The Samaveda: Why?

Greetings, all. I hope you find yourself well! I am a member of the Baha'i faith - Baha'i's founder, Baha'u'llah, made note that, of the list of true religions, Hinduism is among them. However, most Baha'i do not study texts from outside their faith, which I find strange. For the past 7 months I have been studying Hinduism online - Most of what I have read so far comes from the Srimad-Bhagavatam, Rigveda, and Yajurveda, along with the Ramayana. I would seriously like to further my learning in Hinduism, because I know learning through the internet on my own is not the ideal way.

I have developed a question while I was reading the Vishnu Purana. I am certain I am missing something here, so I apologize if this unintentionally sounds rash: What is the point of the Samaveda?

I have heard that it is mostly just a musical rendition of the Rigveda, along with a couple sections not found anywhere else. Why not just read the Rigveda? I have been confused as to the purpose of the Samaveda and I hope to figure out the answer. I know it is a Veda and of high authority, but I don't understand why, if it is just the RigVeda with music. If textually they are very similar, what benefit does it bring that the Rigveda does not?

Again, I apologize if I found this rude, that was not my intent, I am a genuinely intrigued (and confused) Baha'i seeking understanding. I appreciate your time!

Sincerely;
-Saveyist

Namaste Saveyist

I asked this question myself too and found interesting articles. Only three following.

Sama Veda has its focus on sound – it is a songbook. Rig Veda is recitated, Sama Veda is sung.

https://www.quora.com/What-is-the-re...and-Yajur-Veda
http://themodernvedic.com/mythology/...tion-samaveda/
http://www.mukhopadhyay.in/2015/12/facts-sama-veda.html

If you want to go deeper search for Shabda Brahman or Nada Brahman to read about sound. Krishna says in Bhagavad Gita He is Sama Veda – He is Shabda Brahman.

Pranam

Thank you, Indialover! The second link I think describes it very well: "It consists of a vast description of melodies,chants and their respective effect on the human mind, body, and soul. It also contains various verses from Rigveda in a musical manner."

I guess I was not seeing the importance of sound before. I am quite interested in studying it now. Thank you again :)

Dear Saveyist,

hope you visit the forum again. I forgot to post an article which gives a glimpse of the 'bridge' between Rig and Sama Veda ...

http://www.boloji.com/articles/15606/from-agni-to-om

Pranam