Eastern Spirituality

Glossary Contents: A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

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The Smarta Tradition (also known as Smarta Sampradaya, and also spelled Smartha) is an orthodox Hindu "family tradition" or sect composed of Brahmins, which follows Panchayatana. The term Smarta is used to denote a specific, specialized category of Brahmins, who specialize in the smriti, who hold the smriti as the most authoritative texts.

Generally Smartas worship the Supreme in one of five forms: Ganesha, Shiva, Shakti, Vishnu, and Surya. Because they accept all the major Hindu Gods, they are known as liberal or nonsectarian. They follow a philosophical, meditative path, emphasising man's oneness with God through understanding. It is based on the recognition that Brahman (God) is the highest principle in the universe and pervades all of existence.

Glossary Contents: A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z