Ken Finch
- Sep 3, 2023

SACRED TEXTS OF HINDUISM

The sacred texts of Sanatana Dharma or Hinduism are known by the word 'shastra' in definition a treatise command and protecting those abiding by it. Also the shastras deal the life and teachings of Paramatma (God) and His avatars (incarnations).

Hinduism holds a legacy of wisdom in its sacred text comprising of: Vedas, Upanishads, Dharma shastras, Agamas, Puranas, Ramayana, Mahabharata, etc. Holding the pride among them are the Vedas besides being the oldest of the literature. They were revealed by Paramatma to enlightened rishis. They are called the Shruti shastras. 'Shruti' meaning 'heard' or revealed, and are the primary texts of Hinduism.

The chronological and philosophical culminations of the Vedas are the Upanishads; mainly philosophical and theological dialogues encompassing the nature and function of Parabrahman, Brahman, jiva (soul), Jagat (world), mukti (liberation), etc.

Secondary text are known as 'Smruti' shastras meaning 'remembered' , a repository of knowledge and history written by great seers, based on their teachings from spiritual masters including the Dharma shastras (social and moral codes of conduct), the Itahasa or epics (Ramayana and Mahabharata), and the Puranas (ancient literature).

In additon, the Vedic literature consists of Vedangas (limbs of Vedas) and Upavedas (subsidiary Vedas), the Agamas and the Sutra. The Vedangas assist in understanding and practicing the teachings. The Upavedas deal with the secular arts and sciences. The Agamas aid with yogic practice and philosophy, rituals and code of conduct. The Sutra consist of aphorisms or shorthand.

The shastras aim to inspire character, peace, faith, happiness in this world and achieve Moksha - the goal of life. Teaching social moral and spiritual principles. Encouraging sound moral behaviour, spiritual knowledge and enlightenment.

In classification on the shastras, namely the Vedas or Shruti shastras, Smruti shastras, Agamas and Tantras, Vedangas, Upavedas and Sutra literature. For many the Holiest are the Shruti or Vedas. In the broader sense the Vedas are comprised of the four Samhitas, Brahmana texts, The Aranyaka texts, and the Upanishads. The latter three are rooted in the four Samhitas. The four samhitas are the: Rig, Yajur, Sama and Artharva. Samhitas are made up mostly of prayers. The Brahmana texts explain the guidance of Yajna rituals; the Aranyakas include spiritual contemplation and meditation. The Upanishads contain the discourses, both philosophical and theological, on Brahman (ultimate reality) and its relation to souls and the material world. Schools of tradition hold the Vedas to be authoritive among the texts.

Secondary in authority to the Shruti are the Smruti shastras dealing with moral and social laws, rites, rituals and history. Including the body of texts known as Dharma shastras, such as Manu Smurti, Yajnavalkya Smurti, etc., Itihasa or epics, namely the Ramayana and Mahabharata (with the Bahagavad-Gita as its core) and the 18 Maha-Puranas, the 18 Upa-Puranas and other literature.

The Agamas or sectarian literature are exclusive to some Sampradayas. Their followers consider them of divine revelation (Shruti). The three Hindu traditions of Vaishnavism, Shaivism and Shaktism have their own Agamas or Tantras. Even Buddhists or Jains have their own Agamas or Tantras.

Vedic sciences include the Vedangas and the Upavedas. The Sutra literature is also part of the sankrit ancient text containing the aphorisms. It includes the Kalpasutras, Gruhyasutras and Brahmasutras.

In accordance with the Purva Mimansa (a school of philosophy dealing with Vedic rites, rituals and sacrifices) and Uttam Mimansa (or Vedanta, which deals with topics of: atma, Paramatma, jnana, and moksha) a shastra should have four basic factors,