Theme 1 (Religious Figures & Sacred Texts)

Question 1

What are features of Shurti texts?

(examples of Shurti texts?)

Answer 1

+ oldest & most sacred
+ means ‘heard’
+ contain universal laws (words of the Gods)
+ used in ritual ceremonies
+ handed down orally
+ eventually written down

Question 2

What are the features of Smriti texts?

(examples of Smriti texts?)

Answer 2

• not as sacred but still important
• means ‘to remember’
• contain myths, symbolism, morals & stories
• popular w Hindus today
• easier to understand

(Bhagavad Gita, Itihasas, Puranas & Dharma Shastra)

Question 3

Importance of Shurti and Smriti texts and examples of each

Answer 3

Sh:(Vedas & Upanishads)
teaches puja
word of Brahman
contains laws

Sm:(Bhagavad Gita, Itihasas, Puranas & Dharma Shastra)
teaches behaviour
more likely to use

Question 4

Key facts about the Vedas

Answer 4

-oldest Hindu text
- Veda=’to know’
- “eternal and contains all knowledge
- contains ancient hymns of Aryans
- first revealed by God at the beginning of creation for the benefit on mankind

Question 5

How is the Vedas used?

Answer 5

+ in ritual ceremonies (RV)
+ source of wisdom & truth
+ sung at special sacrifices (SV)
+ guides priests (YV)
+ contains a wealth of knowledge

Question 6

What are the 4 books within the Vedas?

Answer 6

Rig Veda
- 1028 hymns
- most important source of knowledge about vedic religion & society

Sama Veda
- melodies & chants to be sung at special sacrifices

Yajur Veda
- handbook for priests to guide performance of rituals & sacrifices

Arthar Veda
- verses of magical formulae & early scientific knowledge
- regarded as inferior

Question 7

Why is the Vedas important to Hindus?

Answer 7

+ “The Vedas are the breath of God”
+ “symbol of unchallenged authority and tradition”
+ contain a wealth of knowledge about art, medicine, science & philosophy
+ lay down concept of almighty god, nature & deities