| The Vedas are
divided into four parts viz., the Samhitas, the Brahmans, the Aranyakas and the
Upanishads. The Samhitas are hymns sung in exquisite poetry, in praise of the Vedic Gods,
like Indra, Agni, Varuna etc. The Brahmans are the liturgical portion of the Vedas, and
contain details about the yagas and sacrifices to be performed by every one. Aranyakas are
the mature thoughts of persons, who having tasted life in all its aspects, and not being
satisfied with the transient pleasures of the senses, seek the salvation of the spirit, in
the quietude of the Aranyas or the forests. The
Upanishads otherwise called the Vedanta, represent the quintessence and acme of the
philosophic thinking, and mystic realization of the ancient seers. All these four
portions, put together, present a pattern of life, to which the Hindus, right up to the
present day,still owe their allegiance broadly. |
