Smrti

Smrti, from Sanskrit smṛti meaning “that which is remembered,” is a broad category of Hindu scriptures and literature that comprises remembered or human-authored tradition. It stands in contrast to Śruti, “that which is heard,” which is regarded as divinely revealed and authorless. In Hindu thought, Śruti includes the Vedas and Upanishads, while Smrti contains texts that codify practice, law, ethics, and lore as transmitted by scholars and sages over generations.

Smrti texts cover a wide range of material. They include dharma shastras such as Manusmriti, Yajnavalkya Smriti, and Narada Smriti; the Itihasa (epics) like the Ramayana and the Mahabharata; and the Puranas, which recount myths, genealogies, and devotional legends. It also encompasses various commentaries, codes, and treatises that guide ritual practice, social norms, and daily conduct. Together, Smrti forms a practical framework for applying Vedic principles in diverse contexts.

In theory, Smrti has a secondary authority relative to Śruti; it is considered derived from tradition and human authorship, and thus more open to revision across time and communities. In practice, Smrti is consulted to interpret and apply Shruti injunctions, resolve dharma disputes, and adapt ritual law to local circumstances, while its prescriptions are expected to harmonize with core Śruti principles.

Modern scholarship and many Hindu communities view Smrti as a historical and normative corpus, with varying degrees of authority. Some Smrti texts, notably Manu Smriti, have drawn critique for caste- or gender-related rules that are not universally observed today. Contemporary practice often emphasizes personal dharma, local tradition, and ethical ideals drawn from both Smrti and Shruti.