Sacred texts
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Distinguish shruti from smriti.
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2.2.110 cards
Distinguish shruti from smriti.
Shruti is "heard" — revealed, the Vedas and Upanishads, the highest authority. Smriti is "remembered" — composed by named sages: the Mahabharata with the Bhagavad Gita, the Ramayana, the Laws of Manu.
Why were the Vedas compiled, according to the guide?
For ritual purposes — hymns, formulae and instructions for sacrifice.
How does the guide describe the Upanishads?
As written by the sages, as a kind of wisdom literature. They turn from ritual towards atman, Brahman and liberation.
Where does the Bhagavad Gita sit?
Within the Mahabharata, and therefore among the smriti texts. It teaches the three yogas as means to moksha.
Name the six darshanas.
Nyaya and Vaishesika, Samkya and Yoga, Mimamsa and Vedanta.
What is a sampradaya?
One of nine sects founded by gurus, each with its own interpretation, practice and line of teachers.
What passages does the guide name for Hindu sacred texts?
Rig Veda X 108 and selections from the Atharva Veda; the Brihadaranyaka, Chandogya and Svetasvatara Upanishads; the Bhagavad Gita; and the Laws of Manu.
Does translation affect the authority of a Hindu text?
It splits. Shruti is Sanskrit and its exact sound is preserved in recitation; many smriti texts were written in local languages and travel without loss of standing.
Why does smriti reach further than shruti?
Because it is recited, performed, televised and retold. Most Hindus know the Ramayana intimately and the Rig Veda not at all.
What does Vedanta mean, and what does it take as its ground?
"The end of the Vedas" — it takes the Upanishads as its ground.
Topic 2.2 study notes
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