There are four Vedas — Rigveda, Yajurveda, Samaveda, and Atharvaveda. From the point of view of size, the Samaveda is the smallest. It contains only 1,875 mantras. However, in terms of dignity and importance, it is not inferior to any other Veda.

The Rigveda is the section of knowledge, the Yajurveda is the section of rituals, the Samaveda is the section of worship, and the Atharvaveda is the section of science.

The ultimate and supreme goal of life is the realization of God. The Samaveda points toward this goal in great detail. In the Samaveda, all the limbs of Yoga — Yama, Niyama, Asana, Pranayama, Pratyahara, Dharana, Dhyana, and Samadhi — are discussed in an indicative manner. It also explains where to practice Yoga, why to practice it, and how to practice it, along with all related principles.

Lord Krishna was deeply fascinated by this Veda, and therefore he said: "I am the Samaveda among the Vedas." — (Bhagavad Gita 10.22)

In praise of the Samaveda, the Chandogya Upanishad states: "Samaveda is the essence of the Rigvedic hymns." — (Chandogya Upanishad 1.1.2)