Veda has special significance in the Indian scriptures. When we utter the word scripture, the new generation, particularly
the so called ‘convent educated generation’ becomes susceptible as if some thing intangible is being fed to them. In fact these scriptures have been a sort of enigma for the present generation because originally these are written in Sanskrit.
Perhaps it has been the tendency on the part of ancient sages or scholars to keep such knowledge to them only. Thus over the period the language started reaching on the waning stage and become more stiff and difficult for the common man. It created a sort of danger of existence or recognition for the select few. In this environment, certain institutions and individuals who undertook this difficult task of taking these scriptures to the common man. Among the institutions one among the best known is Gita Press, Gorakhpur which has become synonym with the spread of Indian ancient knowledge.
Among the individuals, efforts of Dr. Mahendrea Mittal are laudable. He has brought out series of such books in simple Hindi for the benefit of common man. The word ‘Veda’ originates from the Sanskrit root Vid. The Sanskrit verb ‘Vid’ means ‘to know’. The word ‘Veda’ literally means knowledge. The Veda is concerned with “knowledge par excellence”. It means ‘to be’ - concerned with the existence. That which creates awareness in a man about his own existence is the Veda.
One of the interpretations of the word ‘Veda’ is ‘to think’. The word ‘Veda’ is suggestive of ‘thought’. Thinking awakens discretion in a man’s mind. It makes a man wise and judicious. The knowledge which helps to distinguish between Truth and Untruth is the Veda. The word ‘Veda’ also refers to accomplishment. The knowledge which helps a man in realizing his supreme goal is the Veda.
When the man was in a primitive stage enveloped in darkness, the philosophy of the Veda was the unprecedented glow of knowledge. There are four Vedas, the Rig Veda, Sama Veda, Yajur Veda and Atharva Veda.
Scholars have determined that the Rig Veda, the oldest of the four Vedas, was composed about 1500 B.C., and codified about 600 B.C. It is unknown when it was finally committed to writing, but this probably was at some point after 300 B.C. The Vedas contain hymns, incantations, and rituals from ancient India. Besides their spiritual value, they also give a unique view of everyday life in India four thousand years ago. The Atharva Veda also contains material from the Rig Veda, but of interest are the numerous incantations and metaphysical texts.
Yajurveda contains prosaic hymns. These are primarily for doing Yajna or Yagya. It is the act of showing reverence to God or to aspects of Divine Power through invocations, prayers, songs, fire ritual, Mantra recitation, and offerings. An essential part of a Yajna is for the devotee to make a spiritual connection with the Deity or the Cosmic Power from whom he seeks favor. Saam Veda is also for paying obeisance and making offerings to the Deities. This Veda is specially known for music. The hymns are sung in a particular manner.
The Vedas are the primary texts of Hinduism. They also had a vast influence on Buddhism, Jainism, and Sikhism. Even today there are a lot of traditional Hindus who recite and practice the Vedas as they were practiced thousands of years ago. Hinduism is deeply indebted to them for keeping our tradition alive.
It is hoped that these books will be quite useful to the people as these are handy – containing less than 200 pages and cheapest in price of Rs. 60/- each (less than 2 dollars).