U Lakshman Rao
Every child is born within the sacred petals of this divine lotus, Bharat, destined to acquaint itself with the profound wisdom of our ancient literature. The vastness of this literary heritage, its unparalleled model of transmitting knowledge across generations, stands as an extraordinary testament to human intellect. The exotic beauty of its values and sagacity serves as a model code for the universe. No divine proclamation can match the openness and kindness inherent in this wisdom—qualities drawn from nature itself. Inspired by the very essence of existence, this sacred knowledge has been declared and expressed by sages who, after decades of contemplation, devised solutions to the challenges faced by individuals, societies, nations, and the world.
The fruits of this wisdom, the results of its intelligence, and the benefits of its pursuits are meant to reach every living being across the universe. No language can fully capture the breadth of its generous dissemination. While every religion has its guiding texts and set principles, this literature transcends religious ownership. It is not confined to Hinduism but is an unearthly and immortal inheritance of the universe. No scripture, religious doctrine, or school of thought has ever proclaimed such a subtle, gentle, and unparalleled philosophy of kindness.
The ancient sages, after deep introspection, composed a system of thought that has withstood the test of time. Despite countless invasions of theories, dogmas, and philosophical intricacies, this literary and spiritual tradition remains resilient. The entire corpus of ancient literature originates from the Vedas—regarded as the wisdom of the sages and the divine world—purely intended for the welfare of humanity and, by extension, the entire living cosmos. This vast repository encompasses epics, philosophical treatises, scriptures, and scientific texts, forming the bedrock of human civilization.
The Vedas, Upanishads, Epics, Puranas, Agamas, Nyaya, Mimamsa, Dharma Shastras, and Upavedas collectively expound upon the fundamental principles of existence—Dharma (righteousness), Artha (prosperity), Kama (desire), and Moksha (liberation). These concepts form the foundation of the Hindu faith, belief, and societal conduct. While scientific scriptures such as Nyaya and Mimamsa focus on logic and moral codes, the Vedas encompass all aspects of human knowledge. According to tradition, the Vedas were transmitted from the creator to humanity through Swayambhuva Manu. Lord Shiva is said to have chanted them, Brahma heard them, imbibed their essence, and taught them to the sages, who further refined them with selfless dedication.
Unlike human-authored scriptures, the Vedas are considered the divine exhalation of the Creator—cosmic sound vibrations decoded by sages in deep meditative states. As such, the Vedic tradition is not a creation but a manifestation of the divine will. The selfless transmission of this knowledge required intense focus, intellectual rigor, and continuous refinement. The divine literature branched into Shruti (revealed texts), Smriti (remembered texts), Itihasas (epics), and Puranas (mythological-historical narratives). Shruti refers to the Vedas, which are boundless. Sage Vyasa, recognizing the need for preservation, divided the integrated Vedic corpus into four parts—Rigveda, Yajurveda, Samaveda, and Atharvaveda—entrusting their study to scholarly disciples.
The profound messages within the Vedas are subtle yet profound, dealing with the senses and their intricacies. They describe the gods, their roles, and their cosmic responsibilities in a manner remarkably aligned with modern space science. The Sun is described as the source of intellect, Agni (fire) as the force that ignites and strengthens willpower, and the Moon as the regulator of the mind, guiding focus. The placement of deities in celestial and terrestrial realms reflects an advanced understanding of cosmology and natural forces.
The Vedas systematically outline the means of invoking divine support through Karma Kanda (ritual actions), Upasana Kanda (devotional practices), and Jnana Kanda (philosophical wisdom). They encapsulate the laws of nature and the moral codes for those dwelling within its bounds. Every stage of human life—from childhood to adulthood, household life, and renunciation—is governed by duties meant to cultivate self-discipline without selfish motives. This pursuit of duty led to the evolution of various branches of knowledge, including medicine, botany, zoology, and earth and space sciences, all tracing their roots to Vedic wisdom.
The sages, in their contemplation, understood the phases of time and their effects on life. Detailed observations of planetary movements, seasons, rain cycles, and atmospheric phenomena were elaborately described in Vedic texts. The principles of environmental conservation—protecting forests, water bodies, flora, and fauna—are extensively discussed in these scriptures. Each Veda delves deeply into the elements: the Rigveda explores fire, the Yajurveda examines air, the Samaveda delves into water, and the Atharvaveda studies the earth and its preservation.
The Vedas also define the primary duties of human beings in alignment with cosmic order. The Rigveda emphasizes Dharma, the Atharvaveda focuses on Artha, the Samaveda explores Kama, and the Yajurveda guides one toward Moksha. The Vedic system was meticulously structured, with different roles assigned to ensure the correct transmission and execution of Vedic knowledge—Hotha for Rigveda, Advarya for Yajurveda, Udgatha for Samaveda, and Brahma overseeing all three. This system enabled the continuous refinement and effective preservation of divine wisdom.
The Smritis, derived from the Vedas, extend moral and ethical teachings in a structured format. They serve as the earliest form of legal codes, regulating individual and societal behavior. Manusmriti governed the Krita Yuga, Yajnavalkya and Gautama Smritis the Treta Yuga, Parasara Smriti the Dvapara Yuga, and Sankha-Likhita Smriti the Kali Yuga. These texts addressed professions, duties, governance, and justice.
The Itihasas—Ramayana and Mahabharata—though initiated with royal conflicts, ultimately convey the eternal principle of Dharma. The Puranas further expand on these teachings, addressing various emotional, philosophical, and cultural aspects through eighteen distinct texts, including Bhagavata, Bhavishya, Matsya, and Vishnu Purana. The Agamas establish guidelines for worship, temple construction, and spiritual practices, while the Samhitas detail the origins, attributes, and responsibilities of deities.
The intellectual prowess of the sages extended beyond philosophy to scientific discoveries. They established that the Earth is spherical and rotates on its axis. They explained solar and lunar eclipses and introduced the concept of zero. Mathematicians such as Aryabhata, Brahmagupta, and Bhaskaracharya built upon this legacy, advancing arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and trigonometry. The Sri Chakra, a sacred geometrical design, is a remarkable fusion of mathematical and cultural wisdom, derived from Vedic hymns.
The sages also developed precise systems of measurement. They defined the minutest divisions of time, planetary influences, and cosmic vibrations long before modern scientific advancements. Their insights into atomic theory, waves, and energy fields laid the groundwork for future scientific developments. Philosophical schools such as Vaisheshika (by Sage Kanada) explored the atomic nature of the universe, while Sankhya (by Sage Kapila) classified human emotions into Satva (purity), Rajas (passion), and Tamas (inertia), forming the foundation of psychology. Yoga, as expounded by Sage Patanjali, harmonizes mind and body, emphasizing the need to place the mind under the command of intellect.
The ethical and spiritual foundations laid by this literature continue to inspire harmonious living. Its moral teachings shape human personality and influence societies far beyond the borders of Bharat. Its values strengthen family bonds, establish social harmony, and guide humanity toward prosperity and enlightenment. This eternal flow of wisdom, known as Sanatana Dharma, remains a beacon of truth, resilience, and divine order, sustaining its spirit across ages and civilizations.
