Sacred Texts of Sanatan Dharma

The Dharmic textual tradition divides into two categories: Shruti (that which is heard, i.e., the Vedas and Upanishads, regarded as eternal truths revealed to the Rishis) and Smriti (that which is remembered, i.e., the Bhagavad Gita, Epics, Puranas, and Agamas, composed by human authors to make Shruti accessible). Together, the Prasthanatrayi (Upanishads, Brahma Sutras, and Bhagavad Gita) form the core philosophical canon that every major commentator from Shankara to Ramanuja to Madhva interpreted.

Start with the Bhagavad Gita for a philosophical overview of karma, bhakti, and jnana. Move to the Upanishads for direct metaphysical inquiry into the nature of Brahman and Atman. Read the Puranas for narrative cosmology, genealogy of deities, and devotional context.