Each of the Vedas consists of four parts, the Mantra- Samhitas, Brãhmanas, Ãranyakas and Upanishads. The Mantra-Samhithas, or Hymns, are in praise of Vedic Gods for attaining material prosperity here and happiness hereafter. They contain metrical poems of prayer hymns and are useful for Brahmacharis or young students. The Mantra -Samhitha portion of all the Vedas contains 20,500 mantras. The term Veda often refers to Samhitha which is the most important portion. The Brahmana portions are to guide people to perform sacrificial rites and rituals. They are prose explanations for using the Mantras in Yagnas or sacrificial rituals and are useful for Grahasthas or householder. The Aranyakas are said to be "Forest books" which give philosophical explanations of the rituals and are intended for Vanaprasthas. The Upanishads contain the essence of the philosophy of the Vedas. They speak of the identity of the individual Soul and the Supreme Soul. They are the most subtle and eternal Spiritual Truths and an embodiment of Divine knowledge.

The whole subject in the four Vedas can be divided into three portions. The Karma-Kãnda, the ritual section deals with sacrificial rites and rituals. The Upasana-Kãnda the worship section is for prayers and meditation. The Jnãna-Kãnda [Gnãna-Kãnda], the knowledge section describes the highest Philosophy and Knowledge of Nirguna Brahmam or the Formless Supreme. These various disciplines are laid down for persons with different background and states of knowledge. Therefore, Karma or performance of action comes first. Though rituals and prayers are the basic, Jnana [Gnaana] is the ultimate level of the faith. All the Vedas, Smrithis, Agamas, Puranas and Bhagvat Gita say: "Vedic Karmas and Worship alone is of no use unless they lead to Jnaana or enlightenment". Jnãna is obtained by the study and understanding of the philosophy and knowledge as in the Upanishads. This will lead ultimately to liberation.