Significance of Four Vedas
Synonyms: Rigveda, Samaveda, Yajurveda, Atharvaveda
In Dutch: Vier Veda's; In Finnish: Neljä Vedaa; In Spanish: Cuatro Vedas; In German: Vier Veden; In Swedish: Fyra Veda; In Malay: Empat Veda; In French: Les quatre Védas; In Swedish: Fyra Vedaerna; In Portugese: Quatro Vedas; In Italian: Quattro Veda; In Polish: Cztery Wedy
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Four Vedas'
In Buddhism, Four Vedas, or Wei t’o, encompasses knowledge shared with cow-herders. This includes therapeutic and military arts, astronomy, sacrificial rites, chants, teaching, and dialectic.
From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra
(1) Referred to as Wei t’o, are part of the knowledge shared with the cow-herders, including therapeutic and military arts, astronomy, sacrificial rites, chants, teaching, and dialectic.[1]
Hindu concept of 'Four Vedas'
The Four Vedas in Hinduism encompass the Rigveda, Samaveda, Yajurveda, and Atharvaveda, serving as foundational sacred texts that guide spiritual practices, philosophy, and rituals, and are essential for understanding divinity and knowledge.
From: Devi Bhagavata Purana
(1) If one compare the study of this with the reciting of the Gayatri, then the Gayatri Japam stands higher.[2] (2) The four Vedas are mentioned in the text, and the merits obtained by reading them are easily attained by simply holding the Rudraksham rosary.[3] (3) This refers to the religious texts that Shuka studied with his Guru, along with the other Dharma Shastras, before returning to his father.[4] (4) The four ancient sacred texts of Hinduism, each containing hymns, rituals, and philosophy.[5] (5) The four primary texts of sacred Indian literature which form the foundation of Hindu knowledge.[6]
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) The four Vedas, along with their branches and histories, were studied by Drona, making him a refuge for Brahmanas, highlighting his extensive knowledge and scholarship.[7] (2) Four Vedas are mentioned in relation to the ordinances according to which the dwellers of heaven used to get libations of clarified butter and other offerings of food made by men, highlighting the importance of religious texts.[8] (3) Brahmanas would never study them in the absence of royal protection, affecting their intellectual and spiritual pursuits.[9] (4) The four Vedas were weighed in the balance against the Bharata by celestials, and the latter was found to be heavier, signifying its superior substance and gravity of import, leading to its designation as Mahabharata.[10] (5) The ancient sacred texts that represent knowledge and were created by Brahma.[11]
From: Vishnu Purana
(1) The Brahmi Samhita is described as being conformable to the four Vedas, highlighting its alignment with Vedic principles.[12] (2) The group with which Brahma is eternally associated, and the text states that he is one with them.[13] (3) The foundational texts of Hindu philosophy and practice, which include the Sama-veda, Yajur-veda, Rig-veda, and Atharva-veda.[14]
From: Harivamsha Purana
(1) They are associated with Krishna, highlighting his mastery of knowledge and spiritual wisdom.[15] (2) These are the sacred texts, which are identical with Ananta, who upholds the earth.[16] (3) The ancient sacred texts in Hinduism, encompassing knowledge on rituals, philosophy, and spirituality.[17] (4) The oldest sacred scriptures of Hinduism, which are invoked for protection in the Mantra.[18] (5) The four ancient texts, Rik, Saman, Atharvan, and Yayush, that encompass Hindu scriptures and rituals.[19]
From: Markandeya Purana
(1) The four Vedas represent a collection of sacred texts, and the birds' intellect is said to range within these texts.[20] (2) Sacred texts emerged from Brahma's mouths, each with unique characteristics and qualities.[21]
From: Yoga Vasistha [English], Volume 1-4
(1) The ancient texts of knowledge and wisdom that were first articulated by the Virat in the form of speech.[22] (2) The ancient scriptures of Hindu philosophy and knowledge that Kumbha regards as his companions.[23] (3) The foundational texts of Hindu philosophy and spirituality, symbolizing knowledge and wisdom.[24]
From: Laghu-yoga-vasistha
(1) The primary texts in Hinduism that contain hymns, philosophy, and ritual practices.[25]
From: Brihaddharma Purana (abridged)
(1) The sacred texts created by Brahma following the creation of speech.[26]
From: Garuda Purana
(1) The collection of ancient scriptures that embody spiritual knowledge and religious rituals.[27]
From: Ramayana of Valmiki (Shastri)
(1) The sacred texts of Hinduism that King Dasaratha appreciated just as he did his four sons, showcasing his gratitude and reverence for wisdom.[28]
From: Chaitanya Mangala
(1) The four Vedas always sing the great glories of the Supreme Lord, highlighting their eternal and sacred task of praising Him.[29]
From: Chaitanya Bhagavata
(1) These are texts that sing the glories of Lord Caitanya with philosophical truth.[30] (2) These are the sources that declare the Lord's affection for His servants, highlighting a specific attribute of the divine.[31] (3) The four texts considered sacred and authoritative in Hindu tradition, which are used to address the divine.[32] (4) The four Vedas are foundational texts in Vedic literature, whose meanings are to be expanded with the help of the Puranas.[33] (5) The four Vedas refer to the ancient sacred texts of India that are foundational to Hindu philosophy and spirituality.[34]
From: Prem Sagar (English translation)
(1) These are the sacred texts, whose female guardians decide to descend to the earth as cowherdesses, and who will attend to Vasudeva, joining the other gods in Vraja.[35] (2) The foundational texts of Hinduism, representing comprehensive knowledge.[36]
From: Tiruvaymoli (Thiruvaimozhi): English translation
(1) The verse references the four Vedas, which can be used to address the Lord, as the essence of the divine entity.[37] (2) The ancient sacred texts of Hinduism that are chanted by the brahmins in their worship.[38]
From: Srila Gurudeva (The Supreme Treasure)
(1) These are the sacred texts which the Tiwari brahmanas are knowledgeable about, and are an essential part of their identity and heritage.[39]
From: Brihad Bhagavatamrita (commentary)
(1) The foundational scriptures of Hinduism, which serve as the primary sources of spiritual knowledge and practice.[40]
From: Garga Samhita (English)
(1) Refers to the foundational scriptures of Hindu philosophy, which are authored by the divine, indicated as catur-veda.[41] (2) A reference to the sacred texts of knowledge that represent the grandeur of Krishna when he took the Matsya form.[42]
From: Bhakti-rasamrta-sindhu
(1) The ancient sacred scriptures of Hinduism, considered primary sources of spiritual and philosophical knowledge.[43]
From: Mundaka Upanishad with Shankara’s Commentary
(1) The four Vedas, which are the Rig Veda, Yajur Veda, Sama Veda, and Atharva Veda, are components of the Apara knowledge as explained.[44]
From: Brahma Sutras (Shankaracharya)
(1) The four sacred texts of Hinduism that encompass a broad spectrum of spiritual knowledge and teachings.[45]
From: Thirty minor Upanishads
(1) The ancient sacred texts of Hinduism which Brahmarshi Shandilya wished to learn from.[46] (2) The four Vedas encompass sacred texts in Hinduism: Rigveda, Yajurveda, Samaveda, and Atharvaveda, derived from the breath of the great Being.[47]
From: Kena Upanishad with Shankara’s Commentary
(1) Foundational texts that are seen as enlighteners of knowledge regarding karma and are described as 'legs' supporting knowledge.[48]
From: Mundaka Upanishad (Madhva commentary)
(1) The sacred texts representing divine knowledge and rituals that come from the Lord, indicating spiritual and ceremonial significance.[49] (2) The sacred texts that encompass spiritual wisdom and the basis for other knowledge, known together in the ancient times.[50]
From: Chandogya Upanishad (Shankara Bhashya)
(1) The ancient texts that Shvetaketu studied during his education, seeking knowledge.[51]
From: Kena upanishad (Madhva commentary)
(1) The four primary texts of Hindu scriptures: Rik, Yajus, Saman, and Atharvan.[52]
From: Apastamba Dharma-sutra
(1) All of these can be learned in forty-eight years while dwelling in the house of the teacher.[53]
From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi
(1) The foundational scriptures of Hinduism, which must be fully studied by certain members of the assembly to ensure informed decision-making.[54] (2) Classical texts within Hindu tradition that often set forth guidelines for ritual purity, including the processes of bathing after contact with unclean individuals.[55]
From: Kathasaritsagara (the Ocean of Story)
(1) This phrase refers to the Brahman Sangramadatta, who was acquainted with these texts and was given four arms from the golden figures.[56]
From: Manasara (English translation)
(1) Sacred texts in Hinduism that a king should study to gain wisdom and guidance.[57]
From: History of Indian Medicine (and Ayurveda)
(1) These are the foundational sacred texts of the tradition, and the individual addressed by a specific title was responsible for teaching every single branch and aspect of these essential scriptural compositions.[58]
From: Bhesajjakkhandhaka (Chapter on Medicine)
(1) These texts formed the earliest literary sources of the Aryans, believed to have formed between 1500-1000 Before Common Era.[59]
From: Abhinaya-darpana (English)
(1) The primary texts of Hindu scripture that Brahma drew upon to create the Natya Veda, representing the comprehensive knowledge.[60]
From: Shat-cakra-nirupana (the six bodily centres)
(1) The foundational texts of Hindu philosophy and spirituality, symbolizing knowledge and divine wisdom represented by Brahma.[61]
Jain concept of 'Four Vedas'
In Jainism, the Four Vedas can be interpreted as ancient scriptures mastered by Skandaka, sacred Hindu texts known to Dharanijata, and essential texts reflecting the learned qualities expected from Devananda's son.
From: Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra
(1) The sacred texts of Hindu philosophy which Dharanijata was knowledgeable in, along with their supplements.[62] (2) Sacred texts in Hindu tradition, indicating the learned nature expected from Devananda's son.[63]
From: Bhagavati-sutra (Viyaha-pannatti)
(1) The ancient scriptures that were preserved and mastered by Skandaka, comprising Rik, Sama, Yajur, and Atharva.[64]
The concept of Four Vedas in local and regional sources
The Four Vedas are foundational Hindu texts, encompassing the Rig, Yajur, Sama, and Atharva Vedas. They embody spiritual teachings, cultural essence, and serve as a basis for rituals and philosophical practices within the Hindu tradition.
From: The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda
(1) In each of the four Vedas there is one such 'great word', or great utterance, called Mahavakya, explaining that each of the Vedas contains a great utterance.[65] (2) The author references the foundational texts of Hinduism, highlighting their ornamental nature, suggesting that true knowledge lies beyond them, focusing on spiritual realization.[66]
From: Triveni Journal
(1) The ancient scriptures of Hindu philosophy that carry profound spiritual teachings and are characterized as the speech of the divine.[67] (2) The Rig, Yajur, Sama, and Atharva Vedas, which are ancient Indian scriptures serving as the foundation of Hindu rituals and beliefs.[68] (3) The oldest sacred texts of Hinduism, which encapsulate various aspects of life, philosophy, and rituals associated with the ancient Aryan civilization.[69] (4) The foundational texts of Indian culture, crucial in the spiritual and philosophical traditions of India.[70] (5) The foundational texts within Hindu tradition that are symbolized through various aspects of Saraswati's form.[71]
From: Bhaktavijaya: Stories of Indian Saints
(1) The primary texts of Hinduism that describe Krishna's attributes, albeit failing to express them fully.[72] (2) The four Vedas consist of the Rig Veda, Yajur Veda, Sama Veda, and Atharva Veda.[73] (3) The ancient sacred texts of Hinduism, which form the foundation of spiritual knowledge and practice.[74] (4) The ancient sacred texts of Hinduism that praise Savalasa's good deeds through songs.[75]