Religions & Spiritual Traditions  Smartism FAQs  FAQ
What resources are available for someone interested in studying Smartism?

A treasure trove of pathways awaits anyone drawn to Smartism’s blend of devotional diversity and non-dual insight. Here’s a handy roadmap:

  1. Classical Scriptures
    • The Upanishads, Bhagavad Gita and Brahma Sūtras form Smartism’s bedrock. Exploring Swami Śaṅkarācārya’s commentaries—for instance, Vivekachudāmaṇi or Bhāmatī—brings those ancient dialogues right into the living room of modern life.

  2. Modern Expositions
    • Swami Chinmayananda’s writings (e.g., “Self Unfoldment” series) unpack Advaita with warmth and clarity.
    • Swami Sivananda’s “All About Hinduism” offers a broad sweep of rituals, deities and philosophy—ideal for spotting connections between devotion and oneness.

  3. Gurukulas and Retreats
    • Chinmaya Mission and Arsha Vidya Gurukulam hold regular retreats in India and overseas. Little more than a long weekend often sparks that “light-bulb” moment on non-duality.
    • Ramakrishna Mission centers host public lectures and satsangs—an easy way to dip a toe before diving deep.

  4. Online Courses & Talks
    • Coursera and edX occasionally feature introductory modules on Indian philosophy (keep an eye out for “Classics of Indian Spirituality”).
    • Swami Sarvapriyananda’s Harvard talks, freely available on YouTube, are crisp, humorous and grounded in everyday dilemmas.
    • The Advaita Academy podcast explores nuanced topics, from prakṛti-purusha interplay to devotion in daily routines.

  5. Temples and Festivals
    • A pilgrimage to Sringeri Sharada Peetham or Kanchi Kamakoti Peetham offers first-hand experience of Smārta pūjā.
    • Attending Adi Śaṅkara Jayanti celebrations—often held in April—lets one witness communal chanting, discourses and fire rituals in spectacular fashion.

  6. Academic Journals & Conferences
    • The Journal of Indian Philosophy and the International Journal of Hindu Studies publish peer-reviewed articles on Advaita and Smārta praxis.
    • Events like the 2025 World Parliament of Religions (Chicago) include sessions on non-duality, opening doors to global perspectives.

  7. Online Communities
    • Reddit’s r/Advaita and Facebook groups such as “Advaita Vedanta Enthusiasts” foster lively Q&As, reading circles and shared resources.

This toolkit, part old-school library crawl, part digital binge, makes the journey into Smartism feel less like scaling Everest and more like a stroll through a well-tended garden of many paths—each blossoming with insights into oneness.