealing and easy but ultimately cause suffering
- Shreya: Actions that are righteous but hard to follow, and lead to spiritual happiness
- Material, natural and spiritual life
- Initiating progress and development in human life
This vast range of subjects is classified under four broad parameters:
Gyan (Knowledge)
Knowledge in the Vedas is a fusion of the material and spiritual. The topics discussed include Astronomy, Medical Science (Ayurveda) and Mathematics, Physics, Zoology and more.
Karma (Action)
Karma relates to both physical and mental actions. The Vedas prescribe actions that lead to the refinement of mankind. There are discourses that touch upon diverse issues – education, marital life, social and political order, governance, co-operation and charity.
From the Vedas, we learn the importance of unity (yoga) between knowledge and action.
Also described are the four objectives of life – Dharma (right living), Artha (acquisition of wealth), Kama (fulfilling desires) and Moksha (salvation).
Upasana (Communion with the divine)
This relates to meditation and communing with God, an essential task without which all other human activity is irrelevant.
Vigyan (Metaphysics)
Vigyan concerns the understanding of the true nature of everything in existence.
The teachings of the Vedas are universal in nature and not directed to people of any one faith. Vedic ideology teaches that divinity exists in all beings. Tolerance towards differing philosophies is essential. The Vedas also describe qualities that make a person righteous – patience, forgiveness, control of the senses, cleanliness (also in the sense of honesty), knowledge and refraining from anger.
..
