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Questions and Answers
What does the term 'Shruti' signify in Hindu tradition?
What does the term 'Shruti' signify in Hindu tradition?
Which of the following is considered a Shruti text?
Which of the following is considered a Shruti text?
What is the primary difference between Shruti and Smriti texts?
What is the primary difference between Shruti and Smriti texts?
Which sacred text is part of the Smriti category?
Which sacred text is part of the Smriti category?
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What is the nature of Smriti texts?
What is the nature of Smriti texts?
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Study Notes
Shruti
- Means "that which is heard" or divine revelation
- Believed to be directly revealed by the divine to ancient sages
- Considered eternal, unchangeable, and the highest authority in spiritual matters
- Examples:
- The Vedas (Rigveda, Samaveda, Yajurveda, Atharvaveda)
- The Upanishads
- Foundation of Vedic Hinduism and are considered the ultimate source of spiritual knowledge
Smriti
- Means "that which is remembered"
- Human compositions based on teachings of Shruti
- Written down and elaborated by sages over time
- Considered secondary to Shruti and may evolve or change
- Examples:
- The Mahabharata (including the Bhagavad Gita)
- The Ramayana
- The Puranas (e.g., Vishnu Purana, Shiva Purana)
- The Dharma Shastras (like the Manusmriti)
- Guide social and moral conduct but are adaptable and contextual unlike Shruti
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Description
Explore the fundamental differences between Shruti and Smriti in Vedic Hinduism. This quiz covers the definitions, characteristics, and examples of both categories, highlighting their significance in spiritual knowledge and moral conduct. Test your understanding of these crucial texts and their roles in ancient Indian culture.
