![]() ![]() Tradition records that Vyasa (q.v.), after having compiled and arranged the Vedas, handed each of them to four disciples, and that these disciples taught them to their disciples, and so on down to distant ages. Though Brahmanas and mantras were claimed at a later period of Hinduism to have existed from eternity it is certain that the Brahmana portion of each Veda is later than some portion, at least, of its Sanhita, for it refers to it and, from the bulk and character of the works, they must have been the product of a considerable period of time. The Brahmana portion of the Vedas constitutes the basis on which the Vedic ritual rests, and the source from whence the Upanishads (q.v.) and philosophical doctrines were developed. The Brahmana ( Brahman neuter) designates that portion in prose of the Vedas which contains either commandments or explanations, or which gives injunctions for the performance of sacrificial acts, explains their origin, and the occasions on which the mantras had to be used, by adding illustrations, legends, or philosophical speculations. ![]() No special name is applied to the mantras of the Atharva-veda. If it is metrical and intended for chanting, it is called Sanman hence the name Sama-veda. If it is in prose, it must be muttered inaudibly, and is called Yajus ( yaj, "sacrifice") hence the name Yjur-veda. If such a mantra is metrical and intended for recitation aloud, it is called Rich (praise) whence the name Rig-veda, or the Veda containing such metrical mantras. A mantra (Sanskrit Nan, "to think") is a prayer, or else a thanksgiving, adoration, or praise addressed to a deity. Each of the Vedas consists of two distinct parts a Sanhita, or collection of hymns or mantras, and a Brahmnanra. ![]() ![]() The first three are called, collectively, tray, or "the threefold," and all are thought to be divinely inspired. The oldest of these works is the Rigveda next to it are the Yajur-veda: and Sama-veda and the latest is the Atharva- veda. Veda (from the Sanscrit vid, "to know," literally meaning knowledge) is the general name applied to those ancient Sanskrit writings on which the early Hindu religion was based. ![]()
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