All ancient Vedic Scriptures are written in Sanskrit language. Sanskrit is the first language on earth. Most other languages in the world including English, have been derived from Sanskrit.
Most of the Vedic Sanskrit scriptures like Vedas, Darshans, Brahmin Granths are beyond the comprehension of a common man. Only highly intellectuals with thorough knowledge of Sanskrit grammar, unbiased and inquisitive mind can understand them. The precision of the available Hindi and English translations depends upon the ability of the translator. Reading, the authentic translations and commentaries of the Vedic scholars is the best a common person can do.
Some of the important Vedic books for Reading are:
1.Vedas: Vedas are the foremost of all. The Vedas are the most important scriptures. The Vedas are the books of all true basic knowledge. Other scriptures are just descriptions of the Vedas. Any principle which agrees with Vedas is considered right and others wrong. Several translations of Vedas in Hindi and English are available, but some of the translations have not done justice to the Vedas.
2.Manusmriti : Manusmriti is the most important script after Vedas. It was written by Maharishi Manu. Rules for religious, political and social conduct are explained here. The book is full of wisdom. Although this book has some interpolations by the evil, yet it is highly valuable. The language is simple Sanskrit. For the most part, it is not hard to tell apart the originals from interpolations.
3.Upanishads : These are the books of spiritualism. Spiritualism is a science of soul and God. Here, Vedic principles of spirituality are explained in the simple form with the help of dialogues and stories. On spirituality, there is no other better book than Upanishads. Upanishads have been translated into several languages of the world. They have been highly admired by non-Indians as well. There are many Upanishads, but eleven are considered most desirable. They are Ish, Ken, Kath, Prashna, Mundak, Mandukya, Aitareya, Taitareya, Chhandogya, Brihadaranyak and Shvetashvatar.
3.Geeta: Gita is not an independent book. It is a part of Mahabharat. It is a conversation between Arjuna, a famous warrior about to go into battle, and Krishna, his charioteer. In the course of giving Arjuna all manner of spiritual and material advice, Krishna explains karma, the soul, the Supreme Soul, the purpose of yoga, the difference between the soul and the material body. Gita has many interpolations. Therefore, some Shalokas are not according to the teachings of the Vedas.
3.Satyarth Prakash (The light of Truth): The Satyarth Prakash is a magnum opus written by Maharishi Dayanand Saraswati in 1883. The book contains descriptions and clarifications of Vedic principles on all walks of life. The principles are backed by quotations from hundreds of Vedic scriptures. Also, it has analysis of the religions of the world including Hinduism, Jainism, Christianity and Islam. This book has revolutionized the minds of millions of people. The English version of the book is ‘The Light of Truth’.
4.Rigved-adi-bhashya-bhumika (Introduction to Vedas): The book was written by Maharishi Dayanand Sarsvati in the 19th century. The book bears more testimony and evidence of the Vedas, Divinity and usefulness for the man kind, in the past, present and in future. The book explains the subject matter of the Vedas — knowledge, philosophy, action and worship, with quotes from the Vedas. To prove Vedas contain the germs of all science; Veda mantras explaining the principles of attraction, gravitation, arithmetic, algebra and Geometry, astronomy, ship-building, aerial-cars, telegraphy, etc. are given in the book. It is a master-piece and undoubtedly the lighthouse for the seekers of true knowledge.
Reading Vedas
Now as mentioned each Veda mantra has a wide scope and depth of meaning. A single word may have different meaning in a different context. Many mantras are symbolic and great deal of scholastic and yogic intelligence is required to interpret them.
This is why the Vedas have often been misinterpreted even by learned scholars. As a result, some of the Western philosophers have not done justice to the Vedas. Many of them have failed to understand them correctly and have presented distorted views on them. Some of the Indian scholars have also been influenced by their Western counterparts.
On the other hand, Maharishi Dayananda Saraswati challenged the Westerners and made great efforts to re-evaluate the Vedas. His interpretations are most authentic.
Reading Vedas is an eye opener experience. In order to understand the philosophy completely, one also needs to read the commentaries written by the great Vedic scholars, given above. In most clearly explained are ‘Light of Truth’ and ‘Introduction to Vedas’ by Maharishi Dayanand Sarsvati. These are easily available on internet for online reading. Four Vedas (E-book) with English translations by Dr. Tulsi Ram (based on Maharishi Dayanand’s interpretations) are also available online.
