In Hinduism, the distinction between shruti (revealed texts) and smriti (remembered texts) is based on how these texts are believed to have been obtained and their level of authority.
- Shruti (Revealed Texts): Shruti means “that which is heard.” These texts are considered divinely revealed or directly perceived by ancient sages (rishis) through deep spiritual insight. Shruti texts are seen as eternal truths that the sages “heard” or intuited from the cosmos or divine source, not created by humans. The Vedas and Upanishads fall into this category and are considered the most authoritative because they are thought to represent pure, direct knowledge from the divine.
- Smriti (Remembered Texts): Smriti means “that which is remembered.” These texts are considered human compositions, written to explain, elaborate on, or interpret the teachings found in the shruti. They are important and highly respected but are seen as slightly less authoritative than shruti. Smriti includes texts like the Mahabharata, Ramayana, Puranas, and Dharma Shastras, which provide stories, moral lessons, and guidelines for how to live. While inspired by shruti, they are remembered and written by human authors and are, therefore, more flexible in interpretation across different times and communities.
In short:
- Shruti = divine revelation, unchanging, foundational (Vedas, Upanishads).
- Smriti = human memory and interpretation, adaptable (Epics, Puranas).
This hierarchy is significant because Hindu traditions generally consider shruti as the ultimate authority, while smriti can be interpreted and adapted for practical guidance in daily life.
