A Classical Dictionary of Hindu Mythology and Religion, Geography, History, and Literature c5.1704

c5.1704

SMRITI. ‘What was remembered.’ Inspiration, as distinguished from Sruti, or direct revelation. What has been remembered and handed down by tradition. In its widest application, the term includes the Vedāngas, the Sūtras, the Rāmāyana, the Mahā-bhārata, the Purānas, the Dharma-sāstras, especially the works of Manu, Yājnawalkya, and other inspired lawgivers, and the Nīti-sāstras or ethics, but its ordinary application is to the Dharma-sāstras; as Manu says, “By Sruti is meant the Veda, and by Smriti the institutes of law,” ii. 10.