Shruti

/ˈʃruːti/ noun

Definition

In Hindu tradition, revealed sacred texts that are considered to be of divine origin and heard by ancient sages.

Etymology

From Sanskrit śruti meaning 'that which is heard,' from śru 'to hear.' This reflects the oral tradition of Vedic knowledge passed down through careful listening and recitation before being written.

Kelly Says

Shruti texts are considered so sacred that they must be transmitted exactly as heard, with precise pronunciation and intonation. This oral precision was so important that ancient Sanskrit developed sophisticated phonetic rules that influenced modern linguistics.

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