A Study on the Memory by using ‘Smruti, Smara’ and ‘Sati’ in Sanskrit and Pāli Literature

Abstract

In the division of ancient Hindu or Vedic literature consists of two scriptures viz. śruti and Smrutiscriptures. Literally, śruti means that ‘what is heard’ and śmruti means that, ‘what is remembered’. Although, these definitions are regarded as Hindus literature, of these two terms Smrutihas been occurred with reference to the Memory of individuals not only in Vedic literature but also in Buddhist Sanskrit literature. Smarais another term for using to clarify the Memory of individuals in Vedic literature.On the other hand, Pāli term Sati is performed in contradictory state in combining with the concept of Memory. Many distinguished scholars have speculated that Sati is derived from the Sanskrit term Smruti. Furthermore, Collect cox discusses that, the term Sati of Early Buddhism has been affected to the Sarvāstivāda Abhidhamma as Smruti.Further, Ghānaponikathera points out that, Dhammasangani definition of Sati has been limited for defining only in good consciousness (Sobanacitta). It is very interesting to note that, all these usages are important with the concept of Memory in both Hindu literature and Buddhist literature (Pāli and Sanskrit).Therefore, this research is aimed to discuss about the terms of Smruti, Smaraand Sati in order to clarify the Memory of individuals.