1. Sacred Texts of India
Group 2
Melissa C.
Mark G.
Mary D.
Katie M.
Period 3

2. • 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.

3. • The Upanishads are a continuation of the Vedic
philosophy, and were written between 800 and 400
B.C.
• The term Upanishad means quot;those who sit nearquot; 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

4. 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 to
society and the world
http://www.hindunet.org/mahabharata/
http://images.exoticindiaart.com/batik/ganesha_scripting_the_m
ahabharata_bb74.jpg

5. 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

6. 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
http://bitsnbytesoflife.files.wordpress.com/2008/12/panchatantra_idi807.jpg