Shlokas 1-5

1. Know the meaning of the Vedas from Smritis, Itihaasas and Puranas

In order to understand the meaning of the Vedas that are divided into Karma Kanda and Brahma Kanda one must read the Dharma Shastras created by great sages (Maharishis) such as Manu, Atri, and Yagnavalkya, History written as they happened (Itihasas) such as Sri Ramayana and Mahabharata, and History written after the fact (Puranas) such as Brahma, Paadma, and Vaishnava.

2. Through Smritis the former is known, through the remaining two, the latter is known.

Smritis were created to explain Karma Kanda; Itihaasas and Puranaas were created to explain Brahma Kanda. Read the respective to know the meaning of either Kandas of the Vedas. (Dharma Shaastras deal with daily rituals and practices while the Itihaasas and Puraanas describe the Lord and his attributes. Therefore such distinction was made).

3. Of the two, Itihaasas are better

Out of the two scripture (families) that were created to explain the Brahma Kanda - viz. Itihaasas and Puraanas -- Itihaasas are more popular. (Adiyen's note: Even today, the world-over, more people know about Sri Ramayana and Mahabharatathan any other vedic scriptures inlcuding the Puraanas. Srimad Bhagavatam also comes second only to these Itihaasas. Itihaasas represent "History as it happened" and were created during the life-time of the characters. Puraanas represent History as well, but were created after the events occured and not during the life-time. This make Itihaasas more authentic accounts of history as well. One may arrive at conclusion on which category religious scripture of Abrahamic faiths would belong to, based on this definition...)

4. Therefore it is foremost

We always say "Itihaasam-Puraanam" and never the other way around. In sanskrit we say "apyarhitam poorvam" - meaning the better is told first. Therefore also, the Itihaasas are better then Puraanas.

5. In the better Itihaasa of Sri Ramayanam the greatness of the lady that was imprisoned was told; in Mahabharata, the greatness of the one that went as the messenger of peace was told.

(Adiyen's comments: The author does not delve in the reasons why Sri Ramayanam is better than Mahabharat) The better among Itihaasas, Sri Ramayanam, tells the story and greatness of the lady (Sri Mahalakshmi who was born as Sita) who became imprisoned in order to help free the celestial women that were imprisoned in Ravana's Lanka. She is the embodiment of "kripai" (Compassion). Created by the Lord (in his avataar as Sri Vedavyasa) Himself, Mahabharata tells the story (and greatness) of the Pandava's messenger that went in search of peace (The Lord Himself again).