Hindu religion prides on flexibility through the variety of scriptures compiled over thousands of years. These were before the Gregorian calendar. There are scriptures associated with the varied name and forms. They weave significance and importance into mythological stories. These scriptures are the puranas (old) and ithihaasa (description of past events). There are major puranas and minor puranas. The major puranas have a significant element of spiritual content in them. Likewise, segments of the past events (ithihaasa) have spiritual gems embedded. The stories describe the reason for the creation or manifestation of a certain deity, the devotion or valor exhibited to overcome evil. Festivals are to celebrate the victory or recognition of an event.
There is a separate category of ancient sources written with a focus on aspects of practices for wellbeing, medicinal characteristics in plants, astronomy, astrology, and so on. Proponents of these topics also refer to them as scriptures.
Then there are the Vedas, the revered source of knowledge for Hindus. These are primordial, listened to, and transmitted. We can divide the Vedas into four segments – benedictions or mantras, ceremonies and sacrifices, commentaries on the sacrifices, and the Upanishads, which is the repository of spiritual knowledge.
It is to be acknowledged that some practices and beliefs, even in the Vedas, were contextual, better suited to a particular geography and time period. This is where Upanishads shine above the rest. By pivoting on spiritual knowledge, they peel the covers off and destroy all boundaries. It is like seeing an ornament but also the gold behind it and recognizing the relationship between the two. Upanishads have universal applicability and go beyond the realm of an organized set of practices or religions. Gita came through later but gains even more credence as it is the nectar extracted from the Upanishads.
The other authoritative scripture that combines the wisdom of Gita and Upanishads through aphorisms is the Brahma Sutras. This is another magnum opus of spirituality.
In the last two thousand years, learned seers wrote interpretations, summaries, and purports of the various texts, including the Upanishads, Gita and the Brahma Sutras. Schools of Philosophies emerged, each with their own perspective. Non-duality, qualified and realistic Non-duality and Duality are the main philosophical branches.
Tradition or sampradaya, Theism or asthika, and muth or religion took various elements from the above sources and integrated them into daily practices. This way, doctrines become part of one’s life with no separate endeavor to learn them. The intent was admirable, but we cannot ignore the fact that many of the practices were for a different day and age.
Broadening of perspectives, exposure to a global ecosystem, and the information age have called the orthodox traditions into question. There is a genuine concern that even valid practices will get brushed off as blind beliefs. There is a need to provide the context and call out the difference between theistic, traditional, and spiritual practice,
What is the solution?
We revert to the timeless learning of the Gita. The preceptor of the Gita says one should understand what is right, what is a duty, and what is not by the regulations of the scriptures. Gaining such knowledge, one should act and elevate their spiritual maturity.
Gita is the milking of the Upanishadic cows. The reference to scripture in the Gita is the text itself and Upanishads. We are being directed to take the high road, get on the path of spirituality based on the teachings of the Gita and the Upanishads. Crystal clear with no ambiguity.
Together, Upanishads, Gita, and the Brahma Sutra make up the prasthanatraya or the three sources of authentic information or system.
Does this mean we discard the puranas or other scriptures? As said earlier, a true spiritualist does not shun religious or traditional practices. Tradition and religious practices in their proper context trigger earnest discussions. Desire to reflect arises. The demarcation and dependency between practices and connection to divinity emerge.
Before you believe in a particular scripture, do a self-check to validate. A spiritual text should liberate you, take out fear, and harden faith in the universal supreme, and unite. Gita and Upanishads do that.
Krishna, the preceptor of the Gita says:
तस्माच् छास्त्रं प्रमाणं ते कार्याकार्य-व्यवस्थितौ ।
ज्ञात्वा शास्त्र-विधानोक्तं कर्म कर्तुम् इहार्हसि ॥ २४ ॥
tasmāc chāstraṃ pramāṇaṃ te kāryākārya-vyavasthitau |
jñātvā śāstra-vidhānoktaṃ karma kartum ihārhasi || 16.24 ||
Therefore, scripture (Upanishad and Gita) is the authority regarding the proper and improper activity. Become knowledgeable on the teachings and instructions of the scripture concerning the performance of your prescribed duties. Simply be an instrument to perform such duties.