Sadhaka: They say, the Vedas are numberless, without end (Anantha). Are they all full repositories of Jnana?

Sai: "Anantho vai Vedaah." The Vedas are infinite. But, note that, in the beginning, there was just one Veda. Later, it was dealt with as Three and subsequently as Four.

Sadhaka: Why was the one divided into many? What special need was met thereby?

Sai: Since the Veda was vast and limitless, it was difficult for ordinary men to study it. Moreover, it would take endless time to complete the study. So, those who wished to learn were overwhelmed by fear. So, very few showed earnestness to study the Veda. For these reasons, something had to be done to make the study within reach of all who sought to learn. The rks or hymns of praise in the Veda were therefore separated from the rest and grouped under the title. Rk-Samhitha; the Yajussamhitha; The Saama verses (capable of musical rendering) were grouped under the title Saama-samhitha and the Artharva manthras (formulae and spells) were collected under the title Atharva-samhitha.

Sadhaka: Who was the person who grouped them in these collections?

Sai: It was Vyasa, who was a partial manifestation of Narayana (God, Vishnu) Himself. He was the son of Sage Paraasara. He had mastered the scriptures and spiritual treatises. He was a great sage himself. He was a skilful coordinator. In order to promote the welfare of mankind, he compiled the Veda in four parts and facilitated righteous living by all. He divided the Vedas into four and prepared five samhithas.

Sadhaka: The four Vedas are the four samhithas, as you explained now. What purpose does the fifth serve? How did the extra one arise?

Sai: The Yajus-samhitha (Yajurveda) has separated itself into two, the 'Krishna-Yajurveda-samhitha and the Sukla-Yajurveda-samhitha. So, the total became five. The process did not stop there. Each of these samhithas developed three separate complementary components. These scriptural texts emerged in order to enlighten people in different states of awareness and different levels of consciousness. The purpose was to enable every one to benefit by the guidance and cross the sea of suffering. Therefore, there is no trace of conflict in any of these texts.