Intro to Sacred Texts of Yoga

Question 1

What are the fundamental concepts of The Sacred Yogic Texts?

Answer 1

They are guides to living a happy and fulfilled life while striving to achieve self-realization & unity of mind, body & spirit.

Question 2

What are the 4 Vedic texts?

Answer 2

Rig Veda - The oldest, poetic accounts of the origin of the world
Sama Veda - The book of song. Same as Rig but musical
Yajur Veda - used by priests, to do with rituals
Atharva Veda - practical prayers to avoid calamity & disease

Question 3

What are the Upanishads? (General)

Answer 3

Philosophical texts of Hindu religion dealing with the transcendental. They declare the truth to help one align with the divine and attain self - realization

Question 4

What mantras come from the Vedas?

Answer 4

Gayatri - Rig Veda

Sahana Vavatu - Upanishads

Question 5

Describe the Rig Veda

Answer 5

Date debatable maybe 1500BC so it’s the oldest Veda on which all other Vedas are based.
Poetic accounts of the origin of the world.

Question 6

Describe the Sama Veda

Answer 6

1700 BC and later. AKA The Book of Song.

Same as Rig but adapted for singing devotional chants and melodies for contemplation and worship.

Question 7

Describe the Yajur Veda

Answer 7

14000- 1000 BC
Used by priests, they’re a practical guide to carrying out sacrificial rituals as they describe specific actions to accompany each mantra.

Question 8

Describe the Atharva Veda

Answer 8

1200- 1000 BC
Combines Vedic and Tantric traditions.
Practical prayers to avoid calamity & disease.