Over-concentration of discussions on shruti texts

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Namaskar to all

 

Scriptures are either shruti (that which is revealed) or smriti (that

which is handed down). The Vedas and the Upanishads constitute the

shruti literature and are said to be divinely revealed. The Epics

(Ramyana and the Mahabharatta), Puranas and Sutras are said to have

been taught by sages and remembered by their disciples and are

therefore the smriti literature. Smriti texts are also based upon

revealed truth.

 

Both shruti and smriti texts are relevant to the discussion of

Advaita, but there is over-concentration on shruti literature. The

Ramayana in particular hardly gets a mention in Advaitic tradition

although it remains one of the most important religious texts in

Hinduism. It should be remembered that the story of Ramayana predates

that of the Mahabharatta and was first created by Valmiki and

subsequently it was developed by Sri Tulsi Das Ji as the Ram Charit

Manas. A discussion of the Ramayana is therefore long overdue in my

opinion.

 

Yours sincerely

 

Shantanu Panigrahi