View source for Understanding the Yajur Veda and the Vedic Divisions

Śrīla Prabhupāda provides a comprehensive understanding of the ''Yajur Veda'' and its vital position within the broader Vedic literatures. By studying his instructions, we can trace the divine origin of the ''Vedas'', the systematic division of this knowledge by Śrīla Vyāsadeva, the philosophical branches of the ''Upaniṣads'', and the ultimate conclusion that all Vedic rituals are meant to lead us to the supreme shelter of Lord Kṛṣṇa.

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=== The Divine Emanation and Division ===

The vast and boundless knowledge of the original ''Veda'' emanated directly from the breathing of the Supreme Personality of Godhead. To accommodate the diminished capacities of human beings in this age, Śrīla Vyāsadeva compassionately divided this single ''Veda'' into four distinct parts, which includes the ''Yajur Veda''.

* [[Vaniquotes:We understand that with the breathing of the Supreme Personality of Godhead there issued forth the four Vedas, namely the Rg Veda, the Yajur Veda, the Sama Veda and the Atharva Veda, and also the histories like the Mahabharata and all the Puranas|We understand that with the breathing of the Supreme Personality of Godhead there issued forth the four Vedas, namely the Rg Veda, the Yajur Veda, the Sama Veda and the Atharva Veda, and also the histories like the Mahabharata and all the Puranas.]]
* [[Vaniquotes:In Satya-yuga there was only one Veda, not four. Later, before the beginning of Kali-yuga, this one Veda, the Atharva Veda (or, some say, the Yajur Veda), was divided into four - Sama, Yajur, Rg and Atharva - for the facility of human society|In Satya-yuga there was only one Veda, not four. Later, before the beginning of Kali-yuga, this one Veda, the Atharva Veda (or, some say, the Yajur Veda), was divided into four - Sama, Yajur, Rg and Atharva - for the facility of human society.]]

=== The Science of Sacrifice ===

Each of the four ''Vedas'' serves a specific function in the elevation of human consciousness. Śrīla Prabhupāda points out that the ''Yajur Veda'' specifically provides the intricate mantras and ritualistic prescriptions necessary for executing powerful ''yajñas'' (sacrifices) to satisfy Lord Viṣṇu.

* [[Vaniquotes:In the Yajur Veda there are different ritualistic prescriptions for performing yajnas, and the beneficiary of all such yajnas is the Supreme Lord, Visnu|In the Yajur Veda there are different ritualistic prescriptions for performing yajnas, and the beneficiary of all such yajnas is the Supreme Lord, Visnu.]]
* [[Vaniquotes:The five kinds of offerings according to the Yajur Veda are all Your (the Supreme personality of Godhead) different energies, and You are worshiped by five kinds of Vedic hymns. Sacrifice means Your Supreme Personality of Godhead|The five kinds of offerings according to the Yajur Veda are all Your (the Supreme personality of Godhead) different energies, and You are worshiped by five kinds of Vedic hymns. Sacrifice means Your Supreme Personality of Godhead.]]

=== The Disciplic Succession ===

To ensure the pure transmission of this profound knowledge, Śrīla Vyāsadeva assigned each Veda to a highly qualified disciple. The responsibility of professing and preserving the mantras of the ''Yajur Veda'' was specifically entrusted to the great sage Vaiśampāyana.

* [[Vaniquotes:After the Vedas were divided into four divisions, Paila Rsi became the professor of the Rg Veda, Jaimini the professor of the Sama Veda, and Vaisampayana alone became glorified by the Yajur Veda|After the Vedas were divided into four divisions, Paila Rsi became the professor of the Rg Veda, Jaimini the professor of the Sama Veda, and Vaisampayana alone became glorified by the Yajur Veda.]]
* [[Vaniquotes:Vyasadeva taught the Rg Veda, to Paila. To the sage Vaisampayana he spoke the collection of Yajur mantras. He taught the Sama Veda mantras, designated as the Chandoga-samhita, to Jaimini, and he spoke the Atharva Veda to his dear disciple Sumantu|Vyasadeva taught the Rg Veda, to Paila. To the sage Vaisampayana he spoke the collection of Yajur mantras. He taught the Sama Veda mantras, designated as the Chandoga-samhita, to Jaimini, and he spoke the Atharva Veda to his dear disciple Sumantu.]]

=== The Expansive Vedic Literature ===

The vast Vedic literature includes numerous corollaries, supplements, and philosophical treatises known as the ''Upaniṣads''. Śrīla Prabhupāda highlights that some of the most profound and widely studied ''Upaniṣads'' are direct branches of the ''Yajur Veda''.

* [[Vaniquotes:Isopanisad is part of the Yajur Veda, and consequently it contains information concerning the proprietorship of all things existing within the universe|Isopanisad is part of the Yajur Veda, and consequently it contains information concerning the proprietorship of all things existing within the universe.]]
* [[Vaniquotes:The Taittiriya Upanisad, for example, which is a branch of the Yajur Veda, describes nature, the living entity and the Supreme Personality of Godhead|The Taittiriya Upanisad, for example, which is a branch of the Yajur Veda, describes nature, the living entity and the Supreme Personality of Godhead.]]

=== The Ultimate Goal of Vedic Study ===

While studying the ''Yajur Veda'' and meticulously performing its rituals yields tremendous material and pious results, the ultimate purpose of all Vedic literature is to realize the Supreme Lord. Śrīla Prabhupāda confirms that one who simply chants the holy names of the Lord has automatically fulfilled all Vedic obligations.

* [[Vaniquotes:Knowledge means knowledge of God. Any scripture that gives knowledge of God, that is Veda. Don't think that Vedas means that only the Sama, Yajur, Atharva. Those who are following the principles to give knowledge about God, that is Veda|Knowledge means knowledge of God. Any scripture that gives knowledge of God, that is Veda. Don't think that Vedas means that only the Sama, Yajur, Atharva. Those who are following the principles to give knowledge about God, that is Veda.]]
* [[Vaniquotes:A person who chants the two syllables ha-ri has already studied the four Vedas - Sama, Rg, Yajur and Atharva|A person who chants the two syllables ha-ri has already studied the four Vedas - Sama, Rg, Yajur and Atharva.]]

=== Conclusion ===

Śrīla Prabhupāda systematically explains that the ''Yajur Veda'', emanating directly from the breath of the Supreme Lord and compiled by Śrīla Vyāsadeva, is a profound treasury of ritualistic knowledge designed to elevate human society through ''yajña''. Handed down through the great sage Vaiśampāyana, it guides humanity in properly utilizing material energies to satisfy Lord Viṣṇu, and it contains essential philosophical treatises like the ''Īśopaniṣad'' and ''Taittirīya Upaniṣad''. Yet, despite the vast complexity and strict injunctions of the ''Yajur Veda'', the highest perfection and the true essence of all Vedic study is captured simply by chanting the holy names of Hari. By embracing pure devotional service, a Vaiṣṇava seamlessly transcends the ritualistic portions of the Vedas and achieves the supreme spiritual destination.

=== Dive Deeper into Śrīla Prabhupāda's Vani ===

Śrīla Prabhupāda lives within his instructions. This article is a summary of the profound truths found in the Vaniquotes category [[Vaniquotes:Category:Yajur_Veda|Yajur Veda]]. We invite you to visit this link to study the complete compilation and experience Śrīla Prabhupāda's teachings in their direct, verbatim form.

(See our [[Vanipedia:Methodology for AI-Assisted Articles|Vanipedia:Methodology for AI-Assisted Articles]])

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