Sadhaka: But, how did the word Vedanta arise?

Sai: These Upanishads themselves form the Vedanta. Memorising the Vedas is of no avail; Vedanta has to be understood and assimilated. Knowledge can never reach consummation until Vedanta is mastered.

Sadhaka: Swami! The Vedas are often referred to as Sruthi; why?

Sai: The Vedas have nine names by which they are denoted. Sruthi is only one of the nine.

Sadhaka: What are those nine?

Sai: Sruthi, Anusrava, Thrayee, Aamnaaya, Naamaamnaaya, Chhandas, Swaadhyaaya, Aagama, Nigamaagama.

Sadhaka: Each of these names must be indicating some distinct feature. I desire to know how those names arose and what those features are. Please instruct me.

Sai: Of course, those names have inner meanings. Sruthi means 'that which has been heard'. The guru chants the Vedic hymn, the pupil listens with one-pointed attention, and reproduces it with the same voice modulations. This process is repeated until the pupil masters each hymn. Hence, the name Sruthi is relevant. The name Anusrava also means the same, 'that which has been heard serially'. Now, the word Thrayee. It means 'the Three'. In the beginning there were three collations only in Vedic scriptures - the Rg Veda, the Yajur, and the Sama Veda. These three alone were considered important. So this word was used and it has stayed.

The word 'Aamnaaya' is derived from the root 'mnaa' which means 'learn'. Since the Vedas had to be learnt continuously and in a steadfast manner, they were collectively known as "Aamnaaya" and also as "Namaamnaaya".

'Chhandas' means a poetic metre, which can be set to music, as in Sama Veda. So, the Vedas themselves were indicated by that name.

The name Swaadhyaaya was applied to the Vedas, since they were handed down from father to son and from generation to generation, by the process of teaching and learning (Swaadhyaaya).

Aagama means 'that which has come, originated'. 'Nigamagama' is an elaboration of the same word. The vedas have originated from the Breath of God; each syllable is sacred. Each word is a manthra. The Vedas are all manthras.