Shiksha Vedanga
शिक्षा (SHIKSHA) is the first and important limb of Vedanga (वेदाङ्ग) and this is why it is also known as “Shiksha Vedanga” .The word “SHIKSHA” should not be confused with its english translation as education ; as both “SHIKSHA” and its english translation “education” have different meaning. In english language “education” would mean overall formal instruction from school, university etc.
In Vedic Samskrit language “शिक्षा” (SHIKSHA) means specific instruction for:-
– संस्कृत वर्णमाला (Sanskrit alphabets).
– वर्णोच्चारण (वर्ण का उच्चारण ) नियम ( rules for pronunciation of varn i.e letter)
– ध्वनि विज्ञान (phonology).
– स्वर-विज्ञान (phonetics).
स्वर-विज्ञान (Phonetics) is most important in the case of the Vedic samskrit language, because change in sound of Vedic mantra leads to change in meaning and thereby its results (effect). The content structure of sentences formation and its related rules is covered by VYAKARANA (व्याकरण) . वैदिक संस्कृत (Vedic Samskrit) and लौकिक संस्कृत (Classical Samskrit) are similar in many ways and differ mostly in a few points of phonology, vocabulary, and certain rules in vyakarana. As explained in वेदाङ्ग (Vedanga) ,Vedas were NOT written. Vedas were Shruti granth and were transmitted ONLY orally by great mahrishis to their disciple for more than two millenniums. Writing of Vedas was introduced relatively late in bharat , and it did not immediately become important since pure oral learning was the primary means of transmitting knowledge. As Knowledge was transmitted by ONLY pure oral learning so the first concern of great mahrishis was Vedas should be recited flawlessly and for this reason शिक्षा (SHIKSHA) was formed which lay down rules that would ensure this accuracy for all time.
The insistence on preserving rules for वर्णोच्चारण as accurately as possible is related to the fact that potency of the Vedic mantras lies in their “ध्वनि “(dhvani / sound) when pronounced correctly.
During ancient times, शिक्षा (SHIKSHA) was the first & compulsory teaching for those who wished to master the entire Vedic literature. The disciples were expected to listen to वर्णोच्चारण and reproduce the Vedic mantra “ध्वनि “(dhvani / sound) flawlessly. Any difference in वर्णोच्चारण would change “ध्वनि “(dhvani / sound) and its meaning and for this reason शिक्षा (SHIKSHA) is considered to be the foundation of Vedic samskrit language.
Check out this video for detail explanation on Shiksha.
Science of Pronunciation
( Paniniya Shiksha )
After studying Origin of Samskrit varn have you ever wondered how varn originate from our mouth i.e. how humans are able to speak ? What force within human enables him to do उच्चारण i.e. the act of pronunciation?
The answer to these above question is in Shiksha Vedanga . Here in this video we have explained sloka from Paniniya Shiksha (Shiksha Vedanga)
When learning any foreign language the student is never imparted the knowledge of उच्चारण का विज्ञान (Science of Pronunciation) at Preliminary level , but, the same does not hold true in Samskrit language i.e . during Vedic era such knowledge is considered to be the most basic and is imparted by Guru to his disciple at the very Preliminary level through Shiksha. Samskrit ,the language, of Great Maharishis (scientists) of Bharat , the approach of Great Maharishis was to study the matter within humans from subtle existence & first principle i.e. from its core . The Great maharishis experienced the subtle power behind the working of matter , which is evidenced in Vedic slokas & sutras written by them , this is one of the reason that makes Samskrit logical , scientific & mother of all languages.
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Extremely good effort by you.
A great article! Perfectly understood everything.