The True Essence of Sanatan Dharma: The Eternal Spiritual Path

Originating from the ancient past, Sanatan Dharma is the fundamental principle of the Hindu religion. Rather than being a man-made concept, it embodies the true eternal spiritual path followed by humanity.

Understanding Sanatan Dharma

Sanatan Dharma is the proper name of the Hindu religion, meaning the True Eternal Religious Path. This ancient term, sanaatana, conveys something that has always been and is timeless, referring to a path deeply rooted in nature as humanity evolved.

Role of Dharma

Dharma is a crucial concept in the Hindu philosophy, meaning righteousness, duty, or the moral law of life. It is more than mere religion; it is a state of being, guiding individuals to fulfill their roles within society. Karma, the law of action and consequence, plays a vital role in determining one's life path, reinforcing the adherence to Dharma.

Dharma is not stagnant; it evolves with time and place. Neither is religion eternal in the traditional sense. Instead, the truth and soul are eternal realities that form the essence of all.

Sanatan Dharma: The Eternal Path

Sanatan Dharma is an eternal path that has emerged from the divine and will also return to the divine. It is a fundamental aspect of the universe, with a protector who ensures its continuity.

Cited from the Srimad Bhagavata Purana III.16.18, the verse reinforces the idea that Sanatan Dharma is an eternal, changeless truth:

Thou the eternal esoteric and changeless Being art its end.

Sanatan Dharma in Historical Context

The term Hindu itself is a geographical label that refers to the ancient region of Sapta Sindhu, or the seven rivers that formed the Sarasvati river basin. Over time and after conflicts such as the Mahabharata war, the Sarasvati river dried up, leaving the term Hindu as a descriptor for people who followed Dharma.

Hindus are those who adhere to Dharmic principles, which are natural moral laws or guidelines. The common law of a community can be seen as a simplified version of Dharma, adapted to the needs of society.

Sanatan Dharma as a Perpetual Path

Sanatan Dharma is perpetual and permanent, suggesting something originating from primeval, ancient times. Invaders and conquerors throughout history have tried to destroy the followers of Vedic Dharma, but the religion remains intact and resilient.

According to Adi Shankaracharya, an ancient Indian philosopher, Vedic Dharma was originally divided into 86 branches, which weakened its unity. The subsequent disintegration led to the downfall of Hindu society, paving the way for external forces to divide the community. However, the revived organization through ISCON (International Society for Krishna Consciousness) has helped spread Hinduism on a global scale.

ISCON promotes a non-orthodox, non-violent, and non-superstitious form of Hinduism, ensuring that the religion continues to thrive and spread.

Conclusion

Sanatan Dharma embodies the true eternal spiritual path that guide humanity. Its roots are ancient, grounded in the natural evolution of human society, and its teachings remain relevant in the modern world. Recognizing the essence of Dharma, we can appreciate the enduring wisdom of Sanatan Dharma as a guide for living a righteous and fulfilling life.