Passage 14

Reason for codification of Vedas by Vyasa

The Vedas are infinite and human life is limited. How to master the infinite within the short span of one's life? Keeping this problem in view, Sage Vyasa codified the Vedas into four major divisions and named them Rig, Yajur, Sama and Atharva Vedas. Rig Veda is Manthra-Svaruupa (consisting of Mantras). The Yajur Veda is a compilation of rituals and the Sama Veda is a compilation of riks set to music. In order to maintain the health of the individual and ensure the protection of the country, the Atharva Veda was compiled. Sage Vyasa, who codified these four Vedas and wrote 18 puranas, finally gave one stanza as the essence of all the puranas, namely,