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This literature differs from other sources of Hindu Philosophy, particularly [[Smrti (स्मृतिः)|smriti]] or 'remembered text', because of the purely divine origin of śruti. This belief of divinity is particularly prominent within the Mimamsa tradition. The initial literature is traditionally believed to be a direct revelation of the 'cosmic sound of truth' heard by ancient Rishis who then translated what was heard into something understandable by humans.

This literature differs from other sources of Hindu Philosophy, particularly [[Smrti (स्मृतिः)|smriti]] or 'remembered text', because of the purely divine origin of śruti. This belief of divinity is particularly prominent within the Mimamsa tradition. The initial literature is traditionally believed to be a direct revelation of the 'cosmic sound of truth' heard by ancient Rishis who then translated what was heard into something understandable by humans.

== श्रुति स्मृति भेद || Distinction between Shruti and Smriti ==

== श्रुति स्मृति भेद || Distinction between Shruti and Smriti ==

Both श्रुति || Shruti and [[Smrti (स्मृतिः)|स्मृति || Smriti]] represent categories of texts that are used to encapsulate Hindu Philosophy. However, they each reflect a different kind of relationship that can be had with this material. Śruti is considered solely of divine origin. Because of the divine origin, it is preserved as a whole, instead of verse by verse. Smriti on the other hand may include all the knowledge that has been derived and inculcated 'after' Śruti had already been received by the great seers or Rishis. In other words it is not 'divine' in origin, but was 'remembered' by later Rishis by transcendental means, and passed down though their followers. In some of the Smriti text itself, we are reminded of the divine nature of the Śruti texts, and are ever advised that in case of any conflict of interest between the two, the Śruti will always overrule Smriti.

Swami Sivananda says<ref name=":0" />: Both श्रुति || Shruti and [[Smrti (स्मृतिः)|स्मृति || Smriti]] represent categories of texts that are used to encapsulate Hindu Philosophy. However, they each reflect a different kind of relationship that can be had with this material. Śruti is considered solely of divine origin. Because of the divine origin, it is preserved as a whole, instead of verse by verse. Smriti on the other hand may include all the knowledge that has been derived and inculcated 'after' Śruti had already been received by the great seers or Rishis. In other words it is not 'divine' in origin, but was 'remembered' by later Rishis by transcendental means, and passed down though their followers. In some of the Smriti text itself, we are reminded of the divine nature of the Śruti texts, and are ever advised that in case of any conflict of interest between the two, the Śruti will always overrule Smriti.

 

== शास्त्र || Texts ==

== शास्त्र || Texts ==

Pre-eminent in śruti literature are the Four Vedas, which are also called the Samhita part of each veda:

Pre-eminent in śruti literature are the Four Vedas, which are also called the Samhita part of each veda:

The literature of the शाखा || shakhas, or schools, further amplified the material associated with each of the four core traditions.

The literature of the शाखा || shakhas, or schools, further amplified the material associated with each of the four core traditions.

The subject matter of the whole Veda is divided into Karma-Kanda, Upasana-Kanda and Jnana-Kanda. The Karma-Kanda or Ritualistic section deals with various sacrifices and rituals. The Upasana-Kanda or Worship section deals with various kinds of worship or meditation. The Jnana-Kanda or Knowledge-Section deals with the highest knowledge of Nirguna Brahman. The Samhitas and the Brahmanas constitute Karma-Kanda; the Aranyakas constitute Upasana-Kanda; and the Upanishads constitute Jnana-Kanda<ref>Swami Sivananda, All About Hinduism, Page 30-31</ref>. 

The subject matter of the whole Veda is divided into Karma-Kanda, Upasana-Kanda and Jnana-Kanda. The Karma-Kanda or Ritualistic section deals with various sacrifices and rituals. The Upasana-Kanda or Worship section deals with various kinds of worship or meditation. The Jnana-Kanda or Knowledge-Section deals with the highest knowledge of Nirguna Brahman. The Samhitas and the Brahmanas constitute Karma-Kanda; the Aranyakas constitute Upasana-Kanda; and the Upanishads constitute Jnana-Kanda<ref name=":0">Swami Sivananda, All About Hinduism, Page 30-31</ref>. 

== Role In Dharmic Law ==

== Role In Dharmic Law ==

Dharma being  a pluralistic philosophy allows for more than one interpretation of any

Dharma being  a pluralistic philosophy allows for more than one interpretation of any