In Hinduism and buddism, six qualities are significant for a practitioner, who wishes to become enlightened, omnipotent and omniscient (someone who understands all aspects of reality and is not limited to human knowledge). These are considered to be physical, mental, emotional and spiritual traits that are grounded firmly in the understanding of Gautama Buddha. However, six vedangas can also mean the following: Sattva (consciousness), Tamas (materiality), Raja (emotional balance), Kriya (conscience) and Ajna (intuition). All of these are associated with the concept of shastra, the scientific study of ancient Hindu texts from India and its neighboring regions. In Hinduism, the concept of six verandas are very closely associated with the concept of shastra. Although the two concepts are often used interchangeably, they are actually different facets of the same larger subject. While shastra deals more with the theoretical nature of life and philosophy, shastra focuses more on the practical application of knowledge found in scriptures. Many Hindu scriptures are written in the form of verses taken directly from Vedas, which contain complex philosophical explanations of the concepts behind each word or phrase. The meaning of the different verses found within a particular shastra can be related to a number of other concepts such as the concept of data (restraint), sanyasa (compassionate behavior) and niyama (right conduct). The six vedangas are also associated with the concept of karma, which is the right turning of one's wheel. When the Karma term is spoken, it means turning away from self and becoming contented with one's surroundings. This concept is central to the philosophy of Buddhism, which is also a religion founded by the Buddha. In Indian philosophy, the six verandas are also referred to as Jataka tales, a reference to the ancient Buddhist legend of how virtuous ancestors in past generations have turned into powerful demigods, manifested through powerful shastras. Each of the six vedangas manifests different qualities and characteristics that are necessary for the spiritual advancement of humans. They also represent the cyclical nature of existence, and the interdependence of human beings with the universe that encompasses them.
