One reason why smriti literature is often more popular than shruti literature among Hindus is because they are in the form of great epics, for example, the Ramayana. The wisdom contained in smriti literature is therefore easier to understand when presented in stories and examples. In contrast, shruti literature often requires the help of a guru to understand. (?) This is a reason why smriti literature is often more popular than shruti literature among Hindus.
Smriti literature is more popular for a few reasons. Firstly, Smriti texts are remembered texts and come in the form of stories. These are more enjoyable to younger generations, and this is important as they are the future of the religion.
Another point could be that smriti literature is accessible by Hindus of all varnas, therefore everybody can gain good karma through studying the Scriptures - good karma needed to escape samsara, and to achieve moksha. This is also important because it means that the lower castes are not discriminated against (in this context) because they are spiritually impure.
Possibly you might also include the reason that shruti texts deal with philosophical truths that are not directly related to the life of a Hindu, while the smriti texts present ideals of moral behavior and teachings about the way in which you should behave (the gunas, the idea of dharma, Bhakti Yoga, karma yoga). The smriti texts might therefore be important due to the fact that they are more directly related to the life of a Hindu than the shruti texts.
One reason why smriti literature is often more popular than shruti literature among Hindus is because they are in the form of great epics, for example, the Ramayana. The wisdom contained in smriti literature is therefore easier to understand when presented in stories and examples. In contrast, shruti literature often requires the help of a guru to understand. (?) This is a reason why smriti literature is often more popular than shruti literature among Hindus.
ReplyDeleteSmriti literature is more popular for a few reasons. Firstly, Smriti texts are remembered texts and come in the form of stories. These are more enjoyable to younger generations, and this is important as they are the future of the religion.
ReplyDeleteAnother point could be that smriti literature is accessible by Hindus of all varnas, therefore everybody can gain good karma through studying the Scriptures - good karma needed to escape samsara, and to achieve moksha. This is also important because it means that the lower castes are not discriminated against (in this context) because they are spiritually impure.
ReplyDeletePossibly you might also include the reason that shruti texts deal with philosophical truths that are not directly related to the life of a Hindu, while the smriti texts present ideals of moral behavior and teachings about the way in which you should behave (the gunas, the idea of dharma, Bhakti Yoga, karma yoga). The smriti texts might therefore be important due to the fact that they are more directly related to the life of a Hindu than the shruti texts.
ReplyDelete