THIS book is a compilation of papers presented by the participants at the Vedic Sammelan held to focus on the saman recitation in sacrifices, Vedic chanting, traditions in daily and occasional rituals, methods of imparting Vedic training and the relevance of Vedas in our life.
In his paper on the relevance of Vedas to modern times, A.R. Tatacharyar says that individuals constitute a society where the husband-wife relationship is given due importance with the man and woman having equal responsibilities. The Vedas believe in practice of sacrifice as Lord Krishna says in the Gita that only through sacrifices rains give shower, that only through rain, plants and trees yield a bounty and these result in a good economy.
C.R. Swaminathan says that the Vedas are the foundation of all knowledge and that chanting of the Vedic mantras and practice of sacrifice “are conducive to good health and tranquillity to all beings.” It also causes changes in blood pressure and keeps a person in good health.
Two very detailed papers are presented by W. Caland on the origin of the Sama Veda and by T.R. Venkatarama Sastri on Vedic attitude to the practice of sati or suttee.This is a very reader-specific book.
(The Kuppuswamin Sastri Research Institute, Mylapore, Chennai-600 004; Ksrinst@gmail.com)
