What is Vedic Culture?

The Vedic tradition encompasses the rich spiritual, scientific, philosophical, and cultural heritage originating from ancient India. The term "Vedic" is derived from the Vedas, a collection of sacred texts that serve as the foundation of present day civilizations . The Vedic culture emphasizes the pursuit of knowledge, righteous conduct, and the understanding of the interconnectedness of all beings.

Key aspects of Vedic culture include:

1. The Golden Rule: "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you." (आत्मवत् सर्वभूतेषु य पश्यति स पश्यति)
2. Principle of Altruism: "Live and help others to live." (परोपकारः परमो धर्मः)
3. Focus on Moral and Ethical Values: Emphasis on professional ethics and responsibilities toward family, society, nation, humanity, and the environment (धर्म).
4. Respect for Elders: Valuing and caring for elderly individuals in the family and society (पितृयज्ञ).
5. Compassion for Animals: Feeding the animals in our surroundings as a sign of respect (बलिवैश्वदेव यज्ञ).
6. Discipline in Life: Observing Yama (social discipline) and Niyama (self-discipline).

   - Yamas include:

     - अहिंसा (Non-violence in thought, speech, and action)

     - सत्य (Truthfulness)

     - अस्तेय (Not coveting others' property)

     - ब्रह्मचर्य (Celibacy or moderation)

     - अपरिग्रह (Abstaining from hoarding unnecessary possessions)

     - Niyamas include:

     - शौच (Cleanliness, both internal and external)

     - सन्तोष (Contentment)

     - तप (Yoga or austerity)

     - स्वाध्याय (Regular study of scriptures)

     - ईश्वरप्रणिधान (Surrender to God)

7. Shared Prosperity and Welfare: "May all beings be happy; may all be free from illness." (सर्वे भवन्तु सुखिनः सर्वे सन्तु निरामयाः)
8. Agricultural Roots: Acknowledgment of agriculture as the backbone of civilization (कृषिमित् कृषस्व - ऋग्वेद).
9. Connection with Nature: Respect and reverence for nature, encompassing sustainable practices and a natural way of life.
10. Health and Wellness: Development of herbal therapy (Ayurveda) and Naturopathy.
11. Yoga and Spiritual Growth: Promotion of yoga as a means of self-discipline and holistic health.
12. Motherly Respect for Earth and Cattle: Recognizing the Earth and cows as sacred and worthy of care.
13. Global Family Concept: The idea that "the whole earth is one family." (वसुधैव कुटुम्बकम्)
14. Sustainable Development: Commitment to practices that ensure the well-being of future generations.
15. Charity: The importance of dn (charity) as a virtue in societal well-being.
16. Value of Knowledge: Respected and cherished knowledge (ज्ञान) is a dominant aspect of culture, honouring knowledgeable individuals.
17. Eco-friendly Activities: Engagement in activities that promote ecological balance.
18. Education for Transformation: Emphasis on the education of sanskaras (values) for human transformation.
19. Yajña Agnihotra

Key books of Sanatana Vedic Culture are:

1. The Vedas: Rigveda (Jñānakāṇḍa−Information of Creation in Brahman),  Yajurveda (Karmakāṇḍa−Brahman's act of creation), Samaveda (Upāsanākāṇḍa−Meditation to achieve mokṣa), and Atharvaveda (instructions for social and individual life of humans beings and their prescribed actions)
2. Upavedas: Ayurveda, Arthaveda, Dhanurveda, Gandharvaveda
3. Brāhmaṇas: Elaboration of Vedic Concepts
4. Āraṇyakas− Preparedness for Vānaprastha Life 
5. Upanishads: 11 Main Upaniṣads, the texts that explore the nature of reality and the self, Gitā and Yogavāsiṣṭha.
6. Vedangas: Auxiliary disciplines such as phonetics, grammar, etymology, astronomy and Kalpa Sūtras (Śrauta, Gṛhya and Śulva Sūtras) 
7. Upāṅgas: Six Systems of Vedic Philosophy
8. Smṛtis or Dharmaśāstras
9. Itihāsa (Rāmāyaṇa & Mahābhārata) and Purāṇas (only those part that deal with the information of Sarga, i.e. cosmic creation, pratisarga, i.e. Cosmic decration, Vaṁśa (genealogies celestial bodies and human beings), Manvantara (Time-Reckoning System), and Vaṁśānucharit (sub-lineages of heavenly bodies and human families) 

"The Vedas are the source of all knowledge related to creation, Ātman and Brahman and the guide to righteous living.”