What is Smartism?

Answer

Smartism is often classified as one of the major denominations of Hinduism. While this classification is not incorrect, Smartism is more accurately viewed as an umbrella term encompassing several sects, similar to how the term Protestant, concerning Christianity, denotes a grouping of denominations rather than a single sect. Hinduism is a highly diverse religion that encompasses a wide range of conflicting views and perspectives. Variations within Smartism closely resemble other Hindu sub-groups, such as Vaishnavism, Shaktism, and Shaivism. The most significant aspect of Smartism is its connection to the philosophical approach of Advaita Vedanta through the teachings of the Hindu philosopher Adi Shankara.

Smartism can be best described as either pantheism or panentheism. It asserts that reality is essentially a part of a unified consciousness known as Brahman. All notions of self, individuality, or personal existence are considered useful illusions, at best. Within this worldview, Smartism employs the concept of deities more as a symbolic representation rather than a literal belief in multiple deities. The various gods and goddesses in Smartism serve as spiritual aids to help individuals realize the ultimate truth: that everything is essentially identical to Brahman.

The most significant impact of Smartism lies in the development of a specific philosophical approach to Hinduism known as Advaita Vedanta. This approach was systematized in the eighth century by the philosopher Adi Shankara. Historically, Shankara addressed Buddhist concepts by interpreting them within a Hindu context. Many scholars of religion believe that his work laid the foundation for much of the common philosophical ground shared by Hindus today. Hinduism is highly inclusive, and Advaita Vedanta is broad enough to resonate, in some manner, with almost every combination of Hindu beliefs.

Advaita Vedanta

The term Advaita Vedanta originates from an ancient

Phrase that literally means “not two.” The core assertion of this system is that there is only one “actual” existence, which is the ultimate impersonal reality of Brahman. Advaita implies that the “true self” is Brahman and that, to attain true oneness with Brahman, a person needs to seek knowledge of this truth. This involves the concept of the Atman, which in Hinduism is roughly parallel to the biblical concept of a soul. The Atman is the “real self.” As a result, Advaita Vedanta teaches salvation through knowledge—by overcoming one’s ignorance, one can attain unity with the ultimate reality.

Advaita Vedanta is especially concerned with mankind’s mistaken perception that he is a “self,” or an “I,” who is ultimately different from or separate from other “selves.” This lack of understanding is considered an illusion, or maya, and, according to this belief system, is the ultimate cause of immoral behaviors and therefore all suffering. In order to end suffering, a person must fully realize that he is part of the single, pure, unchanging reality of Brahman. In order to successfully navigate this enlightenment, Advaita adherents follow a process of ethical actions, meditation, and study of Hindu scriptures.

This focus on knowledge makes sense in that Advaita Vedanta is heavily connected to Mahayana Buddhism. Shankara’s efforts were strongly influenced by Buddhism, even if his intent was to refute Buddhist challenges to Hinduism. It should be pointed out that Advaita Vedanta and Mahayana Buddhism are not identical. Buddhism, for instance, rejects the idea that ultimate reality is personal, while Advaita Vedanta believes it to be personal in the form of Brahman. Ironically, Mahayana and Advaita are often criticized by fellow Buddhists and Hindus for being “the other” in disguise.

As a faith system, Smartism and Advaita Vedanta are technically amoral. Since all things are part of a single, unified reality, there is technically no such thing as an “other.” This means, in literal terms, the

There are no such things as good, evil, right, or wrong. There are only false illusions of an independent self or true understandings of one’s unified oneness with the ultimate reality. At the same time, Smartism and Advaita Vedanta subscribe to classical Hindu ideas such as reincarnation and karma, which are refuted by the biblical worldview. Those who find meaning in the concepts taught by Advaita Vedanta should give the gospel of Jesus Christ fair consideration and comparison.