Theme 1C : Sacred Texts Flashcards
What are the 2 types of Hindu sacred text?
Smirti and Shruti texts.
What is a Smriti text?
Smriti texts are myths and stories which are easier to understand, they are popular in modern day Hinduism. They aren’t as sacred but still important. They are written by Rishis based on what had already been revealed. Examples of this type of text are the Bhagavad Gita and the Purunas.
What is a Shruti text?
Shruti texts are generally considered to be the oldest and most sacred of the Hindu texts. They were handed down orally before being written down. These texts are words of the Gods, not humans. They were heard by Rishis who had direct contact with the Gods. Examples of this type of text are the Vedas and the Upanishads.
What is the Mahabharata?
The Mahabharata is the longest epic in the world and was originally written in sanskrit between 400 BCE and 400 CE. It tells the story of the war between the Pandavas and the Kauravas. Tells the story of Krishna and Arjuna; the dilemma and the advice. The Pandavas win the battle and rein for a number of years.
What are the Mahabharata’s teachings?
It teaches:
*Morals & ethics
*Dharma - not for selfish gain but for selflessness. This reminds Hindus of social responsibilities .
*Justice & fairness - evil being overcome at all costs.
*Legitimate use of violence.
What is the Ramayana?
The Ramayana is an ancient Sanskrit epic which follows Prince Rama’s quest to rescue his beloved wife Sita from the clutches of Ravana with the help of an army of monkeys.
What are the Ramayana’s teachings?
It teaches:
* moral values & ethics
* ideal brother relationship - Lakshmana gave up is status as prince to live in exile with Rama.
* Importance of honouring a promise - Dashrath weakened on his promise. Rama reminded him the value of a promise.
- Rama didn’t want to dishonour his father by breaking promise to Kaikeyi -shows love and devotion to parents (the ideal son).
*Rama and sita are role models in developing divine qualities : Rama - associated with dharma in thoughts, words and actions. Sita - embodiment of purity, patience, devotion and idealistic daughter, mother and wife. Hanuman - shows courage strength and selfless service. Lakshmana - shows selfless caring.
What are the vedas?
The vedas are the most important sacred text. They were transmitted orally for many generations from the beginning of Hinduism and are still around, now in written form, in the present day. There are many Vedas such as : Yajur Veda, Sama Veda and Rig Veda. They are a source of knowledge, wisdom and vision.
What is the Yajur Veda?
Yajur Veda is the handbook for priests for worship and Yajna sacrifice.
What is the Sama Veda?
Sama Veda contains chants and melodies sung during worship. It is also used when performing Yajna sacrifice.
What is the Rig Veda?
The Rig Veda is the most important and oldest of the Vedas. It consists of Hymns and contains Purusha Sukta which is a description of the spiritual unity of the universe. It also deals with worship, asking for health and rites of passage.
Why are the sacred texts still relevant in today’s world?
- They contain important teachings.
- Still used for religious rituals.
- Used to teach morals & values to children.
- Still popular, some have been made into films.
Why are the sacred texts not relevant in today’s world?
- Some texts are ancient, could be considered outdated.
- Shruti texts were passed down orally for many years, this could mean they are less reliable.
