Scriptures

Question 0

What is smriti and give an example

Answer 0

Exciting stories about gods and goddesses, circulated by word of mouth, written by wise men so that ordinary people could understand them. They teach people religious principles, e.g. Bhagavad Gita

Question 1

What is shruti and give an example

Answer 1

Sacred books which Hindus believe God gave directly to wise men (seers). They are Vedas (hymns) and Upanishads (philosophical teachings), e.g. Rigvedas (most important + most used)

Question 2

What are the main features/important points about the Mahabharata?

Answer 2

This is the world’s longest poem, composed by Vyasa (2/3century BC). It is an argument between 2 royal families who both want to rule a kingdom (Hastinapura). The Kauravas cheat the Pandavas, but the Pandavas win in the end. Legend says Vyasa broke off Ganesh’s tusk to write what he said down

Question 3

What is the Bhagavad Gita and why is it important to Hindus?

Answer 3

The Bhagavad Gita is the most used part of the Mahabharata. It is a conversation between a Pandava (Arjun) and Lord Krishna on the battlefield, outlining key teachings of caste, duties, the soul and moksha. Most people read a few verses every day as it gives them guidance and comfort; ‘the song of the Lord’

Question 4

What is the Ramayana and why is it important to Hindus?

Answer 4

The Ramayana is an epic poem, one of the longest poems in the world, containing the Rama and Sita story. It contains important values on duties, faiths and relationships (due to the characters). If you read it daily ‘all [your] sins will be washed away’. It gives ideas and qualities of the characteristics we should aspire to have

Question 5

What is the Law of Manu?

Answer 5

The Laws of Manu is very long and complicated list of laws/rules that Hindus should live by, explaining the 4 stages (ashramas) and the 4 basic aims of life (Dharma, Artha, Kama, Moksha). It also contains explanations of the Varnas (social classes)

Question 6

What are the Upanishads?

Answer 6

The Upanishads are teachings on ideas of Brahman, Atman, Samsara and Moksha (200BCE) as part of the Vedas (Shruti texts) ; it literally means ‘to sit close by’.

Question 7

What are the Vedas?

Answer 7

The Vedas are teachings mostly used by priests (3500 years ago); there are 4 main Vedas, and it literally means ‘knowledge’. Each Veda has 4 main parts, incl Upanishads

Question 8

Give some Hindu uses of scriptures

Answer 8

• answer philosophical questions
• lead rituals/prayers / interpret ideas (priests)
• maintain traditions
• daily prayers for guidance/comfort/advice
• Ramayana guides for respect, duty + courage
• direct study - sacred thread/renunciation