Understanding Sanātana Dharma
Understanding Sanātana Dharma: The Eternal Order
Sanātana Dharma, often referred to as Hinduism, is a term used in Sanskrit and other Indian languages, meaning “eternal dharma” or “eternal order”. It is a denomination of Hinduism and an alternative term used by some Hindus instead of the mainstream term Hindu Dharma.
Sanātana Dharma denotes the “eternal” or absolute set of duties or religiously ordained practices incumbent upon all Hindus, regardless of class, caste, or sect. The term translates approximately to “eternal law” or, less literally, “eternal way” in Sanskrit.
The concept of Sanātana Dharma consists of two types of duties:
1. Sanatana-dharma – Duties performed according to one’s spiritual (constitutional) identity as atman (Self) and are thus the same for everyone. General duties include virtues such as honesty, refraining from injuring living beings, purity, goodwill, mercy, patience, forbearance, self-restraint, generosity, and asceticism.
2. Varnashrama-dharma (a.k.a. Svadharma) – Duties performed according to one’s material (conditional) nature and are specific to the individual at that particular time.
Sanātana Dharma differs from other religions in several ways:
1. Foundation of Knowledge and Universality: Sanātana Dharma operates on a foundation of knowledge. It allows for the freedom to contemplate independently, accept, or reject teachings found within Hindu śāstras. This tradition encompasses laws that transcend religious or ideological boundaries, rooted in universal and scientific principles. An illustrative example is the law of karma, which applies irrespective of one’s theistic or atheistic beliefs.
2. Inclusive Nature: The inclusive nature of Sanātana Dharma accommodates atheists within society and recognizes them for their benevolence. Moreover, Sanātana Dharma places considerable emphasis on learning and logical reasoning.
3. Dharma and Religion: Dharma is guided by intellect and reason, while Religion is more community-based. Sampradaya, referring to religious communities, often lacks complete knowledge, leading to illogical beliefs. In contrast, Dharma is wisdom-based and logical.
4. Comparison with Abrahamic Faiths: Three major belief systems, called Abrahamic Faiths, are practiced by different communities: Judeo-Christians, who often use the term ‘religion,’ and Arabic-speaking followers who use ‘Mazhab’ as its equivalent. These belief systems could ideally unite as one ‘Abrahamic Faith’ rather than remain distinct. They share common elements: belief in one God, one holy book, and one prophet, though with some interpretation variations. These religions emphasize faith and devotion. Followers of all three have hope for salvation, while those who don’t follow them may face eternal damnation, regardless of their good deeds. The core of these faiths centers on taking actions based on the teachings of their prophets and holy texts. Those deviating from these beliefs may be seen as destined for eternal punishment.
5. Religious Practices: All types of religious vows, rituals and practices aimed at service to God, sanatana-dharma. A generally inclusive stance towards other authorised religions. Hindus will often take stories from other traditions and accept and assimilate them into their own. They place relatively little emphasis on expressions of allegiance to a particular creed.
Sanātana Dharma, often referred to as Hinduism, is a term used in Sanskrit and other Indian languages, meaning “eternal dharma” or “eternal order”. It is a denomination of Hinduism and an alternative term used by some Hindus instead of the mainstream term Hindu Dharma.
Sanātana Dharma denotes the “eternal” or absolute set of duties or religiously ordained practices incumbent upon all Hindus, regardless of class, caste, or sect. The term translates approximately to “eternal law” or, less literally, “eternal way” in Sanskrit.
The concept of Sanātana Dharma consists of two types of duties:
1. Sanatana-dharma – Duties performed according to one’s spiritual (constitutional) identity as atman (Self) and are thus the same for everyone. General duties include virtues such as honesty, refraining from injuring living beings, purity, goodwill, mercy, patience, forbearance, self-restraint, generosity, and asceticism.
2. Varnashrama-dharma (a.k.a. Svadharma) – Duties performed according to one’s material (conditional) nature and are specific to the individual at that particular time.
Sanātana Dharma differs from other religions in several ways:
1. Foundation of Knowledge and Universality: Sanātana Dharma operates on a foundation of knowledge. It allows for the freedom to contemplate independently, accept, or reject teachings found within Hindu śāstras. This tradition encompasses laws that transcend religious or ideological boundaries, rooted in universal and scientific principles. An illustrative example is the law of karma, which applies irrespective of one’s theistic or atheistic beliefs.
2. Inclusive Nature: The inclusive nature of Sanātana Dharma accommodates atheists within society and recognizes them for their benevolence. Moreover, Sanātana Dharma places considerable emphasis on learning and logical reasoning.
3. Dharma and Religion: Dharma is guided by intellect and reason, while Religion is more community-based. Sampradaya, referring to religious communities, often lacks complete knowledge, leading to illogical beliefs. In contrast, Dharma is wisdom-based and logical.
4. Comparison with Abrahamic Faiths: Three major belief systems, called Abrahamic Faiths, are practiced by different communities: Judeo-Christians, who often use the term ‘religion,’ and Arabic-speaking followers who use ‘Mazhab’ as its equivalent. These belief systems could ideally unite as one ‘Abrahamic Faith’ rather than remain distinct. They share common elements: belief in one God, one holy book, and one prophet, though with some interpretation variations. These religions emphasize faith and devotion. Followers of all three have hope for salvation, while those who don’t follow them may face eternal damnation, regardless of their good deeds. The core of these faiths centers on taking actions based on the teachings of their prophets and holy texts. Those deviating from these beliefs may be seen as destined for eternal punishment.
5. Religious Practices: All types of religious vows, rituals and practices aimed at service to God, sanatana-dharma. A generally inclusive stance towards other authorised religions. Hindus will often take stories from other traditions and accept and assimilate them into their own. They place relatively little emphasis on expressions of allegiance to a particular creed.
Please note that these are general observations and there can be variations and exceptions within each religion or faith. It’s always best to approach these topics with an open mind and respect for all beliefs.
