Sadhaka: What lesson does the Yajur Veda convey?

Sai: The Yajur Veda has two recensions, one centering round the tradition of Aditya or the Sun and the other, around the tradition of Brahma. The latter is distinguished as Krishna (Dark) Yajur Veda and the former as Sukla (White) Yajur Veda. The Sukla Yajur Veda is widely current in North India while the Krishna Yajur Veda prevails in South India. The Krishna recension is closer to the hymns of Rg Veda collections. The mantras or formulae contained in this are used in the worship of Gods and while placing offerings to the Gods in the sacrificial fire.

The Krishna Yajur Veda comprised eighty six Saakhas (branches) each with its special explanatory texts. But they have mostly disappeared from the memory for want of people to study and practise. Only four have survived. Eightytwo have been drowned in the whirlpool of time.

The Sukla Yajurveda had seventeen noteworthy branches but they too had to succumb to the ravages of time. Only two of them are available now. When we consider how momentous and meaningful (mahath) these two are, one has to conclude that the unique value of this Veda is well-nigh indescribable. Estimating the glory and grandeur of the Vedas is a task which no one can fulfil. The Vedas are unreachable, by means of either language or imagination - "Yatho Vaacho nivarthanthe, apraapya manasaa saha" (That from which words recoil, inacessible even to the mind). Know that this is the truth and exult that you could know that this is the truth and exult that you could know it thus. Those who have become aware of this are really blessed; diving into the depth, they have gained the precious gem; they have won the goal of Life, the Purushaartha.

Sadhaka: Swami! You said the Veda is known by nine other names. Has it got more?

Sai: Ah! Can it be designated by only nine? It has many more names. For example, it is known as Prasna, also as Prathama-ja. The names reveal the various facets of the Veda, the context and character of the teachings.