Each of the Vedas consists of four parts, the Mantra- Samhitas, Brahmanas, Aranyakas 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-Kaanda, the ritual section deals with sacrificial rites and rituals. The Upasana-Kaanda the worship section is for prayers and meditation. The Jnana-Kaanda [Gnaana-Kaanda], 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". Jnaana is obtained by the study and understanding of the philosophy and knowledge as in the Upanishads. This will lead ultimately to liberation.

Isaa vaasyam Idham Sarvam Yat Kim cha Jagatyaam Jagat |

Te'na Tyakte'na Bhunjitha, Maa Gr.dhah Kasyasvid Dhanam || - || 1 ||

1. All this - whatever exists in this changing universe - should be covered by the Lord.

Protect the Self by renunciation. Lust not after any man's wealth.

Kurvann e've'h Karmaani Jijeevisetsatam Samah: |

E'vam Tvai Naanyatheto'sti na Karma Lipyate' nare' || - || 2 ||

2. If a man wishes to live a hundred years on this earth, he should live performing action.

For you, who cherish such a desire and regard yourself as a man,

there is no other way by which you can keep work from clinging to you.