Sadhaka: What are those three elaborations, those three subsidiary texts called?

Sai: Brahmanas, Aranyakas and Upanishads.

Sadhaka: What are Brahmanas?

Sai: They are explanatory texts dealing with mantras or ritual formulae. They describe clearly the sacrificial rites and the ceremonies that have to be observed while performing them. There are many texts like Aitareya Brahmana, Taithiriya Brahmana, Sathapatha Brahmana and Gopatha Brahmana.

Sadhaka: And, what are Aranyakas?

Sai: They are in verse and prose. They are mainly intended for the guidance of those, who after passing through the stages of Brahmacharya (spiritual studies) and garhasthya (family life), assume Vanaprastha (life as recluse in forests). Aranya means 'forest'. That is to say, these are texts to be persued and meditated upon silently in lonely hermitages. They deal with the duties and responsibilities of the final stage of active life (Karma Kanda), the stage preliminary to the totally spiritual stage (Brahma Kanda).

Sadhaka: Swami ! I have heard the term 'Brahma Kaanda' being used for some texts. What does it relate to?

Sai: Those texts are concerned with sacrificial rites as well as rules of right conduct. They deal with the special features of ceremonial rituals and special elaborations of moral codes.

Sadhaka: And, Swami, what are Upanishads?

Sai: They can be mastered only by intelligent discrimination (Viveka). They deserve to be so mastered. Four goals are laid down for humans in the scriptures: Dharma (Righteousness), Artha (Prosperity), Kama (Moral Desire), and Moksha (Liberation). Vidya or Learning can be classified under two heads: The Apara (Lower) and the Para (Higher). While the four Vedas, the earlier portion of ancient scripture, deal with the Apara (the first three goals), the later portion of the same, the Upanishads, deal with the Para (the last among the goals).