The structure of the Sanskrit language in ancient times was very different. Just like the other ancient classical languages such as Greek, Latin, and Roman - Sanskrit has also gone through many changes and developments.
Though they are all in Sanskrit, the language of the Vedas and Upanishads or the Bhagavad Geeta is quite different. To convey their message, instead of making long sentences, the authors of the Vedas used as little words as possible.
The reason was quite simple.
Printing or writing facilities were not available in those days. Writing on the dried leaves or dried tree-barks was a tediously slow process. So, they used a shorthand language - with fewer words.
Traditionally, the Vedas and teachings of the great sages were recited and memorized by the seekers, students, and the would-be preachers known as the Brahmans. Perhaps, these verses were written in shorthand just as a reference for those who used to memorize the entire doctrine and preach to the masses.
However, the Phrases written in a shorthand style can be translated and understood in many different ways. Therefore, to unveil the actual meaning of the original verses and to clarify and expand that doctrine further, many Bhaashyas (commentaries) were written afterward by many great scholars such as Shankracharya, Ramanuja, and Madhvacharya, etc. Without these Bhaashyas or the commentaries, much of the ancient scholarly work and the universal humanitarian and spiritual visions of the ancient sages would have been lost - as they may not have made much sense to the later generations.
For example, to send messages to family and friends in short, the younger generation these days use the new abbreviated terminology such as BRB - to say I will be right back - FYI (for your information) or IMO (in my opinion), etc. Those who are not familiar with this trend would not be able to understand it unless explained by someone.
Similarly, to understand the real meanings of Vedas, Upanishads, Bhagavad Geeta, and other ancient books, most of the time, we have to rely either on the commentaries - or some wise, learned, and enlightened people.
Although, to find a reliable commentary or a trustworthy, wise person could be another challenge too.
'Rajan Sachdeva '
Though they are all in Sanskrit, the language of the Vedas and Upanishads or the Bhagavad Geeta is quite different. To convey their message, instead of making long sentences, the authors of the Vedas used as little words as possible.
The reason was quite simple.
Printing or writing facilities were not available in those days. Writing on the dried leaves or dried tree-barks was a tediously slow process. So, they used a shorthand language - with fewer words.
Traditionally, the Vedas and teachings of the great sages were recited and memorized by the seekers, students, and the would-be preachers known as the Brahmans. Perhaps, these verses were written in shorthand just as a reference for those who used to memorize the entire doctrine and preach to the masses.
However, the Phrases written in a shorthand style can be translated and understood in many different ways. Therefore, to unveil the actual meaning of the original verses and to clarify and expand that doctrine further, many Bhaashyas (commentaries) were written afterward by many great scholars such as Shankracharya, Ramanuja, and Madhvacharya, etc. Without these Bhaashyas or the commentaries, much of the ancient scholarly work and the universal humanitarian and spiritual visions of the ancient sages would have been lost - as they may not have made much sense to the later generations.
For example, to send messages to family and friends in short, the younger generation these days use the new abbreviated terminology such as BRB - to say I will be right back - FYI (for your information) or IMO (in my opinion), etc. Those who are not familiar with this trend would not be able to understand it unless explained by someone.
Similarly, to understand the real meanings of Vedas, Upanishads, Bhagavad Geeta, and other ancient books, most of the time, we have to rely either on the commentaries - or some wise, learned, and enlightened people.
Although, to find a reliable commentary or a trustworthy, wise person could be another challenge too.
'Rajan Sachdeva '
Very Nice explanation. Thanks for sharing.
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