Eastern Wisdom + Contemplative AI
Which other Smritis exist besides the Manusmriti?
Within the Dharmashastra tradition, Manusmriti stands alongside a whole constellation of other Smritis that articulate social, legal, and moral norms. Among the most frequently cited are the Yajnavalkya Smriti and the Narada Smriti, both of which give detailed attention to legal procedure and the ordering of social life. The Vishnu Smriti, attributed to Vishnu, similarly weaves together dharma and social duties in a systematic way. Texts such as the Brihaspati Smriti and the Katyayana Smriti are also prominent, especially for their treatment of law, governance, property, and judicial matters. Together, these works show that the vision of dharma in the tradition was never confined to a single text, but unfolded through many voices and perspectives.
Alongside these, several other Smritis broaden the horizon of what counts as remembered law and ethical guidance. The Parashara Smriti, for example, is associated with teachings considered especially relevant for the present age, while the Daksha Smriti and Samvarta Smriti address social and religious duties in their own idiom. A number of early Dharmasutra traditions—such as those of Apastamba, Gautama, and Vasistha—came to be regarded as Smritis as well, extending the genre to include older, aphoristic treatments of ritual, law, and conduct. The Shankha–Likhita Smriti, presented as a joint composition, and texts like the Harita Smriti and Yama Smriti, further attest to the diversity of remembered teachings on dharma. Some of these works survive only in part or through later quotations, yet their continued citation in legal and ethical discussions suggests that the tradition perceived them as integral threads in the larger fabric of dharma.
Seen together, these Smritis form a layered and dialogical corpus rather than a single, monolithic authority. Each text emphasizes different aspects—ritual, social order, legal process, or ethical refinement—yet all participate in a shared endeavor to articulate how human beings might live in alignment with dharma. The presence of multiple Smritis invites a contemplative reading: instead of seeking one final code, the tradition offers a spectrum of perspectives, reflecting changing social conditions and spiritual sensibilities. In this way, the Smritis can be approached not merely as rigid law books, but as evolving reflections on how sacred memory informs just and harmonious living.