Smartism rests on a non-dual vision in which all deities are understood as manifestations of one Brahman, and this philosophical core is, in principle, open to all. The Advaita Vedānta framework and the freedom to relate to multiple deities, or to a chosen deity, do not inherently depend on birth, caste, or community. In this sense, the inner teaching tends to transcend social hierarchies and lends itself to broad accessibility. Many contemporary expositions of Advaita and Smarta-style worship present this vision in a way that welcomes seekers from a wide range of backgrounds. Study circles, devotional gatherings, and public teachings often reflect this more universal orientation.

At the same time, Smartism arose and developed within specific Brahmin milieus, and that history still shapes how it is lived in more traditional settings. Ritual life in orthodox Smarta households and temples is often mediated by Brahmin priests, Sanskrit liturgy, and inherited family customs, which can make deeper ritual participation more difficult for those outside those lineages. Access to inner temple spaces, formal roles in ceremonies, and certain initiatory rites may remain restricted in some communities that maintain older caste-based norms. In such environments, full social and ritual integration tends to follow hereditary patterns rather than purely spiritual inclination.

Beyond these traditional strongholds, there is a noticeable widening of the circle. Many Smarta-influenced teachers and organizations present Advaita Vedānta and multi-deity devotion in accessible languages and formats, inviting participation from people of varied caste and cultural backgrounds. Personal worship at home, devotional singing, meditation, and philosophical study are generally open to anyone who feels drawn to them, without requiring formal credentials or ritual status. In urban and more cosmopolitan contexts, temples and spiritual centers frequently welcome practitioners regardless of birth, and online and print resources further reduce the role of traditional gatekeepers.

The overall picture is therefore mixed but not contradictory: the doctrinal heart of Smartism is universalist and readily approachable, while its inherited social and ritual structures can range from inclusive to quite restrictive. For many seekers, the philosophical and devotional dimensions are the most accessible entry points, with more formal ritual roles remaining, in some places, tied to older patterns of community and lineage.