What do the Vedas contain?
The Vedas contain the mantras. These mantras have different specific purposes. Most of them are symbolic. Some of them are hymns addressed to the deities. Some of them are for ceremonial purposes or for the rites and rituals. Some deal with the social life. There are references to the sciences and mathematics also. Discussions on the topics of chemistry, astronomy, botany, zoology, physiology, medical therapeutics and bio-sciences are also found in the Vedas. The Vedas reflect all the aspects of existence. They throw light on the Srishti (the creation), the Brahman, the atman, the life and all the related issues of spiritualism. The Vedas present a record of the philosophical progress of man. However it should be remembered that neither the Vedas nor the Upanishads propagate a specific ideology or a doctrine. As such they are not philosophical treatises. Yet one finds ample evidence of subtle philosophical thoughts from the verses. In the Vedas, several portions are repeated in toto. A
