Changes

Dharma is a samskrit expression of the widest import. There is no corresponding word for Dharma in any other language in this world as it is a unique and ancient concept promulgated by rishis since times immemorial. It would be futile to attempt to give any definition of the word. It can only be explained and has a wide variety of meanings. The vedic literature starting with Smritis have shown the irrevocable link between Dharma and Vedas.   

Dharma is a samskrit expression of the widest import. There is no corresponding word for Dharma in any other language in this world as it is a unique and ancient concept promulgated by rishis since times immemorial. It would be futile to attempt to give any definition of the word. It can only be explained and has a wide variety of meanings. The vedic literature starting with Smritis have shown the irrevocable link between Dharma and Vedas.   

== Vedas in Smritis ==

== Smritis ==

===  Manusmriti ===

===  Manusmriti ===

Brahmanas ascribe the origin of Vedas from the Creator of the Universe, Brahma <blockquote>प्रजापतिवर्वा इमान् वेदानसृजत् || </blockquote><blockquote>Meaning : Prajapati or Brahma created (or expounded) these Vedas.</blockquote>

Brahmanas ascribe the origin of Vedas from the Creator of the Universe, Brahma <blockquote>प्रजापतिवर्वा इमान् वेदानसृजत् || </blockquote><blockquote>Meaning : Prajapati or Brahma created (or expounded) these Vedas.</blockquote>

== Vedas in Upanishads ==

== Upanishads ==

=== Mundaka Upanishad ===

=== Mundaka Upanishad ===

Maharshi Vedavyasa in Mahabharata extols that Vedas are the path of life for all beings.  <blockquote>अनादिनिधनानित्या, वागुत्सृष्टा स्वयम्भुवा |</blockquote><blockquote>आदौ वेदमयी दिव्या, यत: सर्वा: प्रवृत्तय: || ([http://www.rsvidyapeetha.ac.in/cgi-bin/maha/out-parva.cgi Maha. 12.232.24])</blockquote><blockquote>Meaning : In the beginning of Sristi, the self existent Creator, revealed the Eternal and Divine Vedas, as they are they show the path for all activities of every being.</blockquote>

Maharshi Vedavyasa in Mahabharata extols that Vedas are the path of life for all beings.  <blockquote>अनादिनिधनानित्या, वागुत्सृष्टा स्वयम्भुवा |</blockquote><blockquote>आदौ वेदमयी दिव्या, यत: सर्वा: प्रवृत्तय: || ([http://www.rsvidyapeetha.ac.in/cgi-bin/maha/out-parva.cgi Maha. 12.232.24])</blockquote><blockquote>Meaning : In the beginning of Sristi, the self existent Creator, revealed the Eternal and Divine Vedas, as they are they show the path for all activities of every being.</blockquote>

== Vedas in Shad Darshanas ==

== Shad Darshanas ==

It is to be noted that five of the six darshana shastras, namely Saankhya, Vaiseshika, Nyaya, Mimaamsa (purva and uttara) and Yoga are deeply rooted on vedic principles, hence called Astika darshanas. Charvaka or lokayuta is the only darshana which does not accept vedas as pramanas, hence called as Nastika darshana. The newer  philosophies of Buddha and Jaina which do not have a base on vedic texts, are Nastika in nature.

It is to be noted that five of the six darshana shastras, namely Saankhya, Vaiseshika, Nyaya, Mimaamsa (purva and uttara) and Yoga are deeply rooted on vedic principles, hence called Astika darshanas. Charvaka or lokayuta is the only darshana which does not accept vedas as pramanas, hence called as Nastika darshana. The newer  philosophies of Buddha and Jaina which do not have a base on vedic texts, are Nastika in nature.