“The Vedas define Bharata and the Bharata is the Vedas”.
But the so-called “intelligent internet” created by some foolish intellectuals claims that “A Veda is a collection of poems or hymns composed in archaic Sanskrit by Indo-European-speaking peoples who lived in northwest India during the 2nd millennium.” The problem with historians is that they often try to predict things through an orthodox lens, completely neglecting or avoiding the actual truth. Sometimes, they are compelled to present certain conclusions because of political influences.
The Vedas were not merely poems, nor are they profound literary works. They were revealed to certain individuals possessing supreme intelligence, known as rishis. These beings are transcendent—they are above both humans and devas. They are neither sannyasis (renunciants) nor householders. They possess a unique and extraordinary power that allows them to create or destroy at will, and they are free from any form of bondage.
These rishis gifted humanity the Vedic mantras, which were not created by the musings of poets but were instead revealed during deep states of samadhi.
Classifications of Vedic Literature
The vedic knowledge comes from traditions. We classify the vedic scriptures into two categories:
Shruti Shastra – As the word implies, the disciples had to listen to and live by the words coming from the mouth of their Guru. In Jyotisha, it is said that Guru Tatva is the principle that binds everything together. It is the Akasha Tatva that pervades the entire creation. By listening to the words imparted by the external Guru, one day the inner Guru awakens, leading the disciple to higher states of consciousness.
Smriti Shastra – It refers to the norms, rules, and regulations that a society must follow. Every society undergoes various stages and eventually experiences transformation. It is not always necessary to adhere strictly to these rules; sometimes, it may be better to discard them altogether.
The body and the soul are both indications of truth. We change the body in order to transform ourselves and align with the soul’s journey. When liberation is achieved, the individual soul merges with the Supreme Soul or Paramatma. Smriti Shastra plays a vital role in supporting the journey of the soul through its cycles of transmigration.
The Smritis evolve and change according to the varying levels of human consciousness and the needs of society.