The Vedas

The Vedas are a collection of hymns, chants, ritual instructions, and other religious teachings. They are also the oldest collection of Sanskrit language along with Hindu scriptures (most sacred too).

Content:
1) Samhitas~ hymns
- Rigveda
- Samaveda
- Yajurveda
- Atharvaveda
2) Brahmanas~ rituals and prayers
3) Aranyakas~ worship and meditation
4) Upanishads~ mystical and philosophical teaching

Veda means "wisdom." Hindus believe the creation of the Vedas is credited to Brahman. They believe that the texts were received by scholars directly from God and then passed down orally.
The Vedas have had a vast influence on Buddhism, Jainism, and especially Hinduism.