The Samaveda (Sanskrit from sāman "melody" + veda "knowledge" ), is second (in the usual order) of the four Vedas, the ancient core Hindu scriptures. Its earliest parts are believed to date from 1000 BC and it ranks next in sanctity and liturgical importance to the Rigveda. It consists of a collection of hymns, portions of hymns, and detached verses, all but 75 taken from the Rigveda, to be sung, using specifically indicated melodies called Samagana, by Udgatar priests at sacrifices in which the juice of the Soma plant, clarified and mixed with milk and other ingredients, is offered in libation to various deities.
The verses have been transposed and re-arranged, without reference to their original order, to suit the rituals in which they were to be employed. There are frequent variations from the text of the Rigveda that are in some cases glosses but in others offer an older pronunciation than that of the Rigveda. When sung the verses are further altered by prolongation, repetition and insertion of stray syllables, as well as various modulations, rests and other modifications prescribed in the song-books.
This is a 26 year old brain listening to the Samaveda chanting with his EYES CLOSED, notice how the visual cortex lights up even with the eyes closed. This is the first time anyone has looked at the brain while listening to the Samaveda chanting.
The verses have been transposed and re-arranged, without reference to their original order, to suit the rituals in which they were to be employed. There are frequent variations from the text of the Rigveda that are in some cases glosses but in others offer an older pronunciation than that of the Rigveda. When sung the verses are further altered by prolongation, repetition and insertion of stray syllables, as well as various modulations, rests and other modifications prescribed in the song-books.
This is a 26 year old brain listening to the Samaveda chanting with his EYES CLOSED, notice how the visual cortex lights up even with the eyes closed. This is the first time anyone has looked at the brain while listening to the Samaveda chanting.
