A vast ocean of wisdom unfolds through two main categories: Shruti (“that which is heard”) and Smriti (“that which is remembered”). At first glance, these labels might seem like just academic jargon, but they serve as the backbone of Hindu spiritual literature.

Shruti
• Vedas: The Rig, Sama, Yajur and Atharva Veda stand as the oldest layers, offering hymns, rituals and philosophical insights.
• Brahmanas and Aranyakas: Ritual manuals and wilderness reflections that build bridges between ceremony and contemplation.
• Upanishads: Often called Vedānta (“end of the Veda”), these texts—like the Isha, Kena, Katha and Mundaka—dive headlong into concepts of Brahman (ultimate reality) and Ātman (self).

Smriti
• Itihāsas: The epics Ramayana and Mahabharata read like grand dramas of dharma and destiny. Within the Mahabharata sits the Bhagavad Gita, a poetic dialogue on duty and liberation that still tops bestseller lists on spiritual shelves worldwide.
• Purāṇas: Eighteen major works—such as the Vishnu, Shiva and Devi Purāṇas—offer mythic histories, genealogies of gods and practical advice on devotion.
• Dharmashastras: Manuals like Manusmriti sketch out codes of conduct, social duties and ethics. While some views feel dated today, these texts remain reference points in debates on law and justice.
• Agamas and Tantras: Particularly influential in temple architecture and ritual practice, these scriptures guide worship, yoga techniques and deity invocation.

Modern readers can see these writings come alive in digital forums—from the International Yoga Day celebrations at the United Nations echoing verses of the Gita, to smartphone apps streaming Sanskrit chants. Academic conferences from Harvard to Bengaluru continue debating how these ancient verses speak to climate ethics, AI and social justice.

What starts off feeling like the tip of the iceberg reveals deeper currents of philosophy, ritual and mythology—each layer inviting fresh reflection on dharma, karma and moksha.