SCRIPTURE AND TRADITION

AN INDIAN READING WITH THE ŚRUTI AND SMṚTI TEXTS

Abstract

It is a comparative study of the relation of the ‘Śruti and Smṛti’ literature of Hinduism with the Catholic position of ‘Scripture and Tradition,’ for a hermeneutical investigation. There is no question of duality among Śruti and Smṛti scriptures; just as śabda (word) cannot be separated from its artha (meaning), Śruti and Smṛti texts cannot be understood or interpreted independently of each other. Maintaining harmony of Śruti and Smṛti is the metaphysical jewel of religious wisdom that we can assimilate from the Hinduism. While Śruti gives Hinduism its identity and character, the Smṛti tradition represents its growth and development. Śruti represents the soul of Hinduism, the Smṛti tradition forms the body of Hinduism. One can find some striking similarities between the scripture and tradition of Catholic Church with Śruti and Smṛti texts of Hinduism. Both accept the importance of tradition in scripture. This similar position of the Catholic Church and the Hindu scriptures gives ample opportunity for Bible scholars and theologians of the Local Church for dialoguing with the Indian tradition for enriching and developing its own Scriptural Doctrines.