Author: Shrikant Prasoon
Publisher: Pustak Mahal
Year: 2008
Language: English
Pages: 293
ISBN/UPC (if available): 81-223-1007-9
Description
The Vedas are the eternal source of knowledge from which all the other Hindu Scriptures originated. When we say eternal books of knowledge, it carries a sense of oneness with the Supreme Lord. Scriptures are the holy books of a religion that are pious and revered. All the religions in the world have one scripture each whereas Hinduism has many Scriptures. Hindu scriptures are divided into Shruti and Smriti. The Shruti is the primary authority and the Smriti is the secondary. The Shruti literally means what is heard. The great rishi of yore heard the eternal truth which was later compiled by the great rishi Veda Vyasa in the four Vedas –Rig Veda, Sama Veda, Yajur Veda and Atharva Veda.
Smritis on the other hand include Itihasas or epics, Puranas or chronicles, Agamas or the manuals of worship and Darshanas or the schools of philosophy. All these are the supreme books of human knowledge and form the foundation of Hindu religion.
Contents
Prayers
Hinduism — The Eternal Religion
Introduction to Scriptures
Vedas and Shrutis — Books of Knowledge
Vedas and Smritis — Hindu Scriptures
Smriti-Granthas
Nitishãstras
Grantha-Trai — The Quintessence of Hindu Scriptures
Hindus and Scriptures
Purification and Bliss by Scriptures