Significance of Smriti
Synonyms: Memory, Remembrance, Recollection, Retention, Consciousness, Awareness, Mindfulness
In Dutch: Smriti; In German: Smriti; In Finnish: Smriti; In Spanish: Smriti; In Swedish: Smriti; In Malay: Smriti; In French: Smriti; In Portugese: Smriti; In Italian: Smriti; In Polish: Smriti
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Smriti'
In Buddhism, Smriti denotes mindfulness, representing a pivotal awareness that shapes an individual's behavior and comprehension in various Buddhist practices, fostering a deeper understanding and conduct on the spiritual path.
From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra
(1) Smriti, referring to memory, is something that a bodhisattva shares equally with all beings as part of the practice of equality toward beings.[1] (2) Smriti refers to the memory of lust, which the bodhisattva has eliminated along with the notion (samjna), meaning the past experience of craving holds no relevance for them.[2] (3) It is focused on objects of knowledge and is a component of what are called foundations of mindfulness.[3]
From: Bodhisattvacharyavatara
(1) The mindfulness or awareness that influences one's conduct and understanding within Buddhist practices.[4]
Hindu concept of 'Smriti'
Smriti in Hinduism encompasses a body of texts that are remembered and orally transmitted, providing guidance on laws, spiritual practices, ethical principles, and societal norms, serving as a secondary authority to the Vedas.
From: Brahma Sutras (Ramanuja)
(1) A category of texts that, along with Scripture and Purana, does not teach Nescience.[5] (2) This tradition is cited as stating that the soul draws the sense organs and mind to itself when transitioning between physical forms.[6] (3) Smriti, a body of Hindu tradition, declares that individuals enjoy rewards of their works and are reborn into excellent circumstances due to a remnant of their actions.[7] (4) Smriti, along with Reasoning, is used as a basis for refuting objections raised against the doctrine of Brahman, indicating its scriptural authority.[8] (5) Smriti, in conjunction with Shruti, asserts that all things partake in the essence of all other things, forming a basis for knowledge.[9]
From: Brahma Sutras (Shankaracharya)
(1) Smriti is a body of tradition that supports the idea that the highest Lord can appear in a manifested form through his Maya.[10] (2) This tradition shows that the Self is joined with an aggregate of eight, including breath, as its mark, and its bondage consists in being bound by it.[11] (3) Smritis, such as the Bhagavadgita, offer teachings that indicate how certain actions, like sacrifices, can serve as tools for gaining knowledge for those seeking liberation.[12] (4) The fact that stages requiring chastity are open to men whether they have reached householdership or not is known from scripture and Smriti.[13] (5) Smriti, like the Bhagavad Gita, makes analogous statements to Scripture, affirming that one enters the form of being constantly meditated upon at the end of life.[14]
From: Mundaka Upanishad with Shankara’s Commentary
(1) Smriti is a source that states Brahma is beyond the reach of the senses and cannot be grasped. This reference supports the description of Brahma's transcendental nature.[15] (2) A category of sacred texts that may be seen as excluded by the Vedas, which is under discussion in the context of Vidya.[16]
From: Kena upanishad (Madhva commentary)
(1) Texts that complement the Vedas, whose meanings are also clarified by Mimamsa.[17]
From: Taittiriya Upanishad
(1) Smriti is a body of scripture that further explains the processes of hearing (shruti) and reflection, clarifying that the Self should be studied through shruti and reflected upon in reason.[18] (2) The body of Hindu literature that incorporates traditional teachings and wisdom, which is based on the authority of the shruti.[19] (3) A category of remembering or memory that embodies traditional knowledge, which emphasizes the importance of gratitude and offers context for moral lessons.[20]
From: Taittiriya Upanishad Bhashya Vartika
(1) Smriti, alongside the primary sacred literature, provides instruction affirming the necessity of completing ritualistic duties before achieving the desired spiritual understanding.[21]
From: Brahma Sutras (Shankara Bhashya)
(1) Sutras 2. 1. 1-3 serve to reject the authority of the Smritis attributed to the Sankhya and Yoga schools when those texts contradict the evidence and pronouncements found within the primary scriptures.[22] (2) A body of Hindu scriptures that serve as a secondary authority to the Vedas, providing additional context and support for philosophical statements regarding the nature of existence and knowledge.[23] (3) The body of Hindu texts that are remembered and passed down through tradition, which the views of the Bauddha system go against.[24] (4) A category of Hindu texts that serve as a reference for legal and moral guidelines, whose authority is invoked in philosophical arguments.[25] (5) The category of Hindu scriptures that are remembered and recited, used to support views on spiritual practices and beliefs discussed in the text.[26]
From: Brihadaranyaka Upanishad
(1) The Smritis encompass all sacred literature that is distinct from the Vedas, also known as the Shrutis, and these texts derive their authoritative foundation directly from the teachings contained within the Shrutis.[27] (2) A collection of texts and rules that expand on the teachings of the Vedas, providing further insights into various aspects of life.[28]
From: Mandukya Upanishad (Gaudapa Karika and Shankara Bhashya)
(1) A category of sacred texts in Hinduism that offer teachings and stories, acknowledged as a source of knowledge for those prohibited from the Vedas.[29]
From: Katha Upanishad with Shankara’s Commentary
(1) A body of Hindu literature that provides guidance on spiritual matters, including the concepts of immortality and the permanence of the self until element absorption.[30]
From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi
(1) These are other scriptural texts that offer opinions on the ritualistic practice of wiping hands on Kusha-blades, suggesting the wiping should be done on the root-end.[31] (2) Smriti refers to a body of Hindu religious texts that are considered authoritative, and these texts provide guidelines on matters such as pledges and their use.[32] (3) Smritis are ancient Indian texts that contain religious and legal injunctions, which one cognisant of the law would have studied. Knowledge of Smritis is important for understanding legal matters related to deposits.[33] (4) The Smriti, a body of Hindu law and tradition, is mentioned in relation to a Shruti text, and the relationship between them is discussed regarding the permissibility of seeking death.[34] (5) Smritis are also sacred texts expounding laws, separate from the special law that may be acquired from common worldly matters.[35]
From: Hiranyakesi-grihya-sutra
(1) A category of Hindu scripture that includes the Grihya-sutras and is based on tradition, contrasting with Shruti which is considered divinely revealed.[36]
From: Sankhayana-grihya-sutra
(1) Refers to sacred texts based on memory and tradition, which may also be satiated.[37] (2) A category of Hindu sacred texts that are remembered and passed down, including epics, Puranas, and the Dharma Shastras.[38]
From: Apastamba Dharma-sutra
(1) A traditional body of Hindu scripture that aligns with opinions regarding the capabilities and rites of individuals based on their initiation.[39] (2) A body of texts that declare a Brahmana should be selected as a teacher or spiritual guide.[40]
From: History of Indian Medicine (and Ayurveda)
(1) Ancient texts that advise individuals to pursue righteousness with the utmost urgency, as if facing imminent death.[41]
From: Journal of Ayurveda and Integrated Medical Sciences
(1) Smriti, or memory, is the third component of Pragya, and disturbances in Smriti are associated with Pragyaapradh, a root cause of Janapadodhwamsa and the resulting environmental health concerns.[42] (2) Smriti is one of the three factors, along with Dhi and Dhriti, that affect Pragya, and these are known as pillar of it.[43] (3) It is trying to memorize the past incidences, as remembering the real nature of things helps one get rid of miseries and expose hidden conflicts.[44] (4) The term that has been attributed many meanings in the literature, its meaning in the context of Apasmara is Bhutartha Vijnana.[45] (5) This is one of the five Chittavrittis, and it refers to the ability to recall and the grasping capacity of the mind, which aids in learning and remembering.[46]
From: International Research Journal of Ayurveda and Yoga
(1) It means excellent memory and is an essential quality of a physician.[47] (2) A stage of Satvavajaya where memorizing past experiences which are happier and engaged with family members definitely provides an insight to the child, helping them feel comfortable without screen media.[48] (3) Acharya Charaka Explicitly Stated That Rasayana Transmits Smriti (Memory ).[49] (4) This is improved by Vacha and means memory, according to Ayurvedic classics and formulations.[50] (5) Retention and recollection capacity, a benefit of Rasayana, along with improved intellect and physical strength.[51]
From: Bhagavad-gita-rahasya (or Karma-yoga Shastra)
(1) Texts that complement the Shrutis, contributing to the traditions and doctrines upon which the Bhagavadgita's knowledge is expounded.[52] (2) The Smritis, written by figures like Manu, offer clear rules for how people should behave in worldly life, prescribing commandments for ethical conduct, though responsible persons may face situations where these rules conflict.[53] (3) Literature that is remembered, often referring to texts like the Manusmriti and Mahabharata, which provide guidance on ethics and duties.[54] (4) A term referring to a type of sacred text or scripture, notably the Bhagavadgita, with references appearing in Brahma-Sutras.[55] (5) 'Smriti' refers to the body of Hindu scriptures that outlines the duties and rituals to be followed by different social classes.[56]
From: Gautami Mahatmya
(1) Smritis are texts that individuals like Vamadeva and descendants of Bhrigu were proficient in, indicating their deep scriptural knowledge.[57]
From: Devi Bhagavata Purana
(1) Smriti is considered one of the eyes of God, and the text indicates that it, along with Shruti and Puranam, constitutes Dharma.[58] (2) The texts containing manuscripts on Hindu law, ethics, and Dharma which will be forgotten in Kali Yuga.[59] (3) Recollection; associated with memory and thought in the act of creation.[60] (4) Traditional texts that provide guidelines for rituals and ethical conduct, relevant to the use of Bhashma and Tripundras.[61]
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) The declarations of the Smritis state that earth is sacrifice, kine, water, and Soma, associating these elements with religious merit.[62] (2) These originated from the Srutis, and their scope again is very wide; eternal practices inculcated in these are falling into discontinuance and disappear totally.[63] (3) The Smritis, along with the Vedas and the practices of the good, are identified as sources of righteousness, suggesting that they provide guidance on righteous conduct and behavior, which is a key aspect of it.[64]
From: Vishnu Purana
(1) She is described as the wife of Angiras, and bore daughters named Sinivali, Kuhu, Raka, and Anumati, the phases of the moon.[65] (2) A bright-eyed and younger daughter of Daksha who was married to the Munis.[66]
From: Chaitanya Bhagavata
(1) These texts form the basis for fruitive activities, which are considered separate from the path of pure devotional service.[67] (2) The smritis are texts that have prescribed atonement for the offense of not offering obeisances to a sannyasi, detailing purification methods like fasting.[68] (3) The smritis contain topics of regulative devotional service and its associated rules, as described by Shri Vedavyasa.[69] (4) Smritis are part of the system followed by residents of India for worshiping the Lord, including rules and regulations found in scriptures like shrutis, Puranas, and Pancaratras.[70] (5) One of the scriptures used to conclude that varna should be ascertained according to taste, occupation, and nature.[71]
From: Bhakti-rasamrta-sindhu
(1) The mental function dedicated to retaining and recalling past perceptions, knowledge, or experiences that have been previously encoded.[72] (2) This is described as remembrance and is identified as a vyabhicari bhava.[73] (3) Refers to memory or recollection, which is important in the context of vyabhicari-bhavas.[74] (4) A vyabhicari-bhava related to memory or recollection affecting the hero's emotional state.[75] (5) A category of Hindu scriptures that include traditional texts and laws, complementing the Vedas.[76]
From: Bhajana-Rahasya
(1) the body of Vedic literature that is remembered.[77]
From: Garga Samhita (English)
(1) The object of the Smrti-castra, encompassing the body of human memory and tradition that supplements Sruti.[78]
From: Sri Krishna-Chaitanya
(1) A category of sacred Hindu texts that are derived from tradition and memory rather than direct divine revelation, including texts like the Puranas.[79]
From: Shakti and Shakta
(1) These are the limbs, while the Tantra Shastra is the Paramatma, the Vedas are the Jivatma, Darshana or systems of philosophy are the senses, and the Puranas are the body.[80] (2) Remembered knowledge that includes a broad spectrum of texts such as Puranas, Itihasas, and other authoritative writings that complement the Vedas.[81] (3) A category of sacred texts in Hinduism that is remembered and transmitted orally, including texts such as the Puranas and Dharma Shastras.[82]
From: Vakyapadiya of Bhartrihari
(1) Various Smritis, some with visible utility and others with invisible utility, have been propounded by sages well-versed in the Veda, based on the Veda with the help of indications.[83] (2) A term that refers to remembered knowledge; includes auxiliary sciences and cultural texts, related to the Veda.[84]
From: Yoga-sutras (with Bhoja’s Rajamartanda)
(1) A category of sacred hymns and texts that guide practices, including muttering and asceticism.[85]
From: Natyashastra (English)
(1) Smriti, or recollection, is remembering every condition of happiness and misery, and is caused by Determinants such as health, troubled night, disturbed sleep, seeing parallels, having an example, and thinking.[86]
From: Padarthadharmasamgraha and Nyayakandali
(1) Smriti, another form of scripture, also relies on the authoritative character of the speaker for its validity. The credibility of smriti is contingent upon the trustworthiness of the person or entity from whom it originates.[87]
From: Shukra Niti by Shukracharya
(1) Investigates castes and duties that align with Vedic principles, outlining moral and ethical standards.[88]
From: Kamashastra Discourse (Life in Ancient India)
(1) Literary works written in a more straightforward style that provide explanations and guidelines on Dharma and right action, with Manusmriti recognized as the oldest among them.[89]
The concept of Smriti in local and regional sources
Smriti refers to a category of Hindu texts, subordinate to Shruti, providing ethical guidance, local customs, and changing teachings over time. It encompasses traditions, laws, and writings that illustrate Vedic doctrines, often shaped by societal norms.
From: Triveni Journal
(1) These texts were used by Ramaraya to enrich Advaitic literature by supplying additional proofs, elevating them to the rank of Srutis and unearthing unnoticed secrets.[90] (2) A body of traditional texts that convey the essence of knowledge and understanding beyond logical reasoning.[91]
From: The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda
(1) The Smritis are the religious texts that have been replaced by popular customs, local usages, and observances prevalent among women, and the disciple is encouraged to write a Smriti in the manner of the ancient Rishis.[92] (2) The Smritis speak generally of local circumstances, of duties arising from different environments, and they change in the course of time, according to the provided text, and the Smritis will have an end.[93] (3) Social customs are barriers, some as founded upon the Smritis, but none from the Shrutis, which must change with time.[94] (4) These are subsequent writings that illustrate the doctrines of the Vedas, and they do not have the same weight as the Vedas, and must be rejected if they differ from the Vedas.[95] (5) Books written by sages, but whose authority is subordinate to that of the Vedanta, as they stand in the same relation with us as the scriptures of the other religions stand with regard to them.[96]
The concept of Smriti in scientific sources
Smriti encompasses memory and recollection in Ayurveda, influencing behavior and cognition. It highlights the role of past experiences in memory retention, emphasizing cognitive enhancement through Medhya Rasayana and its implications for mental health and behavior analysis.
From: Religions Journal (MDPI)
(1) Smrti is the Sanskrit term for remembrance or memory, and it is the Old Indic word from which the etymology of the word sati derives.[97]