Collection of methodically arranged verses or text; continuous text of the Vedas as formed out of the separate words by proper phonetic changes. (Glossary for the Vahinis)
We can hear in Shikshavalli (in the Taittiriya Upanishad) the voice of the well-wishing teachers who imported their last instructions to students who had studied under them in the gurukulas and were on the threshold of Grihastha ashrama Dharma.
Vidya, accroding to Shikshavalli, is not mere mastery of letters. Vidya should blend harmoniously with life and lend meaning and purpose to it. It is said;
सा विद्या या विमुक्तये
‘Sa vidya ya Vimuktaye’ (Learning is that which liberates).
There are four Samhitas in Shikshavalli – Loka Samhita, Aloka Samhita, Vijnana Samhita and Prajnana Samhita.
The Loka Samhita describes the earth, the three lokas (the three worlds) and the stellar galaxies. It is Vayu (wind) that binds the earth and the stellar galaxies, giving rise to the creation of ‘Akasha’ (space). The principle of mutual attraction governs the galaxies and the earth. There are seven kinds of winds that circulate between the earth and the three worlds. The Shikshavalli teaches that a harmonious bond between the three worlds and the earth is ensured by the presence of these seven winds. It is due to this intimate bond that the ocean swells and sways at the sight of the moon and the clouds.
The second Samhita, Aloka Samhita, is also known as Jyoti Samhita. This describes the presence of Fire and the Sun and the connecting bond between the two. Cosmic radiation establishes a link between Fire on the earth and the rays from the Sun, causing the creation of water in the process. The Samhita testifies that one who understands the nature of water can cognise the nature of the universe as well. The second teaching of this Samhita is that there is a link between the Sun and the heart of man. The statements,
Chandrama manaso Jatha.Chaksho surya Ajayatha.
Mukhad Indras cha Agnis cha Pranad Vayua aajayatha
(Purusha Suktam, 14)
in the Veda bring out the connection between the moon and the mind and the sun and eyesight.
The third Samhita, the Vijnana Samhita expounds the conjunction (sandhi) between the teacher and the students and the vidya that arises there from. It stresses the importance of spiritual education, in addition to secular education through the education of the heart. This Samhita imparts also some essential teachings for one’s conduct in life. The sacred injunctions contained in the Samhita shine as beacon-lights to mankind afflicted with limitless desires and meaningless yearnings. These injunctions are, Speak Satya (truth); Observe Dharma (righteousness); Foster knowledge with diligence; Abstain from vicious deeds; Perform worthy acts; Respect most meticulously the regulations laid down by society for leading a disciplined life in the community; Practise charity as a householder according to your capacity; Show reverence and obediences to elders; Exercise extreme vigilance with regard to your duties and relationship with your kith and kin and fellow human beings.
After imparting these instructions, the Samhita lays down that these teachings constitute the eternal commandments for the conduct of man. The Samhita teaches that based on these commandments, the students should lead a life of exemplary excellence. (SSS Vol.17)
Vyasa divided the Vedas into four and prepared five samhitas.
The Yajna-Samhita (Yajur Veda) has separated itself into two, the Krishna-Yajur Veda-Samhita and the Sukla-Yajur Veda Samhita. So the total became five. The process did not stop there. Each of these samhitas developed three separate complimentary components. These scriptural texts emerged in order to enlighten people in different levels of consciousness. The purpose was to enable everyone to benefit by the guidance and cross the sea of suffering. Therefore, there is no trace of conflict in any of these texts. (LKV, p. 6)
The word Samhita is also called Sandhi. In the educational field there are four types of Samhita. They are:
(1) Loka Samhita, (ii) Shloka Samhita, (iii) Vijnana Samhita, (iv) Praja Samhita, One pertains to the world, The second that is called Aloka, the third pertaining to science and the fourth pertaining to the people. (BA, p.43)