Śruti (scripture) facts for kids

Śruti (pronounced Shroo-tee) is a special collection of sacred Hindu texts. The word "Śruti" comes from Sanskrit and means "what is heard." These texts are very old and important in Hinduism.

Unlike most books, Śruti texts don't have a human author. Hindus believe they are like recordings of "cosmic sounds of truth." Ancient wise people, called rishis, heard these truths directly from God many thousands of years ago. Because of this, Śruti is considered "suprahuman" or beyond human creation.

What Is Śruti?

Śruti mainly includes the Vedas and the Agamas. These are two very important sets of knowledge in Hinduism. For a long time, these teachings were passed down orally, meaning people memorized and spoke them. Later, they were written down in the Sanskrit language.

These texts are highly respected and have been studied for centuries. They have led to many different ways of thinking and understanding the world. People also study and meditate on Śruti to find ancient wisdom within themselves.

How Śruti Is Used

Many sacred chants, called mantras, come from Śruti. These mantras are used in worship, both in public ceremonies and at home. They are also used for personal prayer and meditation.

It's amazing how much of Śruti has been kept safe and unchanged for thousands of years! This happened because teachers, called gurus, taught their students, or shishyas, word for word. Students would learn each verse in many different ways, even backwards, to make sure it was perfect.

Traditionally, Śruti is not just read. It is chanted following very exact rules for how to speak, the sound of your voice, and the rhythm. This way of chanting is believed to bring out the texts' greatest power. When these holy scriptures are chanted correctly, it is said to have a magical effect on the listener's soul.

See also

In Spanish: Śruti para niños