VED AND VEDANGAS, वेद र वेदाङ्ग By Dr. Hemraj Koirala

Eastern religious values are deeply rooted in spirituality, harmony, and interconnectedness. Traditions like Hinduism, Buddhism, Taoism, and Confucianism emphasize inner peace, ethical living, and unity with nature. This presentation delves into the foundational principles shaping Eastern religious values, exploring their profound influence on culture, philosophy, and personal development.

1. VED AND VEDANGAS वेद र वेदाङ्ग Dr. Hemraj Koirala Director Kathmandu University Yoga and Nature Cure Hospital Panauti-5, Kavre, Nepal

2. INTRODUCTION The base of eastern religious Value are Vedas. The Vedas are ancient South Asian scriptures, revered as the foundational texts of Sanatana Dharma (the Eternal Dharma or Truth), a term often associated with Hinduism. The word "Veda" means "knowledge" or "wisdom," and these texts are considered divine revelations ( śruti ) received by sages in deep meditative states. Composed in Sanskrit, the Vedas are a compendium of hymns, chants, rituals, philosophies, and spiritual guidance, divided into four main collections: the Rigveda, Samaveda , Yajurveda, and Atharvaveda. These sacred texts capture the spiritual and cultural heritage of early South Asian civilization and encompass profound teachings on life, the universe, and humanity's place within it.

3. VEDAS: NOT WRITTEN BUT COGNIZED In the Vedic tradition, meditation is a powerful method for acquiring inner knowledge and wisdom. By quieting the mind and focusing inward, meditation allows practitioners to transcend ordinary perception, uncovering deeper truths about the self (Atman) and the universe (Brahman). This state of heightened awareness leads to direct experiential knowledge beyond intellectual understanding. Meditation fosters self-realization, connecting individuals with cosmic consciousness and guiding them toward spiritual enlightenment, making it an essential practice for inner awakening in Vedic philosophy.

4. VEDAS and VEDANGAS Four Vedas: Rigveda, Yajuraveda , Samaveda , and Atharvaveda. Subdivision of Vedas: Samhitas , Aranyak , Brahmanas , Upanishadas , Upasanas Four Upavedas : Arthaveda , Dhanurveda , Gandharvaveda and Ayurveda. Four Brahmanas : Aiteriya , Titeriya , Satpath and Gopath Six principal Vedic Philosophies: Mimamsa , Vedanta, Nyaya, Vaisheshika , Shankhya and Yoga

5. VEDAS and VEDANGAS Other Vedic Philosophies: Ramanuja Darshan ( Vishishta Adweta ), Purnapragya Darshana ( Dweta Vedanta), Nakulish Pashupat Darshana , Shaiva Darshana , Pratyabhigya Darshana , Ayurved Darshan , Panini Darshana , Adweta Vedanta Darshan Non Vedic Philosophies: Charvakism , Bhuddism , Jainism, Ajivikism . Six Principal Vedangas : Shiksha (Phonetics), Vyakarana (Grammar), Chandas (Prosody), Nirukta (Etymology) Kalpa (Rituals). Jyotisha (Astronomy and Astrology)

6. VEDIC LITERATURE Vedas literally means knowledge. There are four vedas – Rig Veda, Sama Veda, Yajur Veda and Atharva Veda. Each of these Vedas is comprised of four parts. ( i ) Samhitas (ii) Brahmanas (iii) Aranyakas (iv) Upanishads. Samhitas and Brahmanas are designed as Karma- kanda (pertaining to rituals), Aranyakas are designated as upasana kanda (pertaining to meditation) and Upanishads as the gyana-kanda (pertaining to knowledge). Samhitas are collections of sacred hymns composed in the form of verses and are dedicated to different gods and goddesses. Brahmanas contain details of sacrificial rites ( yajna ) and are composed mostly in prose.

7. VEDIC LITERATURE Aranyaks consist of mantras (sacred formulae) and are regarded as supplement to brahmanas . Most Upanishads are chapters of aranyaks except the Isha Upanishad which forms the last chapter of Vajasaneyi Samhita of Shukla Yajurveda. Entire Vedic corpus is considered to be direct revelations from God and hence regarded as apaurasheya or not of human origin. Hindus believe that Vedas are considered to contain the ultimate knowledge and are called smriti (retaining by hearing) as these were passed down from generations through oral transmission.

8. FOUR VEDAS Rigveda : The oldest Veda, containing hymns and praises to various deities like Agni, Indra , and Surya. It focuses on invoking divine forces and understanding cosmic order. Samaveda : Known as the "Veda of Melodies," it includes chants and musical hymns, emphasizing the rhythmic and musical aspects of Vedic worship . Yajurveda: Primarily a guide for rituals and sacrificial rites, it provides instructions and mantras for performing yajnas (sacrificial ceremonies ). Atharvaveda: Contains hymns, spells, and charms dealing with daily life, health, healing, and protection, blending spiritual practices with practical wisdom.

9. Rigveda Brahmana: Aaitreya , Kaushthiki Aranyaka : Aaitreya , Kaushthiki Upanishad: Aaitreya , Kaushthiki Upveda : Ayurveda Priest: Hotra Samaveda Brahmana: Jaimini Aranyaka : Chandogya , Jaminiya Upanishad: Chandogya , Jaminiya , Ken Upveda : Gandharvaveda Priest: Adharvyu FOUR VEDAS

10. Shukla Yajurveda Brahmana: Shatapatha Aranyaka : Brihadaranyaka,Isha Upanishad: Brihadaranyaka Upveda : Dhanurveda Priest: Udgata Krishna Yajurveda Brahmana: Taitriya Aranyaka : Taitriya Upanishad: Kathopnishad , Taitriya , Maitriyani , Shvetashvatar Upveda : Dhanurveda Priest: Udgata FOUR VEDAS

11. Atharvaveda Brahmana: Gopatha Aranyaka : None Upanishad: Mundaka , Mandukya Upveda : Shilpaveda / Arthsastra Priest: Brahma Aaitreya Brahmana deals with duties of all 4 varnas . Mundaka Upanishad mentions Satyameva Jayate . Shatapata Brahmana talks about ploughing rituals and concept of rebirth. Chandogya Upanishad mentions three ashramas of Varna ashrama dharma. It also talks about Itihasa purana tradition which is mentioned as Panchamveda . Shukla Yajurveda talks about the Rajasuya yagya . FOUR VEDAS

12. SUB-DIVISION OF VEDAS Each Veda is subdivided into four parts, each serving a distinct purpose in Vedic study and practice: Samhitas : Collections of hymns, mantras, and prayers used in rituals and ceremonies, forming the core of each Veda. Brahmanas : Prose texts that explain the meanings and applications of the mantras, providing instructions for performing Vedic rituals and sacrifices. Aranyakas : Also called "Forest Treatises," these texts offer meditative practices and philosophical reflections, meant for practitioners who withdraw into solitude. Upanishads: Philosophical teachings that explore deep spiritual concepts like the nature of reality, Atman (soul), and Brahman (universal consciousness), focusing on self-realization. Upasanas : Sections dedicated to worship and devotional practices, emphasizing meditation and mental disciplines as paths to divine connection.

13. FOUR UPAVEDA The Four Upavedas are auxiliary sciences associated with the Vedas, focusing on practical knowledge essential for daily life: Arthaveda (associated with the Rigveda): Deals with economics, governance, and social laws, supporting Rigvedic themes of societal order and structure . Gandharvaveda (associated with the Samaveda ): Covers music, dance, and aesthetics, complementing Samaveda's emphasis on melodic chants and rhythm . Dhanurveda (associated with the Yajurveda): Focuses on warfare, martial arts, and military science, aligning with Yajurveda’s ritualistic focus and discipline. Ayurveda (associated with the Atharvaveda): Concerns health, medicine, and healing practices, which align with Atharvaveda’s focus on everyday life, well-being, and practical wisdom .

14. FOUR BRAMHANAS The Four Brahmanas are prose texts that explain the rituals and ceremonies outlined in the Vedas. They provide guidance on performing sacrifices, rituals, and understanding their meanings. Here’s a brief about each: Aitareya Brahmana: Associated with the Rigveda, it provides detailed instructions on performing rituals and sacrifices, along with explanations of Vedic hymns and mantras. It emphasizes the significance of rituals in maintaining cosmic order .

15. FOUR BRAMHANAS Shadvimsha Brahmana: Related to the Yajurveda, this Brahmana contains 16 chapters ( shadvimsha ), explaining the performance of yajnas (sacrificial rites), their purpose, and the underlying philosophy. Satpatha Brahmana: Also linked to the Yajurveda, it is one of the longest Brahmanas and provides detailed descriptions of rituals, including those for the Soma sacrifice, with deep philosophical insights. Gopatha Brahmana: Connected to the Atharvaveda, it primarily focuses on the rituals associated with the Atharvaveda, describing sacrifices, prayers for protection, and spiritual well-being. It also explores philosophical ideas concerning the soul and the nature of the universe.

16. SIX VEDANGAS The Vedangas , meaning "limbs of the Vedas," are six auxiliary disciplines essential for understanding, preserving, and practicing Vedic knowledge. They include Shiksha (phonetics), Vyakarana (grammar), Chandas (prosody), Nirukta (etymology), Jyotisha (astronomy), and Kalpa (rituals). Together, they ensure the proper recitation, interpretation, and application of Vedic texts and rituals . Shiksha (Phonetics): Authored Rishi Vamajya focuses on pronunciation, intonation, and articulation of Vedic hymns, preserving the oral tradition's integrity. It covers aspects like syllables, accents, and sound clarity to ensure accurate recitation, as improper pronunciation can alter meanings in the sacred texts.

17. SIX VEDANGAS Vyakarana (Grammar ): Authored by Rishi Panini provides rules for Sanskrit grammar to maintain linguistic accuracy in Vedic interpretation. It helps avoid misinterpretation of verses by defining grammatical structures, word formation, and syntax essential for precise understanding of sacred scriptures . Chandas (Prosody): Authored by Rishi Pingal s tudies the metrical patterns of Vedic poetry, analyzing syllable counts, rhythmic structures, and verse arrangements. It ensures that Vedic chants retain their musical and spiritual essence, aiding memorization and recitation . Nirukta (Etymology ): Authored by Rishi Yaska explains the meanings, origins, and context of obscure Vedic words. It serves as a linguistic tool for decoding complex terminology, ensuring clarity and deeper comprehension of Vedic verses.

18. SIX VEDANGAS Jyotisha (Astronomy and Astrology): Authored by Rishi Lagedha d eals with timekeeping and celestial calculations to determine auspicious timings for rituals. It combines astronomy and astrology to guide Vedic ceremonies and agricultural activities. Kalpa (Rituals): Authored by Rishi Gautam Prescribes procedures for performing Vedic rituals and sacrifices. It includes rules for daily rites, ceremonies, and societal duties, ensuring adherence to traditional practices and fostering spiritual discipline.

19. SIX PRINCIPAL PHILOSOPHY The six principal Vedic philosophies, known as the "Sad Darshanas ," form the foundation of South Asian thought and spiritual practice. These schools of philosophy provide diverse perspectives on the nature of reality, knowledge, and the path to liberation : Mimamsa : Focuses on the interpretation of Vedic texts and emphasizes the importance of ritual and ethical actions (dharma) for the attainment of liberation (moksha). It asserts that knowledge comes through correct interpretation and performance of rituals . Vedanta: Concerned with the nature of ultimate reality, Vedanta explores the concepts of Brahman (the supreme reality) and Atman (the individual self). It teaches that the ultimate goal is realizing the unity of Brahman and Atman. Popular sub-schools include Advaita (non-dualism), Vishishtadvaita (Special non-dualism), and Dvaita (dualism).

20. SIX PRINCIPAL PHILOSOPHY Nyaya: A system of logic and epistemology that focuses on the means of acquiring valid knowledge ( pramanas ). Nyaya examines the nature of perception, inference, comparison, and testimony as tools for understanding the world and achieving liberation. Vaisheshika : A school of atomism that postulates that the universe is made up of an infinite number of individual, indestructible atoms ( paramanus ). It explores the nature of substances, qualities, actions, and categories to explain the material world and its phenomena.

21. SIX PRINCIPAL PHILOSOPHY Sankhya : One of the oldest systems of Vedic philosophy, Sankhya presents a dualistic worldview, distinguishing between Purusha (consciousness) and Prakriti (material nature). The philosophy aims at liberation through understanding the separation between these two entities, leading to the cessation of suffering . Yoga: Rooted in Sankhya , the Yoga school outlines practical methods for achieving self-realization and liberation through disciplined practice. It emphasizes meditation ( dhyana ), ethical living ( yamas and niyamas ), and physical postures ( asanas ) as means to control the mind and body, leading to union with the divine.

22. OTHER VEDIC PHILOSOPHY There are many V edic philosophies else than the principal Vedic philosophies. These Vedic philosophies reflect diverse interpretations of ultimate reality, self, and the cosmos. Rooted in the Vedas and Upanishads, they include systems of metaphysical, theological, and practical thought, providing profound insights into life, spirituality, and the universe. They are: Ramanuja Darshana ( Vishishta Advaita ): Ramanuja's Vishishta Advaita (special non dualism) asserts that the ultimate reality, Brahman, is qualified by both attributes like souls/ consciousness ( jivatmas ) and matter. Brahman is both immanent and transcendent. It emphasizes devotion (bhakti) to a personal God, Vishnu, as the means to liberation, blending monism with the reality of diversity.

23. OTHER VEDIC PHILOSOPHY Adwaita Vedanta: Adwaita Vedanta (Non dualistic philosophy) established by Adi Shankaracharya , is a non-dualistic philosophy asserting that Brahman, the ultimate reality, is the only truth, while the world of duality is an illusion ( maya ). It teaches that the individual soul (Atman) is not separate from Brahman but identical to it. Liberation (moksha) is achieved through self-realization and knowledge (jnana), transcending ignorance ( avidya ) that causes the illusion of separation. The philosophy emphasizes renunciation, meditation, and scriptural study, particularly the Upanishads, Bhagavad Gita, and Brahmasutras . Adwaita offers a path to spiritual freedom, highlighting unity in diversity and the eternal, unchanging nature of the ultimate reality.

24. OTHER VEDIC PHILOSOPHY Purnapragya Darshana ( Dvaita Vedanta ): Madhvacharya's Dvaita Vedanta emphasizes dualism, asserting an eternal distinction between the individual soul ( jivatma ) and God ( Paramatma ). Liberation comes through devotion and surrender to Vishnu. It highlights the soul's dependence on God while upholding the reality of the material world . Nakulish Pashupat Darshana : The Nakulish Pashupat system centers on Shiva as the supreme deity. It teaches asceticism, meditation, and devotion to Shiva for liberation. The philosophy promotes renunciation of worldly attachments and attainment of divine grace, emphasizing a disciplined spiritual lifestyle.

25. OTHER VEDIC PHILOSOPHY Shaiva Darshana : Shaiva Darshana venerates Shiva as the ultimate reality and the cosmic principle of creation, preservation, and destruction. It integrates rituals, yoga, and meditation to attain self-realization, focusing on the union of the individual self with Shiva through devotion and knowledge . Pratyabhijna Darshana : A central philosophy of Kashmir Shaivism, Pratyabhijna emphasizes self-recognition of the individual as Shiva, the universal consciousness. Liberation arises through realization of one’s divine nature, transcending dualities, and experiencing unity with the ultimate reality through introspection and knowledge.

26. OTHER VEDIC PHILOSOPHY Ayurved Darshana : Ayuveda Darshana combines health and spirituality, addressing the balance between the body, mind, and spirit. Rooted in the Vedas, it teaches that holistic well-being and longevity depend on aligning with natural laws, emphasizing diet, lifestyle, and medicinal practices. Panini Darshana : Panini Darshana is centered on the grammatical structure of Sanskrit, developed by the sage Panini. It codifies linguistic rules, offering a systematic approach to understanding and preserving sacred texts. It reflects the intellectual rigor of Vedic scholarship and its importance in scriptural study.

27. NON VEDIC PHILOSOPHY Non-Vedic philosophies in the South Asian philosophical tradition, often called Nāstika Darsanas , represent systems of thought that fundamentally reject the authority and infallibility of the Vedas, distinguishing them from orthodox or Astika schools. These philosophical traditions prioritize reason, empirical evidence, and direct experiential knowledge over scriptural authority. They focus on practical approaches to understanding the nature of existence, human suffering, and liberation (moksha) from worldly attachments. By offering alternative viewpoints, these schools challenge Vedic doctrines, encouraging intellectual exploration and diversity of thought. The major non-Vedic philosophies include Charvaka , Buddhism, Jainism, and Ajivika , each contributing uniquely to Indian intellectual and spiritual heritage.

28. NON VEDIC PHILOSOPHY Charvakism : Charvakism , or materialism, posits that only the physical world exists, rejecting the supernatural, soul, and afterlife. It emphasizes sensory perception and the pursuit of pleasure as the primary goals of life, dismissing religious rituals and doctrines as unscientific and impractical. Buddhism: Buddhism teaches that suffering (dukkha) is inherent in life, caused by desire and ignorance. It outlines the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path as a means to achieve Nirvana, the cessation of suffering, emphasizing mindfulness, meditation, and the impermanence of all phenomena.

29. NON VEDIC PHILOSOPHY Jainism: Jainism advocates non-violence (Ahimsa), self-discipline, and asceticism as the path to liberation (moksha). It teaches that the soul ( Jiva ) is eternal and is trapped in the cycle of karma, which can be purified through ethical living, strict non-violence, and renunciation of worldly attachments. Ajivikism : Ajivikism , founded by Makkhali Gosala , emphasizes determinism and fatalism, asserting that all events in life are predetermined by cosmic forces. The philosophy rejects free will, and its followers believed liberation could be achieved through ascetic practices, independent of moral or karmic actions, focusing instead on fate's inevitability.

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