The Vedas contain 2 portions - Karma Khanda ‘ritual’ portion and Jnana Khanda knowledge portion. Karma Khanda elaborates various Samskaras, rituals for attaining desired results and also contains prayers and hymns to instill faith and devotion. It eulogizes nature by personifying microcosm and macrocosm as various gods and goddesses with innumerable forms, often giving the impression that Hinduism is polytheistic. Whereas, the Jnana Khanda, on the other hand contains the sublime philosophy of Vedanta which declares the Supreme Reality Brahman as non-dual, formless, eternal and the imperishable substratum of the world, thereby denoting it to be pantheistic.

Thus, the Karma Khanda and Jnana Khanda appear contradictory in content and conclusion. A ritualistic believer is unable to reconcile with the non-dual nature of the Reality. Conversely, an intellectual enquirer dismisses the ‘Samskara’ as ‘rituals’, construding them to be as superstitious and outdated. As a result, both remain engaged in dismissing the other, without making any progress on the spiritual path.

‘Samskara’ presents an examination and reconciliation of the 2 portions of the Veda highlighting the seamless and indispensable role played by each in spiritual evolution. Sanathana Dharma or Hinduism, is a symbolic religion. Every form, every deity, every ritual and every prayer is rooted in, derived from and ultimately connected to the Jnana Khanda in the Veda. Explore this synchronization to foster deeper spiritual awareness.