Sacred Texts of India

Group 2Melissa C.Mark G.Mary D.Katie M.

Period 3

The Vedas• There are four Vedas:• the Rig Veda• Sama Veda • Yajur Veda • Atharva Veda.

• The Vedas are the chief texts of Hinduism. They also had a huge influence on Buddhism, Jainism, and Sikhism. Scholars have determined that the Rig Veda is the oldest of the four Vedas and was composed about 1500 B.C.

• The Vedas contain incantations, hymns, and rituals from ancient India. Besides their spiritual value, they also give a unique view of everyday life in India four thousand years ago. The Vedas are the most ancient widespread texts in an Indo-European language.

The Upanishads

• The Upanishads are a continuation of the Vedic philosophy, and were written between 800 and 400 B.C.

• The term Upanishad means "those who sit near" and implies listening closely to the secret doctrines of a spiritual teacher.

• They elaborate on how the soul called Atman can be united with the ultimate truth Brahman through contemplation and mediation as well as karma

Which is the cumulative effects of a persons’ actions.

http://marauder.millersville.edu/~mosher/images/samples/misc5_cover.jpg

The Mahabharata

• One of the two great Sanskrit epics in India. • One of the largest poems ever written• Millions regard this poem as a source of religious,

philosophical, and practical wisdom• It describes the events that took place in ancient bhaarata

around 5000 BCE • Consists of 18 parvas or chapters • Explains the relationship of the individual tosociety and the world

http://www.hindunet.org/mahabharata/http://images.exoticindiaart.com/batik/ganesha_scripting_the_mahabharata_bb74.jpg

Bhagavad-Gita

• The Bhagavad-Gita is believed to be one of the most popular and sacred Hinduism scripture.

• It is a 700 verse scripture that is within the Mahabharata

• It is thought to be a direct message of Vishnu, that was said during the battle of Kurukshetra.

• It shows how to conduct your daily life with god at the center with philosophies and Wisdom.

http://www.hinduwebsite.com/gitaindex.asp

Panchatantra• consists of 5 books of animal fables and magic tales• 87 stories in all• Compiled between third and fifth centuries AD• self-proclaimed purpose: to educate sons of royalty• one of India's most influential contributions to world literature• rumored origin of Panchatantra: king had 3 dull sons without wisdom. He wanted them to do

well in the world so he hired a Brahmin called Vishnu Sharma. Vishnu then created the Panchatantra to pass on wisdom.

• includes five strategies that help human beings succeed in life– Quarrel among friends – Gaining friends – Of crows and owls – Loss of gains – Imprudence

• http://www.pitt.edu/~dash/panchatantra.html• http://panchatantra.org/• http://www.bharatadesam.com/literature/panchatantra_stories/tales_of_panchatantra.php

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