Vedic Texts: Shruti and Smriti

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Questions and Answers

Match the following categories of Hindu texts with their descriptions:

Shruti = Divine revelation believed to be eternal and unchangeable Smriti = Human compositions that may evolve over time Vedas = Examples of Shruti texts, including Rigveda and Samaveda Mahabharata = Examples of Smriti texts, encompassing the Bhagavad Gita

Match the following Hindu texts with their corresponding categories:

Upanishads = Shruti Ramayana = Smriti Puranas = Smriti Dharma Shastras = Smriti

Match the terms with their meanings:

Shruti = That which is heard Smriti = That which is remembered Eternal = Unchanging and universal authority Interpretative = Adaptive guidance on social and moral conduct

Match the examples of texts to their appropriate classification:

<p>Atharvaveda = Shruti Vishnu Purana = Smriti Manusmriti = Smriti Samaveda = Shruti</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the aspects of Shruti and Smriti with their characteristics:

<p>Authority = Foundation of Vedic Hinduism Adaptability = Subject to change and context Spiritual Knowledge = Ultimate source considered supreme Moral Conduct = Guidance based on teachings from Shruti</p> Signup and view all the answers

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Study Notes

Shruti

Means "that which is heard"
Divine revelation, believed to be directly revealed by the divine to ancient sages
Considered eternal, unchangeable, and highest authority in spiritual matters
Examples include the Vedas (Rigveda, Samaveda, Yajurveda, Atharvaveda) and the Upanishads
Form the foundation of Vedic Hinduism

Smriti

Means "that which is remembered"
Human compositions based on Shruti teachings, written down and elaborated by sages
Considered secondary to Shruti and can evolve or change
Examples include the Mahabharata (including the Bhagavad Gita), the Ramayana, the Puranas (e.g., Vishnu Purana, Shiva Purana), and the Dharma Shastras (like the Manusmriti)
Guide social and moral conduct, adaptable and contextual