15. Mahabharata: Indian Philosophy of Values | Swami Tattwamayananda

Now another very very important point and this is very crucial to understanding the structure of Vedanta Hinduism.

Now in Hindu tradition all canons do not enjoy the same status.

There are three levels of canonical literature based on their significance and the relevance and application in our life.

The highest and the most exalted status is given to Shrutis.

Shruti means Vedas or Vedanta.

So those who are not familiar with the Sanskrit word, they may look a bit similar.

Smriti means constitutions, courts of conduct for society, for family, for nation and so on called Smriti.

Another name is Dharmashastram and another name is Dharmasutram.

Dharmasutram is the earlier the archaic form of Smriti.

When it became more organized it became Dharmashastram.

Smriti.

S-M-R-I-T-I.

S-M-R-I-T-I.

Smriti.

The other word is Shruti.

S-R-U-T-I.

Then Vedas or Upanishads.

What are they? They don't directly talk about how we live in this world.

They talk about the highest realities.

the highest and the most universal spiritual truths which are relevant for all times, for everyone, in all ages, irrespective of differences and diversities in terms of language, culture, society, race or anything.

To give an example, Upanishads constitute the essence of this Shruti.

Vedas.

Vedas, if you use the word Vedas, that includes rituals, prayers and so on, which are different in different anthropological, sociological, cultural categories.

But the highest meaning, the most universal definition of Vedas is Shruti.

S-R-U-T-I.