The Authority of the Bhagavad Gita as Shruti and the Yoga Sutras as Smriti
Patanjali's Yoga Sutras and the Bhagavad Gita
The spiritual landscape of Sanatana Dharma is built upon an expansive treasury of sacred texts, which are fundamentally categorized into Shruti (revealed wisdom) and Smriti (remembered traditions). Understanding the distinction between these classifications is vital for anyone diving deep into Eastern philosophy.
In this analytical study, Spanish expert Pedro Nonell explores the relationship between the poetic, dialogic wisdom of the Bhagavad Gita and the systematic, formal framework of Patanjali's Yoga Sutras. By contextualizing these texts through the non-dual insights of Advaita Vedanta and the modern interpretations of and Swami Vivekananda, we unlock accessible keys to spiritual evolution and divine realization.
Understanding Shruti and Smriti in Sanatana Dharma
Sanatana Dharma scriptures can be broadly divided into Shruti (that which is heard/revealed) and Smriti (that which is remembered).
Shruti (“that which is heard, that which is revealed”) refers to those scriptures that were “heard” or revealed to the Rishis in their deep meditation. These scriptures are considered the word of the Lord and are therefore considered Pramana (“the authority”).
Because it is the word of the Supreme, or Brahman, it does not have human authorship associated with it. Shruti includes the Vedas. Towards the end of the Vedas comes Vedanta, which includes the Upanishads.
Is the Bhagavad Gita Considered Shruti or Smriti?
In the Bhagavad Gita, Krishna uses concepts and even phrases from other Upanishads, particularly the Katho Upanishad. All the chapters of the Bhagavad Gita end like this:
The Author of the Bhagavad Gita and Vedanta is the Lord, his compiler was Veda Vyasa.
Smriti refers to those scriptures that have been written from memory and therefore necessarily have an author. Smriti includes the Yoga Sutras of and the Ithihasas (“the epics”).
From this point of view, it is not clear whether the Bhagavad Gita is Shruti or Smriti. If we take into account that the Bhagavad Gita is the central axis of the Mahabharata, which is one of the three Ithihasas (“what happened and is counted as such”), the other two being the Ramayana and the Puranas, strictly speaking it should be considered a Smriti.
However, since they are the words of the Lord incarnated as Sri Krishna; and which is also considered the essence of the Upanishads, is considered equivalent to a Shruti.
Therefore, the Bhagavad Gita (Shruti) is considered the highest authority on Sanatana Dharma scriptures. Although it is necessary to point out that some experts believe otherwise.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the main difference between Shruti and Smriti?
Shruti refers to eternal truths that were directly revealed to or "heard" by ancient Rishis during deep meditation; they carry absolute authority and have no human author. Smriti refers to text written down from memory by human authors, serving as an application of eternal truths within specific historical and cultural frameworks.
Why is the Bhagavad Gita classified as Shruti by some experts?
While the Bhagavad Gita is structurally a part of the Mahabharata epic (which is a Smriti text), it is widely treated with the status of Shruti because it contains the direct words spoken by God incarnate as Sri Krishna and encapsulates the ultimate essence of the Upanishads.
How do the teachings of Sri Ramakrishna and Swami Vivekananda apply to these texts?
Sri Ramakrishna harmonized the structural philosophies of these scriptures by realizing the single, underlying divine reality behind all paths. Swami Vivekananda practically applied these lessons to everyday life, translating the deep philosophy of the Yoga Sutras and the Bhagavad Gita into dynamic frameworks for personal development and service to God.
Conclusion
Navigating the dynamic layers of Hindu scripture reveals a harmonious balance between absolute truth and practical application. Whether approaching the Bhagavad Gita as timeless divine revelation or utilizing Patanjali's Yoga Sutras as an intellectual map for psychological mastery, both paths converge on a singular goal: conscious union with God.
Through the dedicated commentary, translations, and insights provided by Spanish expert Pedro Nonell, modern seekers can bridge old historical gaps, finding practical, living wisdom tailored to face the struggles of everyday life with unshakeable inner peace.
Bhagavad Gita recited in Spanish (Pedro Nonell) and Sanskrit (Dr Ghazal Srinivas)
- Philosophy of Yoga
- Raja Yoga
- Yoga Shastra
- Science of Yoga
- Spiritual Science (Para-vidya)
- Aphorisms (Sutras), verses (Shlokas, Bhagavad Gita)
- Style: Yoga Sutras (formal), Gita (poetry)
- Bhagavad Gita (dialogue), Yoga Sutras (scientific text)
- Non-repetition technique of the Yoga Sutras
- Length of the Bhagavad Gita and Sutras Patanjali
Course: Bhagavad Gita (according to Gandhi)
(c) Gita Institute & Pedro Nonell
