Hindu Sacred Scriptures

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Hindu Sacred Scriptures
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LEARNING GOALS

• Understand the difference between Shruti and
  Smriti texts
• Understand examples of each text , such as the
  Vedas, Upanishads, and Bhavagad Gita

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SHRUTI V.S SMRITI

• There are over 200 books that are considered
  sacred texts, written from 1500 BCE to 1500 CE
• Shruti books are revealed knowledge or
  discovered by mystics
• Smriti books are human-made or remembered
  knowledge

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The Vedas (Shruti Texts)

• Four Vedas considered the oldest (originally
  transmitted orally) and most authoritative Hindu
  Scriptures
• Written by and for the brahmans (priestly caste)
• They include
• Verses or liturgical formulas
• Prose that explains the meaning of the liturgy
• Explainations meant only for the most learned
  practitioners

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The Upanishads (Shruti Texts)

• The concluding sections of the Vedas.
• Form the basis of Hindu philosophy.
• There are over 200 Upanishads, but 16 are
  considered the most important
• They discuss Mind, Senses, Worship and
  Meditation
• Concepts that represent Hinduisms most central
  beliefs (Brahman, atman, karma, samsara, and
  moksha.)

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Smriti Text

• Traditional or remembered scriptures which
  include such things as epic poems, stories that
  give instructions on how to behave, etc
• Examples include Ramayana and Bhagavad Gita