How to Interpret the Vedas

Ancient Vedas

The Vedas are the most ancient Indian sacred teachings. Known as sruti, they are received teachings that were heard. It is believed that the Vedas existed in the mind of God before they were received by rishis, seers. To interpret the Vedas is to penetrate the wisdom of sacred India.

Instructions

1. 

   Remember that Hindu religious tradition revere the Vedas as the most sacred of all their literature. Know that you are immersing yourself in mystery when you read the Vedas. Also bear in mind that the Vedas do not preach any specific religion.

2. 

   Learn the divisions of the Vedas. They are divided into four books, the Rig-Veda, the Yajur-Veda, the Samaveda and the Atharvaveda. Each Veda has hymns, Mantras, the Aranyakas and the Upanishads.

3. 

   Read the Samhitas, the first of three parts of the Vedas. The first book of Samhitas is the Rig Veda, a collection of hymns related to the rishis who received them. The Samaveda Samhita, the Book of Chants, are mostly from the Rig Veda and reflect the music of the people in that time. The Yajurveda Samhita contain mantras meant for the priests to recite.The Atharvaveda contains magical chants.

4. 

   Study the Brahmanas, commentaries on each Veda with instructions for aspects of the sacrifices.

5. 

   Realize the essential message of the Vedas, to distinguish between what is permanent and what is illusory. The Self, Atman, is real and eternal. Sensory things, forms are impermanent and to be understood as not having ultimate value. See Atman in yourself and everyone else.

Tips & Warnings

• Remember that, although the Vedas contain sacrifices that no longer occur in their original forms, the books are more than outdated rituals. They existed in the mind of God and were received in full by ancient seers.

Resources

• Brief Introduction to the Vedas
• The Vedas
• Vedic Instruction
• All About the Vedas