“To call the Veda 'scripture' is a concession to a Western understanding of religion. The Indian term is sruti, meaning 'that which has been perceived through hearing'. For thousands of years, perhaps, the Veda was only transmitted orally, and memorization was the only way to acquire its knowledge….”

—  Klaus Klostermaier

Hinduism: A Beginner's Guide

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Klaus Klostermaier 2
German historian and philosopher 1933

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