The Classical Hindu Collection

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Rig Veda Considered to be the oldest religous text, this work consists of 10 mandalas wherein are found the origins of the Indian religions and philosophies. These collections of verses are considered Shruti - revealed Scripture, meaning that these verses were not formulated, but rather were revealed to the great ancient seers via the insights of their deep meditations. The Rig Veda is by far the largest collection of verses of the 4: Rig Veda (10522 verses), Sāma Veda (1984 verses), Yajur Veda (1875 verses), Atharva Veda (5977 verses).
This translation is Sri Aurobindo's insightful work entitled "Hymns to the Mystic Fire."

Bhagavad Gita The most famous of the Hindu scriptures, this is the discourse between Lord Krishna and the hero Arjuna in a crucial period before the great war in the Mahabharata. Inside is both practical as well as theorectical discussions covering the key concepts of Hindu philosophy. Its purpose is to give wise advice while reminding us all of our undeniable right of free will, even to ignore this same wisdom. The ultimate goal is how to liberate the immortal soul from its mortal confines.
Here also is a Sanskrit version in rich text format (.RTF)

Ramayana The epic poem of the hero-king Lord Rama widely considered also as a guidebook to ethical and responsible behavior and conduct. Central to its theme is the Hindu concept of dharma of which there is no direct English translation, but is often described as one's sacred duty.

Mahabharata The epic poem of civil war and the ultimate family strife in ancient India - and also the setting in which Lord Krishna relates the Bhagavad Gita to the hero Arjuna. Again the idea of dharma is reinforced as a central theme.

Patanjali's Yoga Sutras Sutras are very terse expositions on philosophy. Sutra is translated as "thread" - terse, efficient statements unadorned by "beads" of elaboration. Thus the Yoga Sutras literally translate to the Threads of Union. Patanjali is known for this exposition on yoga, however, very little is known of this author. This text describes in detail the science of raja yoga and is believed to have been composed sometime between the 4th century BC and the 4th century AD.

Ashtavakra Gita A lesser known work relating the discourse of the sage Ashtavakra and the philosopher-king Janaka during the Ramayana period (King Janaka is, of course, father of Sita, Lord Rama's wife). Discussed is a very uplifting commentary that covers a more narrow theme than the Bhagavad Gita.

The Laws of Manu Recorded and written after the Vedas (and not part of them), this antique text consists of twelve chapters describing the manner of the creation of the universe, the orders and divisions of things, beliefs, and laws as practiced by the ancients. It is quite lengthy, very dogmatic, and oftentimes reads like a(n archaic)law book. A Shastra is manual or treatise that conveys important information on a particular subject, often dealing with conduct, skills, and advice.

Upanishads:
Aitareya
Brihadaranyaka
Chandogya
Isha
Kena
Katha
Mundaka
Mandukya
Prashna
Swetasvatara
Taittiriya
The Upanishads, like the Rig Veda, are considered Shruti - revealed Scripture. Some consider the core Upanishads actually part of the Vedas, although they differ in themes. While the Vedas are stricter and expound on rituals and ethics, the upanishads are more philosophical in nature dealing with Jnana - wisdom or enlightenment. In the words of Sri Aurobindo, "The Upanishads are epic hymns of self-knowledge and world-knowledge and God-knowledge." There are 108 recognized Upanishads, but the 10 included here compromise the core constituents.
Guide to Hinduism This does not qualify as a classic, but is a very nice guide to Hinduism and its philosophies. This guide is an excerpt of an Indian government publication regarding the country and its people.

	Rig Veda	Considered to be the oldest religous text, this work consists of 10 mandalas wherein are found the origins of the Indian religions and philosophies. These collections of verses are considered Shruti - revealed Scripture, meaning that these verses were not formulated, but rather were revealed to the great ancient seers via the insights of their deep meditations. The Rig Veda is by far the largest collection of verses of the 4: Rig Veda (10522 verses), Sāma Veda (1984 verses), Yajur Veda (1875 verses), Atharva Veda (5977 verses). This translation is Sri Aurobindo's insightful work entitled "Hymns to the Mystic Fire."
	Bhagavad Gita	The most famous of the Hindu scriptures, this is the discourse between Lord Krishna and the hero Arjuna in a crucial period before the great war in the Mahabharata. Inside is both practical as well as theorectical discussions covering the key concepts of Hindu philosophy. Its purpose is to give wise advice while reminding us all of our undeniable right of free will, even to ignore this same wisdom. The ultimate goal is how to liberate the immortal soul from its mortal confines. Here also is a Sanskrit version in rich text format (.RTF)
	Ramayana	The epic poem of the hero-king Lord Rama widely considered also as a guidebook to ethical and responsible behavior and conduct. Central to its theme is the Hindu concept of dharma of which there is no direct English translation, but is often described as one's sacred duty.
	Mahabharata	The epic poem of civil war and the ultimate family strife in ancient India - and also the setting in which Lord Krishna relates the Bhagavad Gita to the hero Arjuna. Again the idea of dharma is reinforced as a central theme.
	Patanjali's Yoga Sutras	Sutras are very terse expositions on philosophy. Sutra is translated as "thread" - terse, efficient statements unadorned by "beads" of elaboration. Thus the Yoga Sutras literally translate to the Threads of Union. Patanjali is known for this exposition on yoga, however, very little is known of this author. This text describes in detail the science of raja yoga and is believed to have been composed sometime between the 4th century BC and the 4th century AD.
	Ashtavakra Gita	A lesser known work relating the discourse of the sage Ashtavakra and the philosopher-king Janaka during the Ramayana period (King Janaka is, of course, father of Sita, Lord Rama's wife). Discussed is a very uplifting commentary that covers a more narrow theme than the Bhagavad Gita.
	The Laws of Manu	Recorded and written after the Vedas (and not part of them), this antique text consists of twelve chapters describing the manner of the creation of the universe, the orders and divisions of things, beliefs, and laws as practiced by the ancients. It is quite lengthy, very dogmatic, and oftentimes reads like a(n archaic)law book. A Shastra is manual or treatise that conveys important information on a particular subject, often dealing with conduct, skills, and advice.
	Upanishads: Aitareya Brihadaranyaka Chandogya Isha Kena Katha Mundaka Mandukya Prashna Swetasvatara Taittiriya	The Upanishads, like the Rig Veda, are considered Shruti - revealed Scripture. Some consider the core Upanishads actually part of the Vedas, although they differ in themes. While the Vedas are stricter and expound on rituals and ethics, the upanishads are more philosophical in nature dealing with Jnana - wisdom or enlightenment. In the words of Sri Aurobindo, "The Upanishads are epic hymns of self-knowledge and world-knowledge and God-knowledge." There are 108 recognized Upanishads, but the 10 included here compromise the core constituents.
	Guide to Hinduism	This does not qualify as a classic, but is a very nice guide to Hinduism and its philosophies. This guide is an excerpt of an Indian government publication regarding the country and its people.

The Classical Hindu Collection

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