Shruti - That Which Is Heard
- Daniel McKenzie
- Sep 12
- 2 min read
Updated: Sep 25
In Vedanta, shruti (śruti) refers to the revealed scriptures — the Vedas — especially their philosophical culmination in the Upanishads. The word comes from the root śru, “to hear.” Unlike smriti (“that which is remembered”), which includes texts like the Mahabharata, Puranas, and Dharmashastras, shruti is considered apaurusheya — not of human origin. It was “heard” by ancient sages (rishis) in deep meditation and transmitted orally for centuries before being written down.
Shruti is the primary pramana (means of knowledge) for Brahman. The Self cannot be objectified by perception or inference, since it is the very subject that makes knowing possible. Only shruti has the authority to reveal what lies beyond sensory or intellectual reach. For this reason, Vedanta always anchors its teaching in the mahavakyas of the Upanishads, such as tat tvam asi (“you are That”) and aham brahmasmi (“I am Brahman”).
The role of shruti is not to command or legislate, but to reveal. Its authority lies in its unique domain: knowledge of the Self, which no other source can provide. Yet śruti does not function automatically; it must be unfolded by a qualified teacher and assimilated by a prepared student. Once Self-knowledge is firm, shruti has served its purpose, like a map that is set aside once the destination is reached.
In this way, shruti is revered as the very voice of truth. It is not worshiped as an idol, nor dismissed as poetry, but honored as the indispensable mirror in which the Self is revealed.
Root & Meaning
Śru = to hear.
Śruti = “that which is heard”; revealed scripture, the Vedas (esp. the Upaniṣads).
Scriptural References
Mundaka Upanishad (1.1.5): distinguishes higher (para) and lower (apara) knowledge, placing knowledge of Brahman (revealed in shruti) as the higher.
Brihadaranyaka Upanishad (2.4.10): “Atman is to be known only through shruti and the teaching of a guru.”
Bhagavad Gita (16.24): “Let shastra (here implying shruti) be your authority in determining what should and should not be done.”
Traditional View
Shruti is apauruṣeya (not authored by any person).
It is the highest authority in matters of Brahman and dharma.
Upanishads form the heart of shruti for Advaita Vedanta.
Vedantic Analysis
Shruti is a pramana — a unique means of knowledge revealing the Self.
Perception and inference cannot access Brahman; shruti alone points to it.
It must be unfolded by a guru and assimilated through shravana, manana, nididhyasana.
Its role ends when Self-knowledge is clear — the mirror is no longer needed once the face is seen.
Common Misunderstandings
That shruti is authored like any other book: It is considered revealed, not composed.
That shruti is optional: Without it, Self-knowledge has no pramāṇa.
That shruti can be understood without a teacher: Tradition insists on transmission (sampradaya) to avoid misinterpretation.
That shruti is merely historical literature: Its function is not cultural but revelatory.
Vedantic Resolution
Shruti is the foundation of Vedanta — the revelation of truth heard by the sages and preserved as the Upanishads. It is the indispensable means of knowledge for Brahman, a mirror that reflects the ever-free Self.
