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smriti = To remember = systemic points. sruti = To sing = meteric,phonetics sastram = To explain concept sutras = formulas = concise mneomic

story = narrative question and answer = dilaogue

contemporary treatise

Two types

  • smriti/sastram
  • sruti/sutras Smriti/sastram refers to texts that are remembered by sages and scholars, based on divine knowledge revealed in Shruti. They are more systematic in structure and provide practical guidance.

Purpose: To organize, codify, and apply the teachings of Shruti in daily life, laws, ethics, rituals, and social conduct.

sruti/sutras Form: Metre-based, often using sacred sounds (mantras) with specific phonetic structures that resonate with spiritual power.

from sruti to sastram = contemporary from sastram(concept) to sruti(remember) = treatsuires.

explain = Q&A,line to line,story,formula,examples

4 purshotams

  • dharma
  • artha
  • kama
  • moksha

dharma

  • Manusmriti
  • Mahabharata (especially the Bhagavad Gita),
  • Ramayana
  • Dharma Shastras
    • sutras
      • gautama
      • apastamba
      • baudhayana
      • vasistha
    • sastras
      • manusmriti
      • vajnavalkya smriti
      • naradasmriti
      • vishnusmiti

# artha

  • Arthashastra by Kautilya (Chanakya),
  • Mahabharata (Shanti Parva),
  • Smriti literature
  • kamandakiya nitiastra
  • brinaspati sutra
  • sukra niti
  • hitopadesa

kama

  • Kamasutra by Vatsyayana
  • Natyashastra
  • literature on aesthetics (Rasa Shastra)
  • ratirahasya
  • jayamangale
  • smaradipika
  • ratimanjari
  • anganga ranga

moksha

  • Upanishads
  • Bhagavad Gita
  • Yoga Sutras by Patanjali
  • Brahma Sutras
  • Vedanta texts

5 - medicine - technology - language

vedavesavaya

prerequirments

  • 6 vedangas

  • vedas

  • itihasas
    • mahabharata
    • ramayanam
  • puranas
    • 18 mahapuranas
    • 18 upapuranas

The 18 Puranas are ancient Hindu texts that describe cosmology, mythology, genealogy, dharma, and history. They are classified into three groups based on the three gunas (qualities): Sattva (goodness), Rajas (passion), and Tamas (ignorance).

  1. Sattva Puranas (Vaishnavite)

These focus on Vishnu and are inclined towards promoting the quality of goodness:

  1. Vishnu Purana – Deals with Vishnu's incarnations, the creation of the universe, and dharma.

  2. Bhagavata Purana – Stories of Krishna and his devotees, spiritual wisdom, and liberation.

  3. Narada Purana – Covers devotion (bhakti), rituals, and the glory of Vishnu.

  4. Garuda Purana – Describes afterlife, karma, and rituals for the departed.

  5. Padma Purana – Details creation, geography, and the significance of pilgrimages.

  6. Varaha Purana – Focuses on Vishnu's Varaha (boar) avatar and cosmic order.


  1. Rajas Puranas (Brahma-related)

These emphasize Brahma and foster the quality of passion: 7. Brahma Purana – Describes creation, geography, and legends of temples. 8. Brahmānda Purana – Talks about time cycles (kalpas), genealogies, and future predictions. 9. Brahmavaivarta Purana – Devoted to Krishna, Radha, and creation myths. 10. Markandeya Purana – Highlights dharma, includes the Devi Mahatmya (glory of the goddess Durga). 11. Bhavishya Purana – Contains prophecies and historical legends. 12. Vamana Purana – Celebrates Vishnu's Vamana (dwarf) incarnation and sacred sites.


  1. Tamas Puranas (Shaivite)

These center around Shiva and promote the quality of ignorance, often focusing on destruction and transformation: 13. Shiva Purana – Describes Shiva’s greatness, his cosmic dance, and his devotees. 14. Linga Purana – Explores the symbolism of the Shiva Linga and cosmic cycles. 15. Skanda Purana – The longest Purana, dedicated to Kartikeya (Skanda), Shiva’s son. 16. Agni Purana – A compilation of knowledge on various topics, including cosmology, medicine, and dharma. 17. Matsya Purana – Narrates the story of Vishnu's Matsya (fish) avatar and the great flood. 18. Kurma Purana – Focuses on Vishnu's Kurma (tortoise) avatar and cosmic functions.


Key Themes in the Puranas:

  1. Creation and Destruction: Cosmology and cyclic time.

  2. Genealogies: Lineages of gods, sages, and kings.

  3. Mythological Stories: Tales of deities and their interactions with humans.

  4. Dharma: Ethical and spiritual teachings.

  5. Geography and Pilgrimage: Sacred places and their significance.

These texts collectively form the backbone of Hindu mythology and religious practices.

Here’s the updated and expanded list with Abhidhamma and author names where applicable:


Dharma

  1. Manusmriti (Manu)

  2. Mahabharata (Vyasa)

Bhagavad Gita (part of Mahabharata)

  1. Ramayana (Valmiki)

  2. Dharma Shastras

Sutras:

Gautama Dharma Sutra (Gautama)

Apastamba Dharma Sutra (Apastamba)

Baudhayana Dharma Sutra (Baudhayana)

Vasistha Dharma Sutra (Vasistha)

Sastras:

Manusmriti (Manu)

Yajnavalkya Smriti (Yajnavalkya)

Narada Smriti (Narada)

Vishnu Smriti (Vishnu)

  1. Mitakshara (Vijnaneswara)

  2. Parashara Smriti (Parashara)

  3. Mahapuranas (e.g., Vishnu Purana, Shiva Purana)

  4. Nyaya Sutras (Gautama)

  5. Rajadharma (sections in Shanti Parva and Manusmriti)


Artha

  1. Arthashastra (Kautilya/Chanakya)

  2. Mahabharata (Shanti Parva) (Vyasa)

  3. Smriti Literature

  4. Kamandakiya Niti Shastra (Kamandaka)

  5. Brihaspati Sutra (Brihaspati)

  6. Sukra Niti (Shukracharya)

  7. Hitopadesa (Narayana Pandit)

  8. Nitishastra (Bhartrihari)

  9. Brihaspati Artha Shastra (Brihaspati)

  10. Panchatantra (Vishnu Sharma)

  11. Dasharatha Jataka (Buddhist Literature)


Kama

  1. Kamasutra (Vatsyayana)

  2. Natyashastra (Bharata Muni)

  3. Literature on Aesthetics (Rasa Shastra)

  4. Ratirahasya (Kokkoka)

  5. Jayamangala (Yashodhara)

  6. Smaradipika (Unknown author)

  7. Ratimanjari (Jayadeva)

  8. Anangaranga (Kalyanamalla)

  9. Gita Govinda (Jayadeva)

  10. Sringara Tilaka (Unknown author)

  11. Mohana Tarangini (Unknown author)


Moksha

  1. Upanishads (Various sages)

  2. Bhagavad Gita (Vyasa)

  3. Yoga Sutras (Patanjali)

  4. Brahma Sutras (Badarayana/Vyasa)

  5. Vedanta Texts (Adi Shankaracharya and others)

  6. Yoga Vashistha (Valmiki)

  7. Ashtavakra Gita (Ashtavakra)

  8. Taittiriya Upanishad (Sage Bhrigu and others)

  9. Mandukya Upanishad with Karika (Gaudapada)

  10. Bhagavata Purana (Vyasa)

  11. Tripura Rahasya (Dattatreya)


Abhidhamma (Buddhist Philosophy)

  1. Dhammasangani (Sangiti literature compiled in the Theravada tradition)

  2. Vibhanga (Theravada tradition)

  3. Dhatukatha (Analysis of Elements)

  4. Puggalapannatti (Descriptions of Individuals)

  5. Kathavatthu (Points of Controversy, attributed to Moggaliputta-Tissa)

  6. Yamaka (The Book of Pairs)

  7. Patthana (The Book of Relations)

Authors for the Abhidhamma Pitaka are traditionally unknown, but it is attributed to Buddhist monastic councils and considered canonical in the Theravada Buddhist tradition.


Cross-Purushartha (Overlapping Texts)

  1. Shanti Parva and Anushasana Parva of the Mahabharata (Vyasa)

  2. Harivamsa Purana (Vyasa)

  3. Ramcharitmanas (Tulsidas)

Let me know if you need further refinements!

Here is a curated list of English translations and versions of the mentioned texts, so you can explore them further:



These books should provide both primary texts and accessible explanations for deeper understanding. Let me know if you want links or more specific recommendations!

Here is an overview of each book in your list, grouped by Dharma, Artha, Kama, Moksha, and Abhidhamma:


Dharma

Manusmriti

An ancient legal text attributed to Manu. It outlines laws, ethics, caste duties, and social order in Vedic society. Known for its influence on Hindu law.

  • Manu’s Code of Law: A Critical Edition and Translation of the Manava-Dharmasastra by Patrick Olivelle

Mahabharata

An epic attributed to Vyasa. It discusses dharma, governance, war, and philosophy, with key sections like Shanti Parva (governance) and Bhagavad Gita (spiritual guidance).

  • The Mahabharata (10-volume translation) by Bibek Debroy

Ramayana

Attributed to Valmiki, it narrates the life of Rama, exploring themes of dharma, duty, and relationships. It provides moral and ethical guidelines.

  • The Ramayana of Valmiki: An Epic of Ancient India (7 volumes) by Robert P. Goldman and Sheldon I. Pollock

Dharma Shastras

Gautama Dharma Sutra: Early work focusing on legal and ritual practices. Apastamba Dharma Sutra: Discusses laws, ethics, and daily rituals. Baudhayana Dharma Sutra: Includes laws and practices, with special focus on penance. Vasistha Dharma Sutra: Addresses laws, asceticism, and moral conduct.

Yajnavalkya Smriti: Focuses on civil law and justice. Narada Smriti: Concentrates on legal disputes and justice administration. Vishnu Smriti: Combines law and ritual practices.

  • The Dharmasutras: The Law Codes of Ancient India by Patrick Olivelle

Mitakshara

A commentary by Vijnaneswara on the Yajnavalkya Smriti, forming the basis of Hindu law in many regions of India.

Parashara Smriti

Focuses on laws suitable for the Kali Yuga, emphasizing dharma in challenging times.

  • The Laws of Manu and the Laws of Parashara (combined works, various publishers)

Mahapuranas

Mythological texts such as the Vishnu Purana and Shiva Purana that provide stories and guidelines for dharmic living.

18 mahapuranas divided into three. 1.Sattva/vishu/preservation/goodness 2.Rajas/brahma/creation/passion 3.Tamas/shiva/destruction/ignorance

  • The Vishnu Purana translated by H.H. Wilson
  • The Shiva Purana by Dr. Shantilal Nagar

Nyaya Sutras

Attributed to Gautama, this is a foundational text on logic, reasoning, and epistemology.

  • The Nyaya Sutras of Gautama translated by Ganganath Jha

Rajadharma

Sections in the Mahabharata (Shanti Parva) and Manusmriti discuss the duties of kings and governance.


Artha Arthashastra

Attributed to Kautilya (Chanakya), this is a treatise on statecraft, economics, and military strategy.

  • The Arthashastra by Kautilya, translated by R. Shamasastry

Kamandakiya Niti Shastra

A text on political ethics and diplomacy by Kamandaka.

  • Kamandakiya Niti Shastra: Principles of Politics (Niti-Shastra), some translated sections available in compilations.

Brihaspati Sutra

An early work focusing on economics, law, and governance.

Sukra Niti

Attributed to Shukracharya, this text provides guidance on politics, diplomacy, and governance.

Hitopadesa

Written by Narayana Pandit, it provides moral and practical lessons through stories.

  • The Hitopadesa: A New Translation from the Sanskrit Text by Francis Johnson

Nitishastra by Bhartrihari

A poetic treatise discussing ethics and governance.

Panchatantra

A collection of animal fables by Vishnu Sharma, imparting wisdom on practical life and governance.

  • The Panchatantra by Arthur W. Ryder

Dasharatha Jataka

A Buddhist text offering lessons on rulership and ethics through the story of Dasharatha. - Jataka Tales translated by E.B. Cowell


Kama

Kamasutra

Written by Vatsyayana, it is the foundational text on love, intimacy, and relationships, exploring the art of living.

  • The Complete Kamasutra by Alain Daniélou

Natyashastra

Attributed to Bharata Muni, it discusses performing arts, aesthetics, and rasa (emotions), extending into love and beauty.

  • The Natyashastra: English Translation with Critical Notes by Adya Rangacharya

Ratirahasya

Written by Kokkoka, it explores the secrets of love and intimacy.

  • The Secrets of Love (Ratirahasya) by Kokkoka, translated in excerpts by various authors.

Jayamangala

A commentary on the Kamasutra by Yashodhara.

Smaradipika

A lesser-known text on love and aesthetics.

Ratimanjari

A poetic work by Jayadeva exploring themes of love and intimacy.

Anangaranga

By Kalyanamalla, this text elaborates on love and marital relationships.

  • The Ananga Ranga: The Stage of Love by Kalyanamalla, translated by Richard Burton

Gita Govinda

A devotional and sensual poem by Jayadeva, focusing on the relationship between Radha and Krishna.

  • Gita Govinda of Jayadeva: Love Song of the Dark Lord by Barbara Stoler Miller

Sringara Tilaka

A poetic text celebrating romantic and aesthetic emotions.

Mohana Tarangini

A text discussing love and aesthetics.


Upanishads

Philosophical texts discussing the nature of reality, self (Atman), and ultimate liberation (Moksha).

  • The Principal Upanishads by S. Radhakrishna

Bhagavad Gita

A part of the Mahabharata, this dialogue between Krishna and Arjuna explores dharma, devotion, and paths to liberation.

  • The Bhagavad Gita (standalone translations):By Swami Prabhupada (Bhagavad Gita As It Is)

Yoga Sutras

By Patanjali, these sutras outline the principles of yoga and meditation for spiritual liberation.

  • The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali by Swami Satchidananda

Brahma Sutras

Attributed to Badarayana/Vyasa, these aphorisms discuss Vedanta philosophy and the nature of Brahman. - The Brahma Sutras: With Commentary by Adi Shankaracharya translated by Swami Sivananda

Vedanta Texts

Commentaries by sages like Adi Shankaracharya explaining the non-dual nature of reality.

  • Crest Jewel of Discrimination (Vivekachudamani) by Adi Shankaracharya, translated by Swami Prabhavananda

Yoga Vashistha

A dialogue between Sage Vashistha and Rama on self-realization and the illusory nature of the world. - The Concise Yoga Vasistha translated by Swami Venkatesananda

Ashtavakra Gita

A philosophical treatise emphasizing Advaita Vedanta and the realization of the self. - Ashtavakra Gita: The Heart of Awareness by Thomas Byrom

Taittiriya Upanishad

Focuses on the layers of existence and the pursuit of bliss (Ananda).

Mandukya Upanishad with Karika

Attributed to Gaudapada, it explores non-duality and the nature of consciousness. - Gaudapada’s Karika on the Mandukya Upanishad by Swami Nikhilananda Bhagavata Purana

A devotional text emphasizing bhakti (devotion) as a path to liberation.

Tripura Rahasya

A dialogue exploring consciousness, Advaita philosophy, and liberation.

- The Mystery Beyond the Trinity (Tripura Rahasya) by Swami Sri Ramananda

Abhidhamma (Buddhist Philosophy)

Dhammasangani

Analyzes mental states and their classifications.

Vibhanga

Explores the nature of mental factors and reality.

Dhatukatha

Analyzes the elements (dhatus) of existence.

Puggalapannatti

Categorizes individuals based on mental and ethical qualities.

Kathavatthu

Attributed to Moggaliputta-Tissa, it discusses philosophical debates and controversies.

Yamaka

A text in pairs, analyzing concepts systematically.

Patthana

Discusses causal relations, forming the foundation of Abhidhamma philosophy.

medicine

  1. Charaka Samhita

Title: Charaka Samhita: Handbook on Internal Medicine

  1. Sushruta Samhita

Title: Sushruta Samhita: The Compendium of Surgery

  1. Ashtanga Hridaya

Title: Ashtanga Hridaya: The Heart of Medicine

  1. Ashtanga Sangraha

Title: Ashtanga Sangraha: The Comprehensive Medicine Guide

  1. Bhela Samhita

Title: Bhela Samhita: Ancient Treatise on Medicine

  1. Kashyapa Samhita

Title: Kashyapa Samhita: Pediatrics and Obstetrics in Ayurveda

  1. Madhava Nidana

Title: Madhava Nidana: The Diagnosis of Diseases

Rasashastra (Alchemy and Medicine)

  1. Rasaratna Samuchchaya

Title: Rasaratna Samuchchaya: A Compendium of Alchemy

  1. Rasarnava

Title: Rasarnava: The Ocean of Alchemy

  1. Bhavaprakasha

Title: Bhavaprakasha: Encyclopedia of Medicinal Plants

  1. Sharngadhara Samhita

Title: Sharngadhara Samhita: Ayurvedic Pharmaceutics

  1. Yoga Sutras of Patanjali

Title: The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali: Teachings on Mental and Physical Health

  1. Hatha Yoga Pradipika

Title: Hatha Yoga Pradipika: Guide to Yogic Practices


Let me know if you want further details on any of these!

Here are the book titles of the most notable sastras for medicine:

These are the common English renderings of the titles. Let me know if you're looking for the original Sanskrit versions or commentaries!