April 10, 2024
Bhagavadpada Shri Adi Shankaracharya ji is known to be the greatest expounder of the Advaita Vedanta philosophy. It is His efforts that protected and revived Vedic Arya Sanatana Dharma at a time when there was loss of knowledge, decay of social systems and rise of Buddhism. You may read more about His life and contributions here.
Basic features of the Smarta Sampradaya:
- The term “smarta” comes from considering the authority of the smritis – shastras or dharmic texts derived from vedas (learn more from Shri Nithin Sridharji) in addition to the shrutis which is the literature of the vedas.
- Vedanta implies, that which is based on the philosophy of the vedas. The Brahmasutra, Bhagavadgita and Upanishads (together, called the Prasthanatrayi) are the core texts of vedanta. Shri Adi Shankaracharyaji has written commentaries on these. These texts are also considered the source of authority for other schools of vedanta.
- Core philosophy: The jiva or individual soul is not different from the absolute Brahman or Supreme Truth. Creation or what we see, and experience (jagat) is mithya (that which is neither absolute truth nor false). It is due to our impurities/limitations or upadhis, this is not recognised and we feel what is mithya is truth till we attain the Ultimate knowledge of Brahman. The philosophy is called “Advaita” or non-dual, since Brahman is one without a second, and thus, is Absolute, eternal consciousness. This is based on the knowledge of the Upanishads. Read more here.
- Bhagavan & Creation: Brahman/Supreme Truth/Bhagavan can be described as saguna-sakara (with attribute & form), saguna-nirakara (with attribute & without form) and nirguna-nirakara (without attribute & form). Bhagavan is the creator as well as all that is created. It is with His power of Maya that He manifests Himself as the universe and creation. A gyani (one who is knowledgeable) who has developed a subtle perception, recognises that devoid of the element Sachchidananda (Brahman), nothing retains its utility or existence.
- Worship: Five main deities worshiped in the north of Bharat (panchayatana puja) – Surya, Vishnu, Shiva, Devi, Ganapati. Kartikeya/Kumara is additionally worshiped in the south of Bharat. These deities are considered as expressions of the One Brahman. One of these five deities can be worshiped as your ishta devi/devata. Learn more here.
- The four mathas established by Shri Adi Shankaracharyaji are responsible for the propagation of the four great aphorisms derived from four vedas which each of the mathas are linked with. Shri Adi Shankaracharyaji re-organised and structured the system of sannyasis by categorizing them into ten types (dashnami sannyasis), under these mathas.
If you are keen to take mantra diksha (initiation), here are some FAQs that may be useful. We are sharing these as followers of Puri Shankaracharyaji. Please note, this is not official information from any matha.
If you are interested in exploring more on the tradition of Bhagavadpada Shri Adi Shankaracharya, kindly connect with official links of Puri Peeth, Govardhan Math and Sharada Peeth, Sringeri Math.