Write a short note on Shruti and Smriti.

Shruti and Smriti are two categories of sacred texts in Hinduism that form the basis of religious teachings, spiritual guidance, and ethical principles.

Shruti, which means "heard" or "revealed," refers to scriptures believed to have been directly revealed to ancient sages or Rishis through divine inspiration. The Vedas, including the Rigveda, Samaveda, Yajurveda, and Atharvaveda, are considered the primary sources of Shruti literature. These texts contain hymns, chants, rituals, and philosophical insights that form the foundation of Hindu religious practices and spiritual knowledge.

Smriti, meaning "remembered" or "tradition," refers to secondary scriptures derived from human memory and authored by sages and scholars. Smriti texts include the epics such as the Mahabharata and the Ramayana, as well as the Puranas, Dharmashastras, and other texts that elaborate on religious rituals, moral codes, and societal norms. While Smriti texts are considered less authoritative than Shruti, they provide practical guidance on dharma (righteousness), karma (action), and social conduct.

Together, Shruti and Smriti constitute the scriptural basis of Hinduism, offering spiritual guidance, moral teachings, and philosophical insights that shape religious beliefs and practices across diverse Hindu traditions.