Smartism

[Arav]

I have read (dont ask where because I dont remember) that Smarta's dont accept converts. Is this true, or is it just the orthodox Smarta's? It is my favorite sect of Hinduism and the one that I like most, I would be sad to find that I wouldnt be accepted as a Smarta.

 

[Arav]

I read somewhere that a Guru said this about Smartism and Conversion:

A smArta is one who follows smrtis and has undergone the samskaras prescribed by the smrti. Now, one may now undergo some of these samskaras but what about those like garbhAdAna etc which are done prior to birth? So technically, the answer would be 'no' as the relation here is not only to belief or practice but to birth and also the place of birth as also the parents. Varnashrama system is the basis of smArta samskriti and thus, only four varnas form its constituents. mleccha, yavana and other varnas would not technically fit into this four varna scheme.

This saddens me.

 

[Cypress]

It may be hard to convert to (a form of) Hinduism, but the one the other hand Hindus don't proselytize.

 

[Arav]

It may be hard to convert to (a form of) Hinduism, but the one the other hand Hindus don't proselytize.

True, I just think I have decided to go ahead and practice it. I read that most Hindu Temples in the US are Smarta temples and I have a friend who goes to one and says people can convert. Maybe its just the more orthodox who say no conversion, but I dont know.

 

[Arav]

Actually Im thinking about Shaivism. I looked around some more and all I can find is that Smartas DONT accept converts. But, are there any Shaivism sects that believe in Non-Dualism or Monism?

 

[Wannabe Yogi]

Actually Im thinking about Shaivism. I looked around some more and all I can find is that Smartas DONT accept converts. But, are there any Shaivism sects that believe in Non-Dualism or Monism?

Lots of them are Monist.


I would take a look at Baba Shivarudra Balayogi all my friends who know him see him as the real deal. I have never spent time with him so I don't know personally. He travels around the world every few months. So you might be able to meet him with very little effort. Keep your eyes open when ever you meet a "Holy man" many are fakes.

 

[Cypress]

Siva and Saivism Sects
Kashmir Shaivism: Universal Shaiva Fellowship

 

[Wannabe Yogi]

Actually Im thinking about Shaivism. I looked around some more and all I can find is that Smartas DONT accept converts. But, are there any Shaivism sects that believe in Non-Dualism or Monism?

There are many off shoots the have converts. Any group that follows the teachings of Adi Sankara in a way is Samarta. I would say in the west this is one of the most popular groups. With lots of American and European followers. My beliefs are are mix of Tantric and Smarta teachings. Some groups like the followers Saiva-siddhanta system are more pure forms of Siva followers and are not in any way Smarta. (The Himalayan Academy is one of these groups you should look at)

 

[Wannabe Yogi]

True, I just think I have decided to go ahead and practice it. I read that most Hindu Temples in the US are Smarta temples and I have a friend who goes to one and says people can convert. Maybe its just the more orthodox who say no conversion, but I dont know.

When you are talking about Orthodox Smartas you are talking about a very small group of Brahmins in India. There Ideas have spread all over India. I have even spent time with many people who say they are Vaishnava who follow smarta ideas when you ask about it.

 

[Arav]

Siva and Saivism Sects
Kashmir Shaivism: Universal Shaiva Fellowship

Thank you for this Cypress. I have looked into Kashmir Shaivism and I must say it is my favorite form of Shaivism!

 

[Arav]

Lots of them are Monist.


I would take a look at Baba Shivarudra Balayogi all my friends who know him see him as the real deal. I have never spent time with him so I don't know personally. He travels around the world every few months. So you might be able to meet him with very little effort. Keep your eyes open when ever you meet a "Holy man" many are fakes.

I really like Shivarudra Balayogi. He is a really great person. I have looked at his website and it has tons of wonderful info.

 

[Arav]

I have looked into the Philosophy of Advaita Isvaravada or Monistic Saiva Siddhanta and I believe that I will choose that for my sect and school of Hindusim. I researched some of the philosophy at the HImalayan Acadamy website and I really like it.