In Hinduism, several scriptures and texts provide spiritual guidance and help connect individuals with the divine. Some of the most notable texts include:
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Vedas: The oldest and most authoritative scriptures in Hinduism, consisting of four collections: Rigveda, Samaveda, Yajurveda, and Atharvaveda. They include hymns, rituals, and philosophical teachings.
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Upanishads: Philosophical texts that explore the nature of reality and the self, often considered the culmination of Vedic thought.
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Bhagavad Gita: A 700-verse Hindu scripture that is part of the Indian epic Mahabharata. It is a dialogue between Prince Arjuna and the god Krishna, who serves as his charioteer, discussing duty, righteousness, and devotion.
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Puranas: These are a genre of ancient texts that cover a wide range of topics, including mythology, cosmology, and ritual practices. Some well-known Puranas are the Vishnu Purana, Shiva Purana, and Devi Bhagavata Purana.
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Tantras: Texts that provide teachings on meditation, ritual, and the nature of the divine, often focusing on the worship of specific deities.
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Yoga Sutras of Patanjali: A foundational text in yoga philosophy, outlining the path of spiritual practice and the discipline required to achieve contemplation and connection with the divine.
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Ramayana and Mahabharata: Epic narratives that convey moral and ethical lessons through the stories of their characters, deeply interwoven with spiritual teachings.
While not all of these texts were written by specific "gurus," they have been instrumental in guiding practitioners on their spiritual journeys and helping them connect with higher forces or the divine. Each serves as a means to explore the nature of existence, duty, and the relationship between the individual soul and the universal consciousness.
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