Hindu scriptures
Hindu
scripture is overwhelmingly written in
Sanskrit. Indeed, much of the
morphology and
linguistic philosophy inherent in the learning of Sanskrit is
inextricably linked to study of the
Vedas
and relevant Hindu texts. Hindu texts are typically seen to revolve
around many levels of reading, namely gross/physical, subtle and
supramental. This allows for many levels of understanding as well,
implying that the truth of the texts can only be realized with the
spiritual advancement of the reader. It is divided into two
categories:
Shruti-
that which is heard (i.e. revelation) and
Smriti-
that which is remembered (i.e. tradition, not revelation).
For a more thorough look at the important texts of Hinduism, see
Hindu scripture.
Shruti
The
Vedas are considered scripture by all Hindus. While the
overwhelming majority of Hindus may never read the
Vedas,
the reverence for the more abstract notion of eternal knowledge (Veda
means knowledge) is etched deep into the hearts of all those who
follow Veda Dharma. Classed with the
Vedas
(which specifically refer to the Rig, Yajur, Sama and Atharva) are
their famous commentaries, the
Upanishads. While the early Vedas lay the foundation for
subsequent Hindu ritual, cosmology and developing philosophy, the
Upanishads built the edifice of mystic insight and abhorrence
for ritual at the expense of spiritual insight. Forming the core of
the
Vedanta (End of Vedas), they streamline the excessive
litany of praise to
Vedic
gods and capture the essence of the Rig Vedic dictum "Truth Is One."
They set Hindu philosophy apart with its embrace of a single
transcendent and yet immanent force that is native to each man's
soul, an identification of micro- and macrocosm as One. It can be
said that while early Hinduism is most reliant on the four
Vedas,
Classical Hinduism, from the
Yoga
and
Vedanta to
Tantra
and
Bhakti streams, was molded around the
Upanishads.
Bhagavad Gita
The
Bhagavad Gita occupies a special position in the hearts of most
Hindus as a keystone yoga upanishad whose eternal words
perhaps are the most representative of all Hindu thought, each
shloka 'directly' from the mouth of the Lord
Krishna. While technically it is considered Smriti, it has
singularly achieved nearly unquestioned status as Shruti, or
revealed, and is thus the most definitive single Hindu text, read by
millions of bhaktas (devotees) and yogis on a
largely daily basis throughout the Sanatana Dharmic world.
See
Bhagavad Gita to explore this text. .
Smriti
The post-Vedic Hindu scriptures form the latter category, the
most notable of which are the
Mahabharata and the
Ramayana, major
epics
considered scripture by most followers of Sanatana Dharma, their
stories arguably familiar to the vast majoriy of Hindus living in
the
Indian subcontinent, if not abroad. Other texts considered
important by today's Hindus include the
Devi Mahatmya, an ode to
Devi,
the Divine Mother, and the
Yoga Sutras, a key meditative yoga text of Shri
Patanjali. There are also a number of revered Hindu
Tantras and
Sutras that command the respect of various Hindu sects of
different persuasion, some including the
Mahanirvana Tantra,
Tirumantiram and
Shiva Sutras.
References
-
Rigveda. Britannica Concise Encyclopedia
(http://www.britannica.com/ebc/article?eu=402241)
-
"Hinduism" on Microsoft Encarta Online
(http://encarta.msn.com/encyclopedia_761555715/Hinduism.html)
See also
Related articles, lists and concepts
Important Hindu Scripture
Hindu terminology
External links
