ROLE OF SRUTI & SMRITI IN THE INDIAN LEARNING PROCESS

Hindu religious literature, the most ancient writings in the world, is of two types: primary scriptures (Sruti) and secondary scriptures (Smriti). The Sruti scriptures are of divine origin, whose truths were directly revealed to ancient rishis (sages) in their deep meditations. The Smriti scriptures are of human origin and were written to explain the Sruti writings and make them understandable and meaningful to the general population. Sruti scriptures include the four Vedas (Rig, Yajur, Sãma and Atharva) and the Bhagavad Gîtã, and constitute the highest religious authority in Hindu religion. Smriti scriptures include five distinct groups of writings:

• Itihãsas (History or Epics)
• Purãnas (Mythology)
• Dharma Shãstras Law Codes
• Ãgamas & Tantras Sectarian Scriptures.
• Darshanas Manuals of Philosophy

Traditional Indian learning process has emerged from the twin practices of Shruti and Smriti, i.e., Listening and Contemplation, the very basics of effective communication. The various scriptures have come down to modern through the process of these two methods. The various “complex Truths “of the world have been passed down form “mouth-to-ear” in an encrypted form – Shlokas. These have a basic meaning and several levels of deeper meanings.

Instead of writing them, they were told verbally.

When we listen we have both subjective aspect and objective aspect to the listening, (while when we read a written matter, the subjective aspect is most predominant). So each individual starts interpreting both subjectively and objectively in his own unique manner. There are discussions and debates and point of views which result in going deeper levels of understanding the “hidden secrets” through Smriti that is contemplation.

Everyone thus goes through the alternating cycle of Shruti and Smriti continuously like a communication loop.

It ensures that the learner identifies the subjectivity of his understanding and separates it from the objectivity of his understanding, thereby the ‘issue” from the “personality”

In the corporate world today there is an emphasis on Communication, especially effective listening. Many senior managers in spite of being “successful” seem to be poor listeners. Many a time, Corporate Communication has different interpretations with various managers. The cultivation of Shruti & Smriti methods is very useful in these contexts. In fact, Corporate Training is including such modules involving, reading, listening and contemplation Cases, more to develop soft skills than analytical skills.