Who wrote the Vedas and why? How did the Vedas exist since their inception? Where can we find the Vedas to read?

The Hindu texts are classified in Shruti (श्रुति) and Smriti (स्मृति). I want to know: What is the difference between Shruti and Smriti? What scriptures are included in Shruti & in Smriti?

Ok, I understand there are lot of Hindu scriptures. How to read them? I wish to read them for meditation to gain wisdom/knowledge raise positive vibrational energy but most importantly break out of bad karma do (I believe in reincarnation) Can I read it continuously till I finish, and the...

In the Ramayana, Shri Ram was an avatar of Vishnu; in the Gita or Mahabharata, Shri Krishna was an avatar of Vishnu. Everything they did in human form, they were perfectly able to do it in their original/God form. Then why did they opt for a human avatar/form? Was it in order to come and live am...

I have observed that many Hindus today put a strong focus on liturgy (rituals, cracking coconuts, offering flowers, lighting diyas etc) and narratives (Hindu mythological stories,Puranas, Ramayana,Mahabharat etc). Whilst these aspects of Hinduism may be important, can they be said to be essence o...

How many distinct independent paths/practices/methods are there to achieve Moksha? Can moksha be achieved through just one path/practice? If not, what are the minimum combinations of practice, and in which order must they be practiced? Is there weightage to these practices, for example, a part...