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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:
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.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.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.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.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.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.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.