Yajnavalkya Smriti

Yajnavalkya Smriti is one of three most important Smritis of Hindu Philosophy. It is a Dharma Shastra (Hindu codes of law) and considered second in authority, after Manu Smriti. Yajnavalkya Smriti was written by Sage Yajnavalkya, around 100-300 AD. Manu Smriti was written earlier to Yajnavalkya Smriti. Yajnavalkya Smriti touches on the rules governing all aspects of life, social and spiritual. It specifies the ages which are ideal for the different castes like the Brahmins, Kshatriyas and Vaishyas, to start spiritual life. Another important precept that this text points out is that right to parent’s property can be given only to those who serve their parents.

Yajnavalkya Smriti mentions that Lord Brahma was the original teacher of Yoga. It warns about the sins acquired by slaughtering of animals. Yajnavalkya Smriti is one of the oldest texts to mention that, absolute Music (music without words) can attain salvation.