Introduction

Question 0

What are the Vedas?

Answer 0

The Vedas are a storehouse of knowledge containing Spiritual hymns that arose from the ancient culture located in the area of what is now called India.

Question 1

What does the term Vedic mean?

Answer 1

“From the Vedas”

Question 2

When were the Vedas written?

Answer 2

The Vedas were written as the ancient Sat Yuga or “Age of Wisdom” was coming to a close. It is estimated that the oldest Vedas are at least 4,000 years old, based on Astronomical references written in them.

Question 3

What does Veda mean?

Answer 3

Veda means “knowledge.” Actually, it refers to the knowledge of truth, absolute truth, the truth of the Self and the underlying mysteries of existence.

Question 4

The culture at the time of Sat Yuga (“age of wisdom”) was called what?

Answer 4

“Bharat”

Question 5

What is the seminal work of Hinduism?

Answer 5

Bhagavad Gita from the Mahabharata

Question 6

What does Mahabharata mean?

Answer 6

“Great Bharat”

Question 7

What does Yoga do?

Answer 7

Yoga uses breathing exercises and Mantras (sacred sounds), physical postures, devotional practices and service to scientifically awaken this inner truth and Godliness

Question 8

According to Yoga and other Vedic Sciences, we are all what?

Answer 8

We are all aspects of God. Everything is an expression of god’s great Lila (story) of Self-discovery. Embodied life is an opportunity to realize this truth, to realize our true Self and become re-immersed in the Universal Self at the heart of our being and the heart of all beings.

Question 9

What does the word Karma mean?

Answer 9

karma means “action”

Question 10

Why do creatures take form?

Answer 10

Based on past Karma (action), creatures at every stage of evolution: minerals, plants, animals, humans, and deities, take form in order to learn and grow towards spiritual Self Realization, realization of God. All creatures suffer within the limitations and level of understanding of their current incarnation.

Question 11

What is this suffering caused by?

Answer 11

By the illusion that we are these separate forms, rather than the undifferentiated God.

Question 12

What is this illusion called?

Answer 12

Maya

Question 13

There are many Vedic sciences. What are the 3 primary branches of the Vedic tree?

Answer 13

Ayurveda, Yoga and Vedic Astrology

Question 14

What does Ayurveda mean?

Answer 14

“The science of living”

Question 15

What is Ayurveda?

Answer 15

It is the classical medical system of India, its natural healing system.

Question 16

Ayurveda is mainly the science of what?

Answer 16

Mainly the science of matter, called prakriti.

Question 17

What is Vedic Astrology?

Answer 17

Vedic Astrology is the ancient astrological science as set forth in the Vedas and subsequent books.

Question 18

What is Vedic Astrology mainly the science of?

Answer 18

Mainly the Science of Spirit, called Purusha, and it’s affect on matter

Question 19

What does yoga mean?

Answer 19

“Union”

Question 20

What is yoga?

Answer 20

The practical application of all Vedic teachings. It provides techniques through which our egoistic drives can be merged with our cosmic nature.