Vedas

Shri Gurubhyo Namah

According to the Vedas, the infinite supreme Consciousness, also known as Paramatman, Himself manifested as this enormously complex and vast creation along with the huge variety of Jeevas. He shines forth from within the hearts of all Jeevas as the inner Consciousness.

Jeevas, unaware of their real nature as one with the Paramatman, and identifying with the body-mind complex, revolve in samsara in the endless birth-death cycle. Out of great compassion for them, the Supreme Being brought forth the Vedas as simply as an exhalation of breath. 

These were received in the form of Mantras by various Rishis, and are known as Vedas. The beauty of the Vedas is that no one claimed authorship of them. The Vedas are hence known as Apaurusheya (not born out of any person's thoughts or intelligence). This is the primary distinguishing feature between the holy book of Santana Dharma and the rest of the religions. 

The Vedas were passed on from Gurus to Shishyas over several generations by means of oral instructions. The Shishyas hear the instructions keenly, contemplate and meditate on the teachings, and realize the experience of the Supreme Being as one's own Self. They in turn pass on these teachings to their Shishyas. This beautiful tradition has been continuing unchanged for several thousands of years! 

Because of the primacy of hearing the teachings keenly, Vedas are also known as Shruti (that which is heard). The greatness of Shruti is that She is like a gentle mother trying to lovingly correct her unruly child and bring him to the path of goodness. Hence She is called Shruti Mata.

There is something in Shruti for even the most wicked and selfish Jeevas. She initially involves such Jeevas in elaborate wish-fulfilling rituals. This portion of Shruti is called Karma Kanda, involving elaborate yagnas. These yagnas are such that they provide fruits if performed perfectly, but can be harmful if even a small error creeps in. During the process of the yagna, the mind of the Jeeva slowly gets purified. The intensity of his ego and selfishness slowly come down. Over a period of time the Jeeva is no longer interested in wish fulfilling activities. He looks for something higher.

Shruti Mata then gently guides him through Upasana Kanda. Jeeva is made to undergo worship of divinities (Shiva/Vishnu/Durga, etc) in order to attain single pointedness of mind and for purity of heart. When the Jeeva attains sufficient purity and concentration, he then is only interested in getting rid of the endless samsara, to know the mystery behind life and death, to know the reality of creation, and to know the Supreme Being Himself.

Shruti Mata then shows him the glorious and most wonderful jewel - Jnana Kanda. This is the essence of the Vedas, and is also known as Vedanta. The mantras of Jnana Kanda are present in the Upanishad portion. The teachings presented in the Upanishads are the most scientific, rational, logical and elaborate in the breadth of scope of all the philosophical or scientific works in the world, dealing as they are directly with the Supreme Reality. 

Because of Her vastness and all-encompassing nature, Shruti Mata is the kindest of all mothers. May we try hard and derive the fruits of pure Jnana and Bhakti from the great Mother.