1991); Paula Richman, ed., Questioning Ramayanas: A
South Asian Tradition (Berkeley: University of California
Press, 2001).
Skanda See KARTTIKEYA.
smriti
Smriti (from smri, to remember) is a term in
the Hindu tradition used to refer to revered tex-
tual sources that were composed by humans, as
opposed to those that are eternal and appeared
through revelation (SHRUTI).
These texts were composed by men but usu-
ally memorized rather than committed to writ-
ing. They were considered authoritative, but less
so than the shruti, or “heard,” texts such as the
VEDAS, which had been received by RISHIS (seers)
during divine trances.
Because of the diverse nature of Hindu tra-
dition there have been disagreements between
sects as to what texts can be considered smriti.
Some hold, for instance, that the BHAGAVAD GITA
is shruti, divinely received, whereas others hold
that it is smriti.
Further reading: A. L. Basham, The Wonder That Was
India (Calcutta: Rupa, 1997); Ram Kishore Gupta,
Political Thought in the Smrti Literature (Allahabad:
University of Allahabad, 1968); Klaus K. Klostermaier,
A Survey of Hinduism (Albany: State University of New
York Press, 1989); L. Sternback, Hindu Legends of Jus-
tice: Pancatantra and Smrti (Delhi: Global Vision Pub-
lishing House, 2002).
Society of Abidance in Truth
The Society of Abidance in Truth (SAT) was
formed in 1974 by devotees of RAMANA Maharshi
(1879–1950). The purpose of the nonprofit soci-
ety is to disseminate the teachings of ADVAITA
(non-dual) VEDANTA. SAT follows two ancient
traditions with roots in India and China. These
include the wisdom originally found in the VEDAS
and codified in the 19th century as the SANATANA
DHARMA, and Ch’an (Zen) Buddhism, as devel-
oped during China’s T’ang dynasty. Following
the knowledge imparted by Ramana Maharshi,
the society emphasizes self-inquiry and self-
knowledge to further the realization that no
difference exists between one’s nature and the
absolute. The teachings proclaim that the true
identity of self resides in God. The society does
not observe any religious ritual, formal medita-
tive technique, or code of conduct. Rather, SAT
relies on developing skills of self-observation so
that one can experience the unity of self and the
highest divinity. SAT holds that in awakening to
true formless nature one will find peace, happi-
ness, and freedom.
Nome and Russell Smith, who have back-
grounds in advaita Vedanta and Zen Buddhism,
respectively, offer spiritual leadership, weekly
teaching sessions, and satsangs (meetings) in
Santa Cruz, California. SAT publishes translations
of ancient SANSKRIT texts and books relating to
Ramana Maharshi’s life. Membership is primar-
ily concentrated in Santa Cruz, but devotees are
present throughout the world. SAT welcomes the
general public to participate in its events.Further reading: The Journey Home (Santa Cruz, Calif.:
Avadhut, 1986); Ramana Maharshi, Be As You Are: The
Teachings of Sri Ramana Maharshi (Boston: Arkana,
1975); ———, The Spiritual Teaching of Ramana
Maharshi (Berkeley: Shambala, 1972); ———, Teach-
ings of Ramana Maharshi (Madras: Affiliated East-West
Press, 1990).Soma
Soma was a divine, intoxicating drink favored by
INDRA, king of the gods, according to the Vedas.
It was made from a celestial plant taken to Earth
by an eagle and was said to confer immortality on
gods and humans. BRAHMIN priests in Vedic times
oversaw its preparation, offered it to the gods,Soma 419 J