U Lakshman Rao
Sanātana Dharma, the Eternal Truth, forms the ancient spiritual foundation of India. It is a way of life described in the Ramayana, meant to be followed with unwavering devotion. The continuous practice of Dharma ensures protection, upholding righteousness, truth, and cosmic order. It encompasses a vast spectrum of philosophy, spiritual discipline, moral codes, ethical principles, and behavioral guidelines refined over countless ages. These practices, deeply rooted in Hindu Dharma, extend beyond any set boundaries, embodying timeless wisdom.
Dharma pervades all existence in its purest form, serving as the root of every action and maintaining the order of the universe. If Dharma falters, the entire system collapses. Thus, one must adhere to their Dharma even under the most arduous circumstances. Sanatana, being timeless and eternal, derives its authority from the Vedas, which serve as its fundamental guide. It upholds traditional virtues, faith in God, reverence for rituals, and clearly defined duties for men, women, fathers, mothers, brothers, and all members of society. The violation of duty is considered a transgression against Dharma itself.
Sanatana Dharma stands resolute in all conditions. The Maharishis, transcending ordinary perception, envisioned and codified Dharma as a guiding framework for the individual, family, society, state, and nation—each principle rooted in absolute truth. Living in accordance with Dharma means embracing righteousness, acting in harmony with cosmic laws, practicing compassion, respecting all life forms, and seeking liberation from ignorance and suffering.
Sanatana Dharma encompasses various philosophical streams such as dualism, non-dualism, Samkhya, Yoga, and Nyaya, delving into the nature of existence, consciousness, and the Ultimate Reality. The ethical code is firmly based on Dharma, guiding society through the principles of duty (Dharma), prosperity (Artha), desire (Kama), and liberation (Moksha), offering a balanced approach to life. It prescribes spiritual paths such as the path of devotion (Bhakti), the path of knowledge (Jnana), the path of selfless action (Karma), and the path of meditation and discipline (Dhyana).
Rituals and worship form an integral expression of Dharma, yet it allows for both personal devotion and philosophical inquiry, recognizing that spiritual growth is unique to each seeker. It establishes a harmonious social structure based on individual ability and responsibilities rather than a birth-based hierarchy. It outlines duties for different stages of life, fostering both material and spiritual well-being.
Sanatana Dharma is not confined to religious practice but serves as a guiding philosophy for all seekers of truth. It provides a universal framework for understanding duty, life, morality, and spiritual evolution, transcending religious boundaries to offer wisdom applicable to all of humanity. In a world seeking harmony, its teachings remain ever relevant, inspiring individuals to align their lives with eternal truth and righteousness.
Being born from the Vedas, it is called Veda Dharma. India, known not for conquerors but for rulers of exceptional wisdom guided by sages, upholding Dharma, is called Rishi Dharma. As the people of this sacred land have lived by these principles since time immemorial, it is known as Bhartiya Dharma. Its timeless practice, passed down through generations, is known as Arsa Dharma. As these principles have been embraced by families, societies, and vast regions, it is known as Hindu Dharma. To deviate from Dharma is to invite disorder and destruction. The Vedas affirm that those who uphold Dharma are revered as Arya, the noble ones, and the land granted to them by divine decree is known as Āryāvarta.
Dharma defines the inherent nature of all things. The Dharma of the sun is to radiate heat, just as the magnet’s Dharma is to attract iron—without these, their essence is lost. The celestial bodies move in their ordained paths; even the slightest deviation would bring cosmic ruin. A king must rule with Dharma, people must offer tribute for governance, a teacher must impart knowledge, and a disciple must receive it with reverence. The concept of Dharma manifests in various forms—charity, truth, virtue, and the laws of nature. It teaches respect, conduct, and duty. The Smrti’s, Sruti, Puranas, and Itihāsas have laid down profound and time-tested principles for humanity, emphasizing that Dharma is not merely to be read or spoken of but to be lived unconditionally.
The duties of fathers, sons, wives, daughters, and mothers are meticulously detailed, interweaving relationships into a fabric of social harmony and progress. The sages, through their asceticism, rituals, meditation, and wisdom, continuously refined these principles while preserving the essence of Dharma.
In ancient times, the Rigveda directed human consciousness toward the Divine, instilling unwavering faith and devotion. Later, the Yajurveda emphasized personal discipline, self-awareness, and freedom from anxiety. The Atharvaveda fostered reverence for nature, leading to the development of various sciences, including Ayurveda, astronomy, and warfare. The Samaveda, dedicated to creative and artistic expression, cultivated refined cultural traditions. The sages, ever-innovative, introduced Smrti’s, Itihāsas, and Puranas, ensuring that Sanatana Dharma evolved without losing its eternal essence.
When such immense wisdom is unveiled for the welfare of humanity, it is fitting to regard Hindu Dharma as a supreme code of righteous living and an eternal conduit of spiritual energy.
