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The Vedas (Samskrit: वेद véda, "knowledge") are a large body of sacred ancient texts which have originated in [[Bharatvarsha|भारतवर्ष || Bharatavarsha]] or the Indian subcontinent. The Hindus have received the Vedas through revelation. Vedas are considered to be ''[[Apauruseya|Apauruṣeya]]'', or entirely superhuman, without any authorship.<ref name=":02">Swami Sivananda, All About HInduism</ref> Composed in Vedic samskrit, these texts constitute the oldest layer of samskrit literature and the oldest scriptures of the world.

<nowiki/><nowiki/><nowiki/><nowiki/><nowiki/>''<nowiki/>''The Vedas (Samskrit: वेद véda, "knowledge") are a large body of sacred ancient texts which have originated in [[Bharatvarsha|भारतवर्ष || Bharatavarsha]] or the Indian subcontinent. The Hindus have received the Vedas through revelation. Vedas are considered to be ''[[Apauruseya|Apauruṣeya]]'', or entirely superhuman, without any authorship.<ref name=":022">Swami Sivananda, All About HInduism</ref> Composed in Vedic samskrit, these texts constitute the oldest layer of samskrit literature and the oldest scriptures of the world.

 

== परिचय || Introduction ==

== परिचय || Introduction ==

The great Vedic commentator, of the thirteenth century, [[Sayanacharya (सायनाचार्यः)|Sayana]] has given a definition of the Veda <blockquote>इष्टप्राप्ति - अनिष्टपरिहर्योर - अलौकिकम् - उपयम् यो ग्रन्थो वेदयति स वेदः ||</blockquote>Meaning : The  scripture,  which  describes  the  divine  method  for obtaining what is desirable and for giving up what is undesirable, is called Veda.  

The great Vedic commentator, of the thirteenth century, [[Sayanacharya (सायनाचार्यः)|Sayana]] has given a definition of the Veda <blockquote>इष्टप्राप्ति - अनिष्टपरिहर्योर - अलौकिकम् - उपयम् यो ग्रन्थो वेदयति स वेदः ||</blockquote>Meaning : The  scripture,  which  describes  the  divine  method  for obtaining what is desirable and for giving up what is undesirable, is called Veda.  

This definition presents the purpose of the Veda. According to another definition, as per the sage [[Apastamba|अपस्तम्ब || Apastamba]]  <blockquote>मन्त्र - ब्रह्मन्योर् - वेदनामधेयम् || </blockquote>Meaning : 'The Veda is the name given to the Mantras and the Brahmanas’.  

This definition presents the purpose of the Veda. According to another definition, as per the sage [[Apastamba|अपस्तम्ब || Apastamba]]<blockquote>मन्त्र - ब्रह्मन्योर् - वेदनामधेयम् || </blockquote>Meaning : 'The Veda is the name given to the Mantras and the Brahmanas’.  

This definition describes the form of the 'Veda' because it could be divided mainly into these two great divisions--the Mantras and the Brahmanas. Accordingly, मन्त्र || Mantra part is the main part of the Veda and whatever is not Mantra is ब्राह्मण || Brahmana. Here it is interesting to know that many  ancient  definitions  of  Veda, showing  its  significance, form  or contents are given in ancient Indian texts. Generally speaking the word वेद || Veda signifies highest, sacred, eternal  and  divine  knowledge  as  well  as  the  texts embodying  that knowledge.<ref>Narayanacharya, K. S. (2011). ''Veda Sanskritiya Parichaya''. Hubli:​Sahitya Prakashana​.</ref>

This definition describes the form of the 'Veda' because it could be divided mainly into these two great divisions--the Mantras and the Brahmanas. Accordingly, मन्त्र || Mantra part is the main part of the Veda and whatever is not Mantra is ब्राह्मण || Brahmana. Here it is interesting to know that many  ancient  definitions  of  Veda, showing  its  significance, form  or contents are given in ancient Indian texts. Generally speaking the word वेद || Veda signifies highest, sacred, eternal  and  divine  knowledge  as  well  as  the  texts embodying  that knowledge.<ref>Narayanacharya, K. S. (2011). ''Veda Sanskritiya Parichaya''. Hubli:​Sahitya Prakashana​.</ref>

== Vaidika and Loukika Sahityam ==

== Vaidika and Loukika Sahityam ==

Classical samskrit works (loukika sahityam), such as the महाकाव्य || mahakavyas and गद्य काव्य || gadya kavyas by different poets, are different from the Vedic texts and are available in great volumes. These texts and the usage of Samskrit language in them are also different from the Vedic texts. Vedic Samskrit is more ancient than classical Samskrit. Long before [[Panini]] systematized classical Samskrit grammar, निरुक्तम् || Niruktam was used to interpret Vedic Samskrit words.  

Classical samskrit works (loukika sahityam), such as the महाकाव्य || mahakavyas and गद्य काव्य || gadya kavyas by different poets, are different from the Vedic texts and are available in great volumes. These texts and the usage of Samskrit language in them are also different from the Vedic texts. Vedic Samskrit is more ancient than classical Samskrit. Long before [[Panini]] systematized classical Samskrit grammar, निरुक्तम् || Niruktam was used to interpret Vedic Samskrit words.  

With the availability of modern technological advancements, vast data on various topics is created, in different parts of the world, dispersed all over the globe. Thus, people generated a large number of genuine as well as falsely interpreted data about the Vedas of Bharatavarsha.   

With the availability of modern technological advancements, vast data on various topics is created, in different parts of the world, dispersed all over the globe. Thus, people generated a large number of genuine as well as falsely interpreted data about the Vedas of Bharatavarsha.   

== Etymology  ==

== Etymology  ==

The samskrit word वेद (véda) "knowledge, wisdom" is derived from the root विद् (vid) - "to know".  

The samskrit word वेद (véda) "knowledge, wisdom" is derived from the root विद् (vid) - ज्ञाने (to know) ().

 

Four terms वेदः, आम्नायः, त्रयी, श्रुतिः are synonymous according to Amarakosha.  

Four terms वेदः, आम्नायः, त्रयी, श्रुतिः are synonymous according to Amarakosha.  

Shabdakalpadruma says  

Shabdakalpadruma says  

Vedas are shastras that remind about Dharma and originated from Brahma's face as summarized by Puranas<blockquote>ब्रह्ममुखनिर्गतधर्म्मज्ञापकशास्त्रम् . इति पुराणम् </blockquote>वेदस्य प्रादुर्भावो . यथा . कदाचित्कथं सृक्ष्यामीति ध्यायतो ब्रह्मणो मुखचतु-ष्टयेभ्यश्चत्वारो वेदाः प्रादुरासन् . यथा . एक-विंशतिशाखात्मक-ऋक् १ शतशाखात्मक-यजुः २ सहस्रशाखामयसाम ३ नवशाखा-मयाथर्व्व ४ . इति पुराणम् .. अपि च .श्रीमार्कण्डेय उवाच  

Puranas proclaim that vedas are shastras revealed from Brahma (mouth) that remind one's Dharma.<blockquote>ब्रह्ममुखनिर्गतधर्म्मज्ञापकशास्त्रम् . इति पुराणम् </blockquote>Regarding the origin of Vedas, Shabdakalpadruma further states that according to the Puranas and Markandeya rishi - once Brahma meditated on how to create and the Vedas then took birth out of Brahma's four faces with 21 shakas of Rigveda, 100 shakas of Yajus shakas, 1000 shakas of Samaveda and 9 shakas of Atharvaveda<blockquote>वेदस्य प्रादुर्भावो यथा कदाचित्कथं सृक्ष्यामीति ध्यायतो ब्रह्मणो मुखचतुष्टयेभ्यश्चत्वारो वेदाः प्रादुरासन् यथा </blockquote><blockquote>एकविंशतिशाखात्मक - ऋक् १ शतशाखात्मक - यजुः २ सहस्रशाखामयसाम ३ नवशाखामयाथर्व्व ४ इति पुराणम् अपि च श्रीमार्कण्डेय उवाच । </blockquote>In the Mahabharata a also the creation of Vedas is credited to Brahma. The Vedic hymns themselves assert that they were skillfully created by ऋषिः || Rishis (sages), after inspired creativity, just as a carpenter builds a chariot. The Vedas (sruti) are different from other Vedic era texts such as श्रौत सूत्र || Shrauta Sutras and ग्र्यह सूत्र || Gryha Sutras, which are smriti texts.<ref name=":03">Acharya Dharma Deva Vidya Martanda. (2002). ''[https://archive.org/details/RigvedaWww.aryamantavya.in The Rigveda, with Maharishi Dayanand Saraswati's commentary, English translation, Vol I]''. New Delhi:Sarvadeshi Arya Pratinidhi Sabha.</ref>

 

In the Mahabharata, the creation of Vedas is credited to Brahma. The Vedic hymns themselves assert that they were skillfully created by ऋषिः || Rishis (sages), after inspired creativity, just as a carpenter builds a chariot. The Vedas (sruti) are different from other Vedic era texts such as श्रौत सूत्र || Shrauta Sutras and ग्र्यह सूत्र || Gryha Sutras, which are smriti texts.<ref name=":0">Acharya Dharma Deva Vidya Martanda. (2002). ''[https://archive.org/details/RigvedaWww.aryamantavya.in The Rigveda, with Maharishi Dayanand Saraswati's commentary, English translation, Vol I]''. New Delhi:Sarvadeshi Arya Pratinidhi Sabha.</ref>

== Vedalakshanam ==

== Vedalakshanam ==

* धर्मसाधनम् ॥ Dharmasadhana (Means of Dharma)

* धर्मसाधनम् ॥ Dharmasadhana (Means of Dharma)

* सर्वज्ञानमौलिकता ॥ Sarvajnanata (Source of all knowledge)

* सर्वज्ञानमौलिकता ॥ Sarvajnanata (Source of all knowledge)

In Manusmriti, Manu extensively discusses various aspects of Vedas in the 12th Adhayaya.

In Manusmriti, Manu extensively discusses various aspects of Vedas in the 12th Adhayaya.

=== आस्तिक्यम् ॥ Astikyam ===

=== आस्तिक्यम् ॥ Astikyam ===

Astikata is the belief in the existence of a Supreme power, superior to man. It has been described in different flavors by different rishis, scholars and acharyas but the essence of Sanatana Dharma is that they are all Astika or hold firm belief in the existence of a Supreme Being or force that is all pervading, all encompassing, higher than the man. The Vedas are full of mantras which tell us beyond doubt that this power (God) is not only Supreme but also is One and has no form.<ref>Vidyamartand, Acharya Dharmadeva. (2008) ''Solutions to Modern Problems in Vedas'' Rajasthan:Sri Ghudmal Prahladkumar Arya Dharmarth Nyas</ref>

Astikata is the belief in the existence of a Supreme power, superior to man. It has been described in different flavors by different rishis, scholars and acharyas but the essence of Sanatana Dharma is that they are all Astika or hold firm belief in the existence of a Supreme Being or force that is all pervading, all encompassing, higher than the man. The Vedas are full of mantras which tell us beyond doubt that this power (God) is not only Supreme but also is One and has no form.<ref>Vidyamartand, Acharya Dharmadeva. (2008) ''Solutions to Modern Problems in Vedas'' Rajasthan:Sri Ghudmal Prahladkumar Arya Dharmarth Nyas</ref>

उप त्वाग्ने दिवेदिवे दोषावस्तर्धिया वयं | नमो भरन्त एमसि || १४ || (Sama. Veda. 1.1.1.2.14)<ref>Samavedam Kauthumeeya shaka ([https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%B8%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%AE%E0%A4%B5%E0%A5%87%E0%A4%A6%E0%A4%83/%E0%A4%95%E0%A5%8C%E0%A4%A5%E0%A5%81%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%80%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%BE/%E0%A4%B8%E0%A4%82%E0%A4%B9%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%BE/%E0%A4%AA%E0%A5%82%E0%A4%B0%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B5%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%B0%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%9A%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%95%E0%A4%83/%E0%A4%9B%E0%A4%A8%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A6_%E0%A4%86%E0%A4%B0%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%9A%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%95%E0%A4%83/1.1.1_%E0%A4%AA%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%A5%E0%A4%AE%E0%A4%AA%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%AA%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%A0%E0%A4%95%E0%A4%83/1.1.1.2_%E0%A4%A6%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B5%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%A4%E0%A5%80%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%BE_%E0%A4%A6%E0%A4%B6%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%83 Prapathaka 1])</ref>

उप त्वाग्ने दिवेदिवे दोषावस्तर्धिया वयं | नमो भरन्त एमसि || १४ || (Sama. Veda. 1.1.1.2.14)<ref>Samavedam Kauthumeeya shaka ([https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%B8%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%AE%E0%A4%B5%E0%A5%87%E0%A4%A6%E0%A4%83/%E0%A4%95%E0%A5%8C%E0%A4%A5%E0%A5%81%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%80%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%BE/%E0%A4%B8%E0%A4%82%E0%A4%B9%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%BE/%E0%A4%AA%E0%A5%82%E0%A4%B0%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B5%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%B0%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%9A%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%95%E0%A4%83/%E0%A4%9B%E0%A4%A8%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A6_%E0%A4%86%E0%A4%B0%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%9A%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%95%E0%A4%83/1.1.1_%E0%A4%AA%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%A5%E0%A4%AE%E0%A4%AA%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%AA%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%A0%E0%A4%95%E0%A4%83/1.1.1.2_%E0%A4%A6%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B5%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%A4%E0%A5%80%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%BE_%E0%A4%A6%E0%A4%B6%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%83 Prapathaka 1])</ref>

=== अलौकिकविद्या ॥ Brahmajnana ===

=== अलौकिकविद्या ॥ Brahmajnana ===

Manusmriti says - The eternal scriptures, the Vedas, uphold all created beings, hence I hold that to be Supreme which is the means of obtaining happiness to these creatures.<ref name=":12" />

Manusmriti says - The eternal scriptures, the Vedas, uphold all created beings, hence I hold that to be Supreme which is the means of obtaining happiness to these creatures.<ref name=":122" />

 

बिभर्ति सर्वभूतानि वेदशास्त्रं सनातनम् । तस्मादेतत्परं मन्ये यज्जन्तोरस्य साधनम् । । १२.९९ । । (Manu. Smri. 12.99)<ref name=":22" />

The knower of Veda, wherever he stays in whatever ashrama he resides, becomes fit for the realization of Brahman<ref name=":12" />

बिभर्ति सर्वभूतानि वेदशास्त्रं सनातनम् । तस्मादेतत्परं मन्ये यज्जन्तोरस्य साधनम् । । १२.९९ । । (Manu. Smri. 12.99)<ref name=":222" />

वेदशास्त्रार्थतत्त्वज्ञो यत्र तत्राश्रमे वसन् । इहैव लोके तिष्ठन्स ब्रह्मभूयाय कल्पते । । १२.१०२ ।  (Manu. Smri. 12.102)<ref name=":22" />

The knower of Veda, wherever he stays in whatever ashrama he resides, becomes fit for the realization of Brahman<ref name=":122" />

=== अपौरुषेयता ॥ Apauruṣeya ===

=== अपौरुषेयता ॥ Apauruṣeya ===

[[Sanatana Dharma (सनातन धर्म)|सनातन धर्म || Sanatana Dharma]] based lifestyle of Hindu people living in the Indian subcontinent, advocates that the Vedas are अपौरुषेय ॥ apauruṣeya ("not of a man" and "impersonal, authorless").

[[Sanatana Dharma (सनातन धर्म)|सनातन धर्म || Sanatana Dharma]] based lifestyle of Hindu people living in the Indian subcontinent, advocates that the Vedas are अपौरुषेय ॥ apauruṣeya ("not of a man" and "impersonal, authorless").

Shabdakalpadruma gives about the Apaurusheyata of Vedas as <blockquote>धर्म्मब्रह्मप्रतिपादकमपौरुषेयवाक्यम् इति वेदान्तशास्त्रम् </blockquote>Meaning : Vedanta shastram says Vedas propound Apaurusheya or author-less words about Dharma and Brahma.  

Shabdakalpadruma gives about the Apaurusheyata of Vedas as <blockquote>धर्म्मब्रह्मप्रतिपादकमपौरुषेयवाक्यम् इति वेदान्तशास्त्रम् </blockquote>Meaning : Vedanta shastram says Vedas propound Apaurusheya or author-less words about Dharma and Brahma.  

According to Kulluka Bhatta's commentary on Manusmriti (Manusmriti with 9 Commentaries, Page 52)<ref name=":12" />

According to Kulluka Bhatta's commentary on Manusmriti (Manusmriti with 9 Commentaries, Page 52)<ref name=":122" />

 

सनातनं नितेयम् । वेदापौरुषेयत्वपक्ष एव मनोरभिमतः। पूर्वकल्पे ये वेदास्त एव परमात्ममूर्तेर्ब्रह्मणः सर्वज्ञस्य स्मृत्यारूढाः । तानेव कल्पादौ अग्निवायुरविभ्य आचकर्क।<ref>Dave, Jayantakrishna Harikrishna. (1972) ''[https://archive.org/stream/ManusmritiWith9SktCommentariesDhaveJ.H.BharatiyaVidyaBhavanCompleteAllVolumes/Manusmriti%20with%20%209%20Skt%20Commentaries%20Dhave%20J.H.%20Bharatiya%20Vidya%20Bhavan%20%20%28Complete%20All%20Volumes%29#page/n73/mode/2up Manusmriti with 9 Sanskrit Commentaries, Volume 1]'' Bombay : Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan</ref>

Kulluka Bhatta's acceptance of the वेदानाम् अपौरुषेयत्वम् is clearly said as above.Kulluka has quoted from the Veda, यथा च श्रुतिः - अग्नेर्ऋग्वेदो वायोर्यजुर्वेद आदित्यात्सामवेद <ref name=":12" />

सनातनं नितेयम् । वेदापौरुषेयत्वपक्ष एव मनोरभिमतः। पूर्वकल्पे ये वेदास्त एव परमात्ममूर्तेर्ब्रह्मणः सर्वज्ञस्य स्मृत्यारूढाः । तानेव कल्पादौ अग्निवायुरविभ्य आचकर्ष।<ref>Dave, Jayantakrishna Harikrishna. (1972) ''[https://archive.org/stream/ManusmritiWith9SktCommentariesDhaveJ.H.BharatiyaVidyaBhavanCompleteAllVolumes/Manusmriti%20with%20%209%20Skt%20Commentaries%20Dhave%20J.H.%20Bharatiya%20Vidya%20Bhavan%20%20%28Complete%20All%20Volumes%29#page/n73/mode/2up Manusmriti with 9 Sanskrit Commentaries, Volume 1]'' Bombay : Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan</ref>

=== सनातनता ॥ Sanatana ===

=== सनातनता ॥ Sanatana ===

In the opinion of Manu, Veda is the eternal eye सनातनं चक्षुः of पितृ, देव, and मनुष्य. Veda is beyond the sphere of human power to create (अशक्यम्) and beyond the human comprehension too (अप्रमेयम्).<ref name=":12">Patel, Gautam. (1999). ''Traditional Vedic Interpretations.'' New Delhi : Rashtriya Sanskrit Sansthan</ref>

In the opinion of Manu, Veda is the eternal eye सनातनं चक्षुः of पितृ, देव, and मनुष्य. Veda is beyond the sphere of human power to create (अशक्यम्) and beyond the human comprehension too (अप्रमेयम्).<ref name=":122">Patel, Gautam. (1999). ''Traditional Vedic Interpretations.'' New Delhi : Rashtriya Sanskrit Sansthan</ref>

 

पितृदेवमनुष्याणां वेदश्चक्षुः सनातनम् । अशक्यं चाप्रमेयं च वेदशास्त्रं इति स्थितिः । । १२.९४ (Manu. Smri. 12.94)<ref name=":22">Manusmriti ([https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%AE%E0%A4%A8%E0%A5%81%E0%A4%B8%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%83%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%83/%E0%A4%A6%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B5%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%A6%E0%A4%B6%E0%A5%8B%E0%A4%A7%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%83 Adhyaya 12])</ref>

=== धर्मसाधनम् ॥ Source of Dharma ===

=== धर्मसाधनम् ॥ Source of Dharma ===

Manusmriti has attached great importance to the Vedas and advocates primarily that the source of Dharma are the Vedas. Secondly its source is attributed to tradition and the virtuous conduct of those who the Veda, thirdly, to the customs of holy men and finally आत्मनस्तुष्टिः or satisfaction of the inner self.<ref name=":12" />  

Manusmriti has attached great importance to the Vedas and advocates primarily that the source of Dharma are the Vedas. Secondly its source is attributed to tradition and the virtuous conduct of those who follow the Veda, thirdly, to the customs of holy men and finally आत्मनस्तुष्टिः or satisfaction of the inner self.<ref name=":122" />

वेदोऽखिलो धर्ममूलं स्मृतिशीले च तद्विदाम् । आचारश्चैव साधूनां आत्मनस्तुष्टिरेव च । । २.६ । । (Manu. Smri. 2.6)<ref>Manusmriti ([https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%AE%E0%A4%A8%E0%A5%81%E0%A4%B8%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%83%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%83/%E0%A4%A6%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B5%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%A4%E0%A5%80%E0%A4%AF%E0%A5%8B%E0%A4%A7%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%83 Adhyaya 2])</ref>

वेदोऽखिलो धर्ममूलं स्मृतिशीले च तद्विदाम् । आचारश्चैव साधूनां आत्मनस्तुष्टिरेव च । । २.६ । । (Manu. Smri. 2.6)<ref>Manusmriti ([https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%AE%E0%A4%A8%E0%A5%81%E0%A4%B8%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%83%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%83/%E0%A4%A6%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B5%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%A4%E0%A5%80%E0%A4%AF%E0%A5%8B%E0%A4%A7%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%83 Adhyaya 2])</ref>

Manu declares that He alone knows the Dharma who explores the utterances of the ancient sages by the means of reasoning which is not against the Vedas.<ref name=":12" />

Manu declares that He alone knows the Dharma who explores the utterances of the ancient sages by the means of reasoning which is not against the Vedas.<ref name=":122" />

आर्षं धर्मोपदेशं च वेदशास्त्राविरोधिना । यस्तर्केणानुसंधत्ते स धर्मं वेद नेतरः । । १२.१०६ । । (Manu. Smri. 12.106)<ref name=":22" />

आर्षं धर्मोपदेशं च वेदशास्त्राविरोधिना । यस्तर्केणानुसंधत्ते स धर्मं वेद नेतरः । । १२.१०६ । । (Manu. Smri. 12.106)<ref name=":222" />

=== सर्वज्ञानमौलिकता ॥ Source of all knowledge ===

=== सर्वज्ञानमौलिकता ॥ Source of all knowledge ===

According to Brhadyogi-Yajnavalkya-Smriti (Page No. 11 of Ved aur Vedarth)<ref name=":1">Shastri, Jwalanth Kumar. (2009) ''Ved aur vedarth'' Rajasthan: Shridoodhmal Prahladkumar Arya Dharmarth Nyasa</ref><ref name=":0" />

According to Brhadyogi-Yajnavalkya-Smriti (Page No. 11 of Ved aur Vedarth)<ref name=":13">Shastri, Jwalanth Kumar. (2009) ''Ved aur vedarth'' Rajasthan: Shridoodhmal Prahladkumar Arya Dharmarth Nyasa</ref><ref name=":03" />

न वेदशास्त्रादन्यत्तु किंचिच्छास्त्रं हि विद्यते । निःसृतं सर्वशास्त्रं तु वेदशास्त्रात् सनातनम् ॥ (Brha. Smri . 12.1)

न वेदशास्त्रादन्यत्तु किंचिच्छास्त्रं हि विद्यते । निःसृतं सर्वशास्त्रं तु वेदशास्त्रात् सनातनम् ॥ (Brha. Smri . 12.1)

यानीहागमशास्त्राणि याश्च काश्चित्प्रवृत्तयः। तानि वेदं पुरस्कृत्य प्रवृत्तानि यथाक्रमम्॥ (Maha. Anushasana Parva 122-4)<ref>Shrimad Mahabharata ([http://www.rsvidyapeetha.ac.in/cgi-bin/maha/out-parva.cgi Anushasana Parva]) </ref>

यानीहागमशास्त्राणि याश्च काश्चित्प्रवृत्तयः। तानि वेदं पुरस्कृत्य प्रवृत्तानि यथाक्रमम्॥ (Maha. Anushasana Parva 122-4)<ref>Shrimad Mahabharata ([http://www.rsvidyapeetha.ac.in/cgi-bin/maha/out-parva.cgi Anushasana Parva]) </ref>

All the Agamas and shastras whichever are created and are available now have been built using the Vedas as the foundation.<ref name=":1" />

All the Agamas and shastras whichever are created and are available now have been built using the Vedas as the foundation.<ref name=":13" />

 

== अधिकारः ॥ Ownership of Vedas ==

== अधिकारः ॥ Ownership of Vedas ==

The ownership of our knowledge systems are mainly in the hands of foreigners (through Indology) or Indians trained by Westerners who write our इतिहास || Itihasa (history) from the colonial standpoint, which is to maintain Western hegemony in academia and promote Western Universalism. This strategy of conquest has been in operation since the Edinburgh enlightenment (1750, as cited by Dharampal 2000) which compelled the East India Company to change its barbaric methodologies of conquest used in Europe, the Africas & Americas (Todorov 1974) to a more subtle & devious method to conquer India. The result was a complete infiltration of western false interpretation of Vedas in our knowledge networks through gross error.

The ownership of our knowledge systems are mainly in the hands of foreigners (through Indology) or Indians trained by Westerners who write our इतिहास || Itihasa (history) from the colonial standpoint, which is to maintain Western hegemony in academia and promote Western Universalism. This strategy of conquest has been in operation since the Edinburgh enlightenment (1750, as cited by Dharampal 2000) which compelled the East India Company to change its barbaric methodologies of conquest used in Europe, the Africas & Americas (Todorov 1974) to a more subtle & devious method to conquer India. The result was a complete infiltration of western false interpretation of Vedas in our knowledge networks through gross error.

# Modernization or replacement of ancient tools of work with modern instrumentation has led to loss of knowledge of such ancient systems which promote dharmic lifestyle inconveniencing the scholars and forcing many of them to adapt to such new lifestyles.

# Modernization or replacement of ancient tools of work with modern instrumentation has led to loss of knowledge of such ancient systems which promote dharmic lifestyle inconveniencing the scholars and forcing many of them to adapt to such new lifestyles.

# Present day adaptation of western ways of life has replaced the ancient lifestyle leading to a cultural loss of vedic rituals and traditions, whereby the younger generations are unwilling to study or practice the older traditions. This led to formation of only a few scholars in the later generations.

# Present day adaptation of western ways of life has replaced the ancient lifestyle leading to a cultural loss of vedic rituals and traditions, whereby the younger generations are unwilling to study or practice the older traditions. This led to formation of only a few scholars in the later generations.

== The Dharmic (Indian) Worldview ==

== The Dharmic (Indian) Worldview ==

A clash between the ideologies of modernity and the philosophy of civilization of cultures could have dangerous repercussions and this has been a frequently recurring thought in contemporary discourse. To understand the implications of these notions it becomes essential to emphasize that religion and dharma are not synonymous and hence cannot be talked of in the same breath.   

A clash between the ideologies of modernity and the philosophy of civilization of cultures could have dangerous repercussions and this has been a frequently recurring thought in contemporary discourse. To understand the implications of these notions it becomes essential to emphasize that religion and dharma are not synonymous and hence cannot be talked of in the same breath.   

Contemporary knowledge and academia is not able to help us ascertain the right direction in life,. To understand Bharatiyata as experienced by our ancient Rishis and lead a Dharmic life requires revisiting our civilisational heritage through the wisdom bank of the Vedas. Compiling relevant literature that is timely, supportive and relevant to the original वेदविद्या || VedaVidya may be seen as regressive by self-styled modernists and liberals, but this should not deter us as it is an indication of the power of the annihilating  forces. Predictions of the future being bleak and bringing destruction are made regularly, yet the same destructive systems are seen as wisdom?  Notably, "If the future is seen as destructive, how come revisiting time-tested successful systems is seen as unproductive?" The compilation of our Dharmic texts also becomes essential as the self-appointed ‘knowledge leaders’ will need  some definitive yardstick to judge both the progressive and the destructive. Without such a yardstick, knowledge creation remains the outcome of a whimsical mind, or propaganda for political/territorial gains or media-generated fodder for control of the world’s resources by a few rich corporations, leading to eventual destruction.

Contemporary knowledge and academia is not able to help us ascertain the right direction in life,. To understand Bharatiyata as experienced by our ancient Rishis and lead a Dharmic life requires revisiting our civilisational heritage through the wisdom bank of the Vedas. Compiling relevant literature that is timely, supportive and relevant to the original वेदविद्या || VedaVidya may be seen as regressive by self-styled modernists and liberals, but this should not deter us as it is an indication of the power of the annihilating  forces. Predictions of the future being bleak and bringing destruction are made regularly, yet the same destructive systems are seen as wisdom?  Notably, "If the future is seen as destructive, how come revisiting time-tested successful systems is seen as unproductive?" The compilation of our Dharmic texts also becomes essential as the self-appointed ‘knowledge leaders’ will need  some definitive yardstick to judge both the progressive and the destructive. Without such a yardstick, knowledge creation remains the outcome of a whimsical mind, or propaganda for political/territorial gains or media-generated fodder for control of the world’s resources by a few rich corporations, leading to eventual destruction.

== सम्वाद || Discussion ==

== सम्वाद || Discussion ==

'''Western Indology'''

'''Western Indology'''

The euphoria over the digital revolution and the perceived increase in ‘knowledge' is a chimera, as the increase in information has also seen a parallel decline in knowledge-gathering. Consequently, opinions and beliefs not backed by evidence from primary sources is seen as intellectual rigor. In this alarming situation, it becomes necessary to reclaim our values based on the eternal culture of sanatana dharma that stands as a guidepost for the people of Bharat. At the same time, this endeavor helps support the movement for reclaiming our position of विश्वगुरु || Vishwaguru that guides the world towards renewal and progress.

The euphoria over the digital revolution and the perceived increase in ‘knowledge' is a chimera, as the increase in information has also seen a parallel decline in knowledge-gathering. Consequently, opinions and beliefs not backed by evidence from primary sources is seen as intellectual rigor. In this alarming situation, it becomes necessary to reclaim our values based on the eternal culture of sanatana dharma that stands as a guidepost for the people of Bharat. At the same time, this endeavor helps support the movement for reclaiming our position of विश्वगुरु || Vishwaguru that guides the world towards renewal and progress.

== References ==

== References ==

<references /><nowiki/><nowiki/><nowiki/><nowiki/>''<nowiki/>''

<references />

[[Category:Hindu texts]]

[[Category:Hindu texts]]

[[Category:Sanskrit texts]]

[[Category:Sanskrit texts]]

[[Category:Works of unknown authorship]]

[[Category:Works of unknown authorship]]