In ancient times, there were sages of great wisdom and renown: Ātreya, the insightful Sumati, Kāśyapa, and Akṛtavraṇa, along with Sāvarṇi, Somadatti, Suśarmā, and Śāṃśapāyana. These venerable seers, with their deep understanding, gathered together and undertook the sacred task of compiling the revered scriptures. In that gathering, three distinct collections were created by three among them, forming the foundation of the scriptural tradition. To these, a fourth collection was added—my own—thus establishing four principal compilations at the heart of the tradition. Over time, other versions and recensions emerged, but they gradually became secondary, much like the numerous branches of the Veda that exist beside the main texts. The first and foremost root of these traditions is known as the Laumaharṣaṇika, followed by the Kāśyapika. Another significant collection is the Śāṃśapāyanika, which is beautifully adorned with the meanings derived from the Noda and Artha traditions. In total, there are said to be fifteen of these collections, with ten more in addition, and then yet another ten. The Sāman hymns number eight thousand, accompanied by fourteen Sāman songs. Within the Ādhvaryava tradition, the Chandas, or metrical hymns, are said to be twelve thousand in number. From these arise the Grāmya and Āraṇyaka portions, which, together with the mantras, form the core of the sacred compositions. These Grāmya and Āraṇyaka sections, along with the mantras, are recognized as the Ṛg, Brāhmaṇa, and Yajus texts. The Taittirīyas, too, are known by the name Parakṣudra. The Ṛg collection is carefully enumerated, and the Brāhmaṇa portion is said to be four times its size. This is the established measure for the Yajus and Ṛc verses, including those known as Śukriya, as taught by Yājñavalkya. According to tradition, there are six thousand Ṛc verses, with an additional twenty-six, while another reckoning speaks of eleven thousand Ṛc verses, plus ten more. In some accounts, a thousand Ṛc mantras are declared as the measure. The Ṛc verses of the Atharvans are certainly five thousand in number. Such is the account of the Āṅgirasas, whose Āraṇyaka is also described in the tradition. The sages who created the branches of these scriptures and the reasons for their divisions are also remembered. The Vedic tradition, as established by Prajapati, is eternal, and these many alternatives are known as the Smritis, the remembered teachings. In the Dvapara ages, further divisions of the Vedas were described, as the sages imparted their knowledge to their disciples, and then, having fulfilled their duty, they withdrew to the forests to practice austerities. From these efforts arose the four Vedas, their auxiliary limbs, the Mimamsa, and the vast field of Nyaya. Alongside them came Ayurveda, the science of life; Dhanurveda, the science of archery; and Gandharvaveda, the art of music and performance—these three being esteemed as well. In the beginning, the Brahmarshis—sages established in the knowledge of Brahman—arose, and from them came the Devarshis, the divine sages. Among the most illustrious lineages were the Kashyapas, Vashishthas, Bhargavas, Angiras, and Atris. Because these sages devoted themselves to contemplation of Brahman, they are remembered as Brahmarshis. There are also the divine seers: Pratyusha and Kāśyapa, and among the sons of Dharma, the twin sages Nara and Nārāyaṇa. Kubera, Paulastya, and the son of Pratyusha’s branch are also among these exalted beings. From them, the Vedas themselves are said to have arisen, and so they are honored as Devarshis. Those who are descended from the lineage of Ikshvaku are known as Rajarshis, the royal sages. Those who have attained Brahmaloka, the realm of Brahma, are remembered as pure Brahmarshis, while those established in Indraloka are considered Rajarshis. Thus, among the Brahmarshis, the Devarshis, and the Rajarshis, each has their place in the sacred tradition. These sages are renowned for their knowledge of the past, present, and future, for their steadfastness in truth, and for the austerities they performed. Some were so advanced that knowledge was revealed to them even while still in the womb. These royal sages, endowed with virtue, together with the divine and human kings, are remembered and revered for the wisdom and dharma they brought into the world.