3 - Important Texts - Post-Vedic Texts

Question 1

What are Smrrti (Post-Vedic Sanskrit Texts)?

Answer 1

Smrrti means ‘remembered’.

This refers to scriptures that have recorded and transmitted the words of great sages and were composed after the Vedic literature.

Question 2

Name 4 Smrrti (Post-Vedic Sanskrit Texts)

Answer 2

a. Vedaanmgas
b. Suatras
c. Manusmrrti
d. Puraan-as

Question 3

Tell me about Vedaanmgas

Answer 3

The six Vedaanmgas are the ‘limbs of the Veda.’
They support the Veda:

1. szikswaa describes its pronunciation
2. chandas, with metre and singing of verses
3. nirukta, etymology
4. vyaakaran-a, the science of grammar
5. jyotiswa, the science of astronomy and planetary influence
6. kalpa, ritual.

Question 4

What are Suutra Texts?

Answer 4

In Sanskrit scientific texts, many concepts are expressed in
suutras, very short statements that set forth a systematic formulation of a science.

There are many types of scientific texts, such as those on medicine, mathematics, music, architecture and archery.

Question 5

Name three Suutra texts?

Answer 5

Paan-ini’s treatise on vyaakaran-a, or Sanskrit grammar.
Patañjali’s Yogasuutras
Brahmasuutras

Question 6

Tell me about Paan-ini’s treatise on vyaakaran-a, or
Sanskrit grammar.

Answer 6

In this text, about four thousand suutras are used to describe all of
Sanskrit grammar.

The suutras simplify the grammar.

They show that all Sanskrit words are derived from a few simple dhaatus, or roots and an even simpler system of pratyayas, or endings.

Question 7

Tell me about Patañjali’s Yogasuutras

Answer 7

Patañjali’s Yogasuutras, established and formalized the system of yoga.

Yoga’s main aim is to quiet unnecessary mental activity.

Question 8

Tell me about Brahmasuutras

Answer 8

Brahmasuutras systematised the various types of vedaanta teaching in the Upaniswads.

Question 9

What are SZaastra works?

Answer 9

SZaastra works are texts that teach a particular discipline.

Question 10

Tell me about Manusmrrti

Answer 10

Manusmrrti belongs to a class of texts known as szaastras.

Manusmrrti, or The Laws of Manu, provides the system of dharma, or law.

Dharma can be thought of as the way in which the creation is justly
organised, the great order of the universe.

The Laws of Manu discusses the laws of right and wrong, the duties of men of different callings and at different times of life.

Thus, The Laws of Manu can be classed as szaastra that teaches dharma.