Smartism

Smartism: Embracing the Path of Rational Worship and Universalism

Smartism is a philosophical and devotional tradition within Hinduism that focuses on the worship of the five primary deities—Shiva, Vishnu, Shakti, Ganesha, and Surya—believing that all are manifestations of the same divine truth. It is a more rational and inclusive approach to spirituality, advocating for a non-sectarian view that embraces various paths of worship, including devotion (bhakti), knowledge (jnana), and action (karma). Smartism highlights the idea that no single deity or form of worship has an exclusive claim on the truth, and that all paths ultimately lead to the same goal of self-realization and liberation (moksha).

Key Aspects

• Central Belief: Smartism teaches that all deities are different manifestations of the same Supreme Reality, which can be realized through the pursuit of wisdom, devotion, and righteous action. The path emphasizes personal spiritual growth and rational understanding.

• Key Deities: Shiva, Vishnu, Shakti, Ganesha, and Surya—these five deities represent different aspects of the divine. Worshipping them is a way of acknowledging the unity of the divine while recognizing the diversity of forms and expressions.

• Sacred Texts: The Upanishads, Bhagavad Gita, and the Brahma Sutras are important texts within Smartism. These texts emphasize the understanding of the nature of the self, the divine, and the universe through reason and spiritual practice.

Historical Context
Smartism traces its roots to the teachings of Adi Shankaracharya (8th century CE), who was instrumental in promoting the Advaita Vedanta philosophy. Shankaracharya's teachings advocated that the ultimate reality (Brahman) is beyond all distinctions and that different deities are simply different expressions of the one unifying divine. Smartism as a tradition encourages intellectual inquiry alongside devotion, advocating that spirituality is both an emotional and intellectual pursuit.

Over time, Smartism became a prominent tradition in southern India, particularly in the Shaiva and Vaishnava regions, where people embraced the idea of worshipping multiple deities. It has been a more philosophical and less ritualistic approach to Hinduism, attracting those interested in a deeper understanding of the nature of the divine.

Modern Engagement
Smartism continues to be practiced by a significant number of Hindus, especially those who are drawn to a more philosophical approach to spirituality:

• Temples and Shrines: Smartism encourages the worship of deities in temples or at home altars, where devotees can honor the five principal deities with offerings and prayers.

• Festivals: Smartism observes major Hindu festivals such as Diwali, Navaratri, and Ganesh Chaturthi, where worship of the five deities is common.

• Global Influence: The teachings of Smartism and Advaita Vedanta have influenced many philosophers, spiritual seekers, and even non-Hindu thinkers across the world, especially through figures like Swami Vivekananda, who introduced Vedantic principles to the West.

Ways of Practice

• Meditation and Reflection: Practitioners often meditate on the nature of the self (Atman) and the ultimate reality (Brahman), using their intellect and reason to understand the unity of all existence.

• Bhakti (Devotion): Devotees express love and reverence for the five deities, often through rituals, prayers, and chanting mantras, such as the Gayatri mantra or specific mantras dedicated to each deity.

• Jnana (Knowledge): Smartism encourages the study of sacred texts, especially the Upanishads and Bhagavad Gita, to cultivate knowledge of the self and the universe.

• Karma (Action): Ethical living and righteous actions are emphasized in Smartism, where performing one’s duties selflessly leads to spiritual progress and the reduction of karmic bondage.

Subsects
While Smartism itself is a unified tradition, there are different variations in how it is practiced, especially depending on regional or philosophical preferences:

• Shankara's Influence: Followers of Adi Shankaracharya are considered the most prominent practitioners of Smartism, adhering to the philosophy of Advaita Vedanta, which advocates non-duality (Advaita) and the idea that all beings are ultimately one with Brahman.

• Regional Variations: In southern India, Smartism may include a preference for worshipping specific deities, such as Shiva or Vishnu, but still under the broader umbrella of the five principal deities.

• Modern Adaptations: Many contemporary Smartists continue to focus on a blend of intellectual study and devotional practice, incorporating modern teachings into the traditional framework of Smartism.

Smartism Today
Smartism remains an important and evolving tradition within Hinduism. It appeals to those who seek a holistic approach to spirituality, where knowledge, devotion, and ethical action come together to lead a person toward liberation. By seeing the divine in many forms, Smartism fosters an inclusive and pluralistic understanding of God, making it a spiritual path that encourages both the intellectual and the emotional dimensions of religious practice.