The Smruti scripture explain the Four Ved in a simpler format, and there are a huge number of them. Smruti scriptures are the result of countless revelations. They create the Indian way of life!
ETYMOLOGY
Smruti are a type of ancient Indian scriptures. There are two main types of Vedic era literature – Shruti and Smruti. The Sanskrit word ‘Smruti’ means ‘that which is memory’, and ‘Shruti’ means ‘that which is heard’. Technically, all four Ved belong to the Shruti category – which includes Brahman, Upanishad, and Aranyak scriptures. While the numerous derivative works based on the same Ved – such as Vedang, Dharmashastra, Puran, Bhasyam, and Darshan belong to the Smruti category. They are called Smruti because they were transmitted through the generations by means of scriptures and the education system.
DATING AND HISTORICAL CONTEXT
Most of these Smruti scriptures are believed to be created by the Saptarishi and other scholars of different eras. There are numerous Rishi & scholars, but three of them are considered to be the most prominent in the creation of Smruti texts – Yajnyavalkya, Manu, and Parashar. It is almost impossible to put a short timeline on such a huge number of scriptures spanning across 18 main Smruti and many others. They have been written and rewritten many times by scholars of different times.
CONTENT
Smruti scriptures are an anthology covering a huge range of subjects and topics because they are derivative works by Indian scholars and Rishi, created over thousands of years. Rather than having an orthodox thought, they dwell deep through interpretation and elaboration. They contain references to the mythical stories, folklore, Ramayan, Mahabharat, and other scriptures as well. At the same time, Smruti literature also contains the details of jurisprudence, civil code, and citizen duties in those times. They also formalized the Yajna rituals and other rituals related to social traditions.
LEARNINGS
The Smruti scriptures also provided references to other scriptures and their creators. They were a platform for the most learned people in the society to put forth their expertise. Also, they contained stories and examples that could be easily understood by the people. Smruti texts also explained the ritual methods and their step-by-step understanding through Kalpa Shastra. They explained the grammar and thesaurus for Ved through Vedang.
CULTURAL INFLUENCE
The Smruti scriptures had a huge influence on the formation of administrative and constitutional systems in the Indian subcontinent. They included the Dharma Shastra, Jyotish Shastra, Vyakaran, Natya Shastra, and literary works in so many other disciplines that created the foundation of Indian art, culture, and traditions. They provided guidelines for the all ‘four Purusharth’ – Dharma, Artha, Kaam, and Moksh; across all four stages of life – Brahmacharya Ashram, Gṛuhastha Ashram, Vanaprastha Ashram, and Sanyas Ashram. In a way, together, Smruti scriptures created the Indian way of life!
Smruti scriptures are the result of countless revelations
Smruti scriptures offer an in-depth understanding of every possible interpretation of the four Ved. But there are so many of them that it would be nearly impossible to read them all. Rather, you can try decoding the four Ved yourself! They are not Smruti; they are Shruti.
