Literally means sacred knowledge. It is also used in reference to any of the early sacred writings and rituals associated with Hinduism.
The core of Vedic teachings supports a philosophy that "life- form" and life-force" are two separate things. Life-form refers to the temporary physical body, whereas life-force refers to the eternal. These teachings state that the life-force energy which empowers all living things is equal, but the mental state associated with a physical body does have lower and higher states of understanding, experience and ability.