The Vedas are books of divine origin, a revelation (Shruti) par excellence, hallowed by tradition and sanctified by the unstinted awe of numberless generations. They are the most sacred of the sacred books of the Hindus, their very name signifying knowledge or wisdom and chronologically the most ancient of all ancient compilations. They are a collection of a thousand or more hymns and their sanctity and antiquity are as unique as their mode of transmission and preservation till comparatively recent times. In them breathes the spirit of the Aryan in India.
This book distils the essence of the Vedas and outlines the various processes and procedures that they laid down for man in general. Beginning with man, the microcosm, it goes through nature worship, religious sacrifices, role of priests, contribution of patrons, origin and growth of sacrifice and the hymns that constitute the main form of the Vedas. A separate illuminating discussion on miracles, mysticism and mythology has been included.
Readers who desire to have an intimate and comprehensive knowledge of men and events in the ancient days and the teacher-scholar who wishes to add to his enlightenment will derive immense benefit. |
