Neo-Vedanta the higher educated classes in India. It has received appraisal for its "solution of synthesis", but has also been criticised for its Universalism. The terms "Neo-Hindu" or "Neo-Vedanta" themselves have also been criticised for its polemical usage, the prefix "Neo-" then intended to imply that these modern interpretations of Hinduism are "inauthentic" or in other ways problematic. According to Halbfass, the terms "Neo-Vedanta" and "Neo-Hinduism" refer to "the adoption of Western concepts and standards and the readiness to reinterpret traditional ideas in light of these new, imported and imposed modes of thought". Promiment in Neo-Vedanta is Vivekananda, who's theology, according
Neo-Vedanta understanding of the "sruti" is a "pramana", a means of knowledge to attain liberation. It takes years of preparation and study to accomplish this task, and includes the mastery of Sanskrit, the memorisation of texts, and the meditation over the interpretation of those texts. Understanding is called "anubhava", knowledge or understanding derived from (personal) experience. "Anubhava" removes "Avidya", ignorance, regarding Brahman and Atman, and leads to "moksha", liberation. In neo-Vedanta, the status of "sruti" becomes secondary, and "personal experience" itself becomes the primary means to liberation. According to Ninian Smart, Neo-Vedanta is "largely a smarta account." In modern times Smarta-views