The Bhagavad Gita
Meaning "divine song" or "song of the divine one" is part of a very long epic poem called Mahabharata. It was written between 400 BCE and 400 CE. It tells us how the sounds of Pandu conquered their cousins, the Kauravas, with the help of the god Krishna. Specifically the Bhagavad Gita recalls themes from the Upanishads, but it also tries to strike a balance between mysticism and the practical needs of everyday life. It is written in dialogue form and is almost entirely between two figures: a prince, Arjuna, and his charioteer and advisor, Krishna. The story goes as follows: Arjuna's royal power is threatened by his hundred cousins, called kAuravas, and he must decide whether to fight with his brothers against them to restore his throne or to accept their rule. He is torn because on one hand, he knows that his rule is correct but he also wants to avoid violence. He becomes depressed and throws his arrows and his bow in the midst of the battlefield. In response, Krishna, explains th need for action. She enforces that Arjuna must follow not merely his own desires- neither his fear nor his hope for reward- but he must simply do what is right. Krishna advises Arjuna to fight to protect his throne and the structure of the society - contrary to the teaching of nonviolence.
The Upanishads
The Upanishads express philosophical and religious ideas that arose in introspective and meditative traditions. It is comprised of about a hundred written works that record insights into external and internal reality. Upanishads is thought to derive from the meaning "sitting near" as to sit near a master, learning techniques for achieving religious experiences. The primary notion is that with spiritual discipline and meditation, both priests and non priests can experience the spiritual reality that underlies all seemingly separate realities. The Upanishads tell us, unlike earlier Vedic material, that a person who has the necessary experience can be a spiritual master. They are written primarily in dialogue form, appearing as both prose and poetry.
The Vedas
The Vedas are considered the earliest literary record of Indo-Aryan civilization, and the most sacred books of India. They are the original scriptures of Hindu teachings, and contain spiritual knowledge encompassing all aspects of our life. Vedic literature with its philosophical maxims has stood the test of time and is the highest religious authority for all sections of Hindus in particular and for mankind in general. The Vedas are four: The Rig-Veda, the Sama Veda, the Yajur Veda and the Atharva Veda, the Rig Veda being the main. Vedas mean "knowledge" or "sacred lore" and related in English are vision and wisdom.
There are four Vedas and are the earliest sacred books of Hinduism. They give information on sacred chants, ceremonial practice rituals and recitation, as well as the origin of the universe. The vedas are dated to about 1500 BCE , but generally cover about 2000 to 500 BCE.
The Rig Veda- "hymn knowledge" which is a collection of chants to the Aryan gods, it is the most important veda as it contains an account of the origin of the universe.
Sama Veda -"chant knowledge" a handbook of musical elaborations of Vedic chants
Yajur Veda - "ceremonial knowledge" contains matter for recitation during sacrifice
Atharva Veda - "knowledge from the teacher Artharya" practical prayers and charms such as prayers to protect against snakes and sickness
There are four Vedas and are the earliest sacred books of Hinduism. They give information on sacred chants, ceremonial practice rituals and recitation, as well as the origin of the universe. The vedas are dated to about 1500 BCE , but generally cover about 2000 to 500 BCE.
The Rig Veda- "hymn knowledge" which is a collection of chants to the Aryan gods, it is the most important veda as it contains an account of the origin of the universe.
Sama Veda -"chant knowledge" a handbook of musical elaborations of Vedic chants
Yajur Veda - "ceremonial knowledge" contains matter for recitation during sacrifice
Atharva Veda - "knowledge from the teacher Artharya" practical prayers and charms such as prayers to protect against snakes and sickness