Shastra Quiz 1

Indian philosophy is typically divided along two main lines, astika (orthodox or theistic) and nastika (unorthodox or atheistic). Buddhist, Jain, and Carvaka philosophy are unorthodox because they do not accept the authority of the Vedas. The Vedas are commonly accepted by their adherents as having originally emanated from God.

Therefore in the Indian tradition, any system of thought not grounded in the Vedas, even if it includes belief in God or gods, is considered atheistic.

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The word Veda means knowledge. The Vedas are the books of knowledge. In that sense they are not sectarian, because they are not related to a particular group of people or faith; rather, they are the manuals for human beings. They show how one should lead one’s life on earth and attain perfection.

Learn more: Knowledge from the Vedas

There are four Vedas, namely the Rig, Sama, Yajur, and Atharva Veda. Each Veda is further divided into four parts which are called Samhita, Brahmana, Aranyaka, and Upanishad. The first three parts of each Veda mainly deal with rituals. The Samhita part consists mostly of prayers to different deities and is used for sacrifices. The Brahmanas deal with how the sacrifices have to be performed and the Aranyakas give the philosophy of the sacrifice. The Upanishads deal with the philosophy of the Vedas.

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Shastra means Vedas and books based on the Vedas. The definition of shastra is that which gives you knowledge that cannot be attained by any other means.

For example, the existence of atma in a body is known from shastra.

Learn more: Advaita Vedanta, Shastra

The four puruṣārthas are: dharma, artha, kāma, and mokṣa. These puruṣārtha were meant to harmonize the life of an individual as well as the society with the basic ṛtam of sṛṣṭi, sthiti, and laya. Artha and kāma were for sṛṣṭi, dharma for sthiti, and mokṣa for laya.

Keeping this in mind, Śrī Kṛṣṇa says that he created the four varṇas in society (Gītā 4.13). In brief, this describes the template on which Indian society was based and functioned peacefully for thousands of years.

Learn more: Vedic Wisdom

Ekādaśī means the 11th day of lunar fortnight. The mind is the boss of the senses, and it is the eleventh sense. Fasting on this day and remembering Krishna helps control the mind. It is the day of Krishna, who is the presiding deity. Vaisnavas try to devote their mind and senses to remembering Krishna. Fasting or eating light diet makes mind alert and thus conducive for meditation on Krishna.

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The astika schools, originally called sanatana dharma, are collectively referred to as Hinduism in modern times and consist of six systems of philosophy Nyaya, Vaisheshika, Yoga, Samkhya, Purva Mimamsa and Vedanta.

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The Śrīmad Bhāgavatam contains 18000 verses in 335 chapters, divided into twelve cantos.

Learn more: How One Attains Bhakti

To practice spiritual life, one needs to study from a teacher. In bhakti, one should have only one mantra- or dīkṣā-guru and study from him.

Learn more: Who Is a Qualified Teacher