“Veda” is derived from the root word vid, which means “to know.” Thus, Veda signifies knowledge or wisdom. The Vedas are the oldest literary records of the Indo-European, particularly the Aryan civilization. They are considered authorless, or apauruṣeya, and have been passed down orally through generations, hence being referred to as Śruti.
The Vedas comprise the Mantras and the Brāhmaṇas. The Mantras are hymns addressed to various deities, and their collections are known as Saṃhitās. There are four Saṃhitās: Ṛk, Sāma, Yajur, and Atharva. Sometimes, the Vedas are referred to as Trayi, excluding the Atharva Veda. The word Ṛk signifies a verse, Sāma denotes a song, and Yajur refers to a prose passage.
Vedic literature also includes the Brāhmaṇas, Āraṇyakas, and Upaniṣads.
The Brāhmaṇas, written in prose, focus on the complex rituals of the Vedas. “Brāhmaṇa” is derived from the word Brahman, which means a prayer. Philosophical ideas are scarcely found in the Brāhmaṇas.
The Āraṇyakas are appendages to the Brāhmaṇas and are named so because they were composed in the solitude of the forests. The Āraṇyakas mark a transition from ritualistic to philosophical thought, offering a mystical interpretation of Vedic sacrifices.
The concluding portions of the Āraṇyakas are the Upaniṣads, which are intensely philosophical and spiritual. The Upaniṣads can rightly be regarded as the cream of Vedic philosophy.
The Mantras and Brāhmaṇas are collectively called the Karma Kanda, the portion dealing with sacrificial actions. In contrast, the Āraṇyakas and Upaniṣads are known as the Jnana Kanda, the section concerned with knowledge.
The Vedas, with their extensive and varied literature, represent the foundation of Indian philosophy and spirituality. From the ceremonial hymns of the Mantras to the profound philosophical insights of the Upaniṣads, the Vedas encompass a comprehensive spectrum of thought. They not only preserve the religious and cultural practices of the ancient Aryans but also provide a deep and enduring source of spiritual wisdom that continues to inspire and guide humanity.
Reference
Sharma, C.D.: A Critical Survey of Indian Philosophy, MLBD, New Delhi 1973