Indian Scriptures
Introduction
Indian Scriptures refer to a broad collection of ancient religious texts originating from the Indian subcontinent. These scriptures, written over a period of several thousand years, form the foundation of several religions including Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Sikhism. They encompass a wide range of topics, from philosophy and spirituality to law and social conduct, and are considered by many to be among the oldest and most profound religious texts in the world.
Classification of Indian Scriptures
Indian Scriptures can be broadly classified into two categories: Shruti and Smriti.
Shruti
The term Shruti literally means "that which is heard". These are considered the most authoritative and sacred texts, believed to be eternal truths revealed directly to the ancient sages (Rishis). The Shruti texts include the Vedas and the Upanishads.
Vedas
The Vedas are the oldest and most revered of the Indian scriptures. They are divided into four main categories: the Rigveda, the Yajurveda, the Samaveda, and the Atharvaveda. Each Veda is further subdivided into two sections: the Samhitas, which contain hymns and mantras, and the Brahmanas, which provide instructions for rituals.
Upanishads
The Upanishads, also known as Vedanta ("the end of the Vedas"), are philosophical texts that explore the concepts of Brahman (the ultimate reality) and Atman (the individual soul). They are considered the culmination of Vedic thought and are the foundation of many philosophical systems in India.
Smriti
Smriti, which means "that which is remembered", refers to a category of scriptures that are considered less authoritative than the Shruti. These texts are believed to be authored by sages and include the Dharma Shastras, the Puranas, and the Itihasas.
Dharma Shastras
The Dharma Shastras are legal and ethical texts that provide guidelines for righteous living. The most well-known among these is the Manusmriti, also known as the Laws of Manu.
Puranas
The Puranas are a collection of texts that narrate the history of the universe from creation to destruction, genealogies of kings, heroes, sages, and demigods, and descriptions of Hindu cosmology, philosophy, and geography.
Itihasas
The Itihasas, meaning "history", include the two great Indian epics, the Mahabharata and the Ramayana. These texts are narrative in nature and contain stories of ancient kings, heroes, and sages, along with teachings on dharma (righteousness), artha (wealth), kama (desire), and moksha (liberation).
Other Scriptures
In addition to the Shruti and Smriti, there are several other important scriptures in Indian religions, including the Agamas and Tantras of Shaivism and Shaktism, the Sutras of Buddhism, the Agamas of Jainism, and the Guru Granth Sahib of Sikhism.
Conclusion
Indian Scriptures offer a profound insight into the spiritual, philosophical, and social fabric of ancient Indian society. They continue to guide the religious and moral life of millions of people in India and around the world.