The Smritis

The Smritis

Next in importance to the Sruti are the Smritis or secondary scriptures. These are the ancient sacred law-codes of the Hindus dealing with the Sanatana-Varnasrama-Dharma. They supplement and explain the ritualistic injunctions called Vidhis in the Vedas. The Smriti Sastra is founded on the Sruti. The Smritis are based on the teachings of the Vedas. The Smriti stands next in authority to the Sruti. It explains and develops Dharma. It lays down the laws which regulate Hindu national, social, family and individual obligations.

The works which are expressly called Smritis are the law books, Dharma Sastras. Smriti, in a broader sense, covers all Hindu Sastras save the Vedas.

The laws for regulating Hindu society from time to time are codified in the Smritis. The Smritis have laid down definite rules and laws to guide the individuals and communities in their daily conduct and to regulate their manners and customs. The Smritis have given detailed instructions, according to the conditions of the time, to all classes of men regarding their duties in life.

The Hindu learns how he has to spend his whole life from these Smritis. The duties of Varnasrama and all ceremonies are clearly given in these books. The Smritis prescribe certain acts and prohibit some others for a Hindu, according to his birth and stage of life. The object of the Smritis is to purify the heart of man and take him gradually to the supreme abode of immortality and make him perfect and free.

These Smritis have varied from time to time. The injunctions and prohibitions of the Smritis are related to the particular social surroundings. As these surroundings and essential conditions of the Hindu society changed from time to time, new Smritis had to be compiled by the sages of different ages and different parts of India.

THE CELEBRATED HINDU LAW-GIVERS

From time to time, a great law-giver would take his birth. He would codify the existing laws and remove those which had become obsolete. He would make some alterations, adaptations, readjustments, additions and subtractions, to suit the needs of the time and see that the way of living of the people would be in accordance with the teachings of the Veda. Of such law-givers, Manu, Yajnavalkya and Parasara are the most celebrated persons. Hindu society is founded on, and governed by, the laws made by these three great sages. The Smritis are named after them. We have Manu Smriti or Manava Dharma-Sastra (the Laws of Manu or the Institutes of Manu), Yajnavalkya Smriti and Parasara Smriti. Manu is the greatest law-giver of the race. He is the oldest law-giver as well. The Yajnavalkya Smriti follows the same general lines as the Manu Smriti and is next in importance to it. Manu Smriti and Yajnavalkya Smriti are universally accepted at the present time as authoritative works all over India. Yajnavalkya Smriti is chiefly consulted in all matters of Hindu Law. Even the Government of India are applying some of these laws.

There are eighteen main Smritis or Dharma Sastras. The most important are those of Manu, Yajnavalkya and Parasara. The other fifteen are those of Vishnu, Daksha, Samvarta, Vyasa, Harita, Satatapa, Vasishtha, Yama, Apastamba, Gautama, Devala, Sankha-Likhita, Usana, Atri and Saunaka.

The laws of Manu are intended for the Satya Yuga, those of Yajnavalkya are for the Treta Yuga; those of Sankha and Likhita are for the Dvapara Yuga; and those of Parasara are for the Kali Yuga.

The laws and rules which are based entirely upon our social positions, time and clime, must change with the changes in society and changing conditions of time and clime. Then only the progress of the Hindu society can be ensured.

NEED FOR A NEW LAW-CODE

It is not possible to follow some of the laws of Manu at the present time. We can follow their spirit and not the letter. Society is advancing. When it advances, it outgrows certain laws which were valid and helpful at a particular stage of its growth. Many new things which were not thought out by the old law-givers have come into existence now. It is no use insisting people to follow now those old laws which have become obsolete.

Our present society has considerably changed. A new Smriti to suit the requirements of this age is very necessary. Another sage will place before the Hindus of our days a new suitable code of laws. Time is ripe for a new Smriti. Cordial greetings to this age.

THE INNER VOICE OF DHARMA

He who is endowed with a pure heart through protracted Tapas, Japa, Kirtana, meditation and service of Guru and who has a very clear conscience, can be guided by the inner voice in matters of Dharma or duty or moral action. The inner voice that proceeds from a clean heart filled with Sattva is, indeed, the voice of God or Soul or Antaryamin or Inner Ruler. This voice is more than Smriti. It is Smriti of Smritis. Purify your heart and train yourself to hear this inner voice. Keep your ear in tune with the ‘voice’.

THE SRUTI AND THE SMRITI

The Sruti and the Smriti are the two authoritative sources of Hinduism. Sruti literally means what is heard, and Smriti means what is remembered. Sruti is revelation and Smriti is tradition. Upanishad is a Sruti. Bhagavad-Gita is a Smriti.

Sruti is direct experience. Great Rishis heard the eternal truths of religion and left a record of them for the benefit of posterity. These records constitute the Vedas. Hence, Sruti is primary authority. Smriti is a recollection of that experience. Hence, it is secondary authority. The Smritis or Dharma Sastras also are books written by sages, but they are not the final authority. If there is anything in a Smriti which contradicts the Sruti, the Smriti is to be rejected.

The Smritis: Guiding Principles for Righteous Living

The Smritis are an important part of Hindu sacred literature, providing practical guidance on ethics, social responsibilities, moral values, and righteous conduct. Unlike the Srutis, which are considered divine revelations, the Smritis are traditional texts composed by revered sages to explain how eternal spiritual principles can be applied in everyday life. They offer detailed guidance on personal discipline, family responsibilities, governance, education, and spiritual practices. Devotional India encourages readers to explore these timeless scriptures to better understand the values that have shaped Indian civilization and spiritual thought for centuries.

Understanding The Smritis begins with recognizing their purpose. These texts were written to help individuals live according to dharma, or righteous duty, in different stages of life and under various circumstances. They explain how moral values should guide daily actions while encouraging honesty, compassion, self-control, and respect for others. By presenting practical instructions rather than abstract philosophy alone, the Smritis make spiritual wisdom accessible and applicable to ordinary life. Their teachings continue to inspire ethical living across generations.

One of the greatest strengths of The Smritis is their focus on responsibility and character development. They emphasize that every individual has duties toward family, society, and the Divine. By performing these responsibilities with sincerity and integrity, people contribute to harmony within their communities while progressing spiritually. The Smritis encourage discipline, truthfulness, generosity, and respect for knowledge, reminding individuals that noble conduct is the foundation of lasting happiness. Devotional India highlights these teachings as valuable guidance for building a meaningful and balanced life.

The wisdom contained in The Smritis also promotes social harmony by encouraging fairness, justice, and mutual respect. These scriptures explain the importance of fulfilling obligations with honesty while treating others with kindness and compassion. Families become stronger when guided by respect and responsibility, while societies flourish when individuals act according to ethical principles. The timeless values found in these texts remain relevant even in today’s rapidly changing world because they address universal aspects of human behavior and relationships.

Studying The Smritis helps individuals understand the importance of discipline and self-improvement. These scriptures encourage people to control their thoughts, words, and actions while cultivating virtues such as patience, humility, gratitude, and forgiveness. By practicing these qualities consistently, individuals develop inner strength and emotional balance. The teachings remind readers that true success is measured not only by material achievements but also by moral character and spiritual growth. Devotional India encourages seekers to apply these timeless lessons in their daily lives.

Developing a deeper appreciation of The Smritis requires sincere study, reflection, and practical application. Reading these sacred texts alongside other spiritual scriptures helps readers understand the broader vision of Hindu philosophy. Discussions with knowledgeable teachers, meditation, and thoughtful contemplation further enrich this understanding. As individuals apply these teachings in everyday situations, they experience greater wisdom, confidence, and peace of mind while strengthening their connection with timeless spiritual values.

Spiritual traditions regard The Smritis as essential guides because they translate eternal truths into practical principles for daily living. Their teachings have influenced law, education, family life, and ethical conduct throughout Indian history while continuing to inspire modern seekers. By emphasizing responsibility, compassion, discipline, and devotion, these scriptures encourage individuals to live with purpose and integrity. Devotional India continues to share the wisdom of these sacred texts so readers can benefit from their enduring guidance and practical relevance.

In conclusion, The Smritis serve as valuable companions for anyone seeking to live a life rooted in righteousness, wisdom, and compassion. Their practical teachings on ethics, duty, and self-discipline continue to guide individuals toward personal excellence and spiritual fulfillment. By studying these timeless scriptures with sincerity and applying their lessons in everyday life, people can cultivate stronger character and lasting inner peace. Devotional India invites every seeker to explore The Smritis and discover the enduring wisdom that supports a life of harmony, responsibility, and spiritual growth.