Indian Cultural Tradition: The Philosophical Literature: Shrutis and Smritis, Vedas and
The Upanishads?
1. Shrutis and Smritis: Two Pillars of Hindu Philosophical Literature
Shrutis ("that which is heard")
• Shrutis are considered divinely revealed texts. These are the most sacred and
authoritative scriptures in Hinduism.
• They are not authored by any human; instead, they are believed to have been
"heard" or received by ancient sages (rishis) during deep meditation.
• Examples of Shruti texts:
o The Vedas
o The Brahmanas
o The Aranyakas
o The Upanishads
Smritis ("that which is remembered")
• Smritis are human-authored texts based on the teachings of the Shrutis.
• They provide practical guidance on dharma (duty), law, ethics, and social customs.
• They are less authoritative than Shrutis but still very important.
• Examples of Smriti texts:
o Manusmriti
o Ramayana
o Mahabharata (including the Bhagavad Gita)
o Puranas
2. The Vedas: The Foundation of Indian Philosophy
The Vedas are the earliest and most revered texts in Indian tradition, forming the base of
Hindu philosophy.
There are four Vedas:
1. Rigveda – Hymns to various deities, mainly for prayer and praise.
2. Samaveda – Melodic chants, mostly derived from Rigveda, used in rituals.
3. Yajurveda – Ritual formulas and instructions for ceremonies.
4. Atharvaveda – Charms, spells, and everyday prayers for health and protection.
Each Veda has four parts:
• Samhitas – Hymns and mantras.
• Brahmanas – Ritual instructions.
• Aranyakas – "Forest books" for meditation and symbolic rituals.
• Upanishads – Philosophical teachings and spiritual ideas.
3. The Upanishads: The Essence of Indian Spiritual Thought
• The Upanishads form the last part of the Vedas and are often called Vedanta (the
"end of the Vedas").
• They mark a shift from rituals to philosophy—focusing on internal reflection,
meditation, and spiritual knowledge.
• Main themes include:
o Brahman – The ultimate, formless reality.
o Atman – The inner self or soul.
o Moksha – Liberation from the cycle of birth and death.
o Karma – Law of action and its consequences.
• Famous Upanishads: Isha, Kena, Katha, Mundaka, Chandogya, Brihadaranyaka,
etc.
In Summary:
Concept Type Focus Examples
Divine Eternal truths, rituals, and
Shrutis Vedas, Upanishads
Revelation philosophy
Human Manusmriti, Mahabharata,
Smritis Law, ethics, epics, stories
Composed Ramayana
Rituals, hymns, early
Vedas Core Scriptures Rigveda, Yajurveda
philosophy
Philosophical Katha Upanishad, Isha
Upanishads Soul, reality, liberation
Texts Upanishad
