Sanatana Dharma, often referred to as Hinduism, is an ancient spiritual and philosophical tradition originating in the Indian subcontinent. It encompasses a wide range of beliefs, practices, and rituals aimed at spiritual growth, moral living, and the pursuit of truth.

Sanatana Dharma emphasizes the concepts of karma (the law of cause and effect), dharma (duty or righteousness), reincarnation, and moksha (liberation from the cycle of birth and death). It celebrates diversity and acknowledges the existence of multiple paths to spiritual realization.

The Top Fundamentals of Sanatana Dharma

The terms ‘Hinduism’ and ‘Hindu’ were coined by foreign invaders in India and are not mentioned in Indian scriptures. The accurate term for India’s religion is Sanatan-Dharma, meaning the Eternal Religion.

While Hinduism is a more commonly known term, Sanatan Dharma, meaning “eternal duty” or “eternal religion,” emphasizes the timeless principles and values inherent in the tradition. Both terms encapsulate a diverse range of beliefs, practices, philosophies, and rituals that have evolved over thousands of years and continue to shape the lives of millions of people worldwide.

In Sanskrit, the oldest language in the world, ‘Sanatan’ or ‘Sasvata’ means eternal and ‘Dharma’ means religion or duty. Sanatan-Dharma has always existed, and it will always exist. The religion is re-established at the beginning of each cycle of creation and annihilation. In the current cycle it was established 155.522 trillion years ago at creation. This is the current age of the universe based on the scriptures of Sanatan-Dharma, also known as the Vedic scriptures.

a. Truthfulness: Always speak, stand up for, and align with the truth.

b. Compassion: Embrace kindness towards all living beings, treating them as brothers and sisters. This unique teaching of Sanatan-Dharma, conveyed by Lord Krishna, emphasizes vegetarianism, non-violence towards animals, equality among people, and abstaining from harmful habits like alcohol, drugs, and extramarital relationships to prevent suffering, especially among women and children.

c. Austerity: Lead a simple life, devoid of materialistic desires, practicing fasting, humility, chanting Vedic mantras, and reducing lust and worldly attachments. Pilgrimages to holy places further cultivate austerity.

d. Cleanliness: Maintain personal hygiene through daily bathing and dental care. Keep living spaces, workplaces, public areas, rivers, and streets clean by regular cleaning and responsible waste disposal.

e. Charity: Regularly donate to accountable and deserving temples, individuals serving God, those disseminating spiritual knowledge, and the needy.

f. Spiritual Education: Engage in the study of the eternal and extensive Vedic scriptures, which encompass all aspects of life and the science of God. The Srimad Bhagavad-Gita, considered the essence of Vedic wisdom, and the Srimad Bhagavatam, containing divine pastimes and human history since creation, are essential scriptures to be regularly studied, especially by children.

There is no eternal damnation for any soul. Eventually, every soul returns to the kingdom of God, as God is infinitely compassionate, forgiving, and merciful.

• We are eternal beings, existing through reincarnation. We exist now, existed before this body, and will continue to exist after it.
• There is one real God who has appeared countless times in various Forms and Names.
• Vast eternal knowledge, comprising over 1,000,000 verses, compiled by God Himself.
• Justice for all living beings through the infallible Law of Karma. We are accountable for our actions and experience the consequences accordingly.
• Embrace universal brotherhood, recognizing all living beings as brothers and sisters.
• Engage in personal service to God through Deity worship.
• God manifests in this and other universes to partake in transcendental pastimes, fulfilling our desire to see, play, and enjoy with Him.
• The material creation follows cyclic patterns, with repeated cycles of creation and annihilation, each lasting 311.040 trillion years.
• Reject practices such as slavery, taking women and children as captives, looting, circumcision, cursing, and stoning, as these are not endorsed in the Bhagavad-Gita.

• Every soul is inherently equal, with neither superiority nor inferiority over others.
• Souls are eternal, possessing boundless knowledge and bliss.
• All living beings, including humans, animals, and plants, possess a soul.
• The soul is impervious to destruction by any means, whether it be weapons, fire, wind, or water.
• Soul transcends physical attributes such as gender, race, caste, nationality, religion, health, wealth, age, and physical location.
• Situated within the heart of every living being, the soul illuminates the body with consciousness.
• Despite the soul’s infinitesimal size, it pervades the entire body.
• Each soul is interconnected with the Supreme Being, making us all part of one universal family.
• The Conservation of Energy principle in physics aligns with the concept of the soul’s indestructibility. While the body may perish, the soul persists and transitions into a new form upon death, as expounded in the Bhagavad-Gita.

The Vedic scriptures, authored over 5000 years ago, discuss the number of species a soul can inhabit, among other topics.

Jalaja (Water based life forms) – 0.9 million
Sthavara (Immobile implying plants and trees) – 2.0 million
Krimayo (Reptiles) – 1.1 million
Pakshinam (Birds) – 1.0 million
Pashavah (animals) – 3.0 million
Manavah (human-like) – 0.4 million
Total 8.4 million species of living beings.
A soul occupies a particular body, exactly based on its desires and deserves.

The statues of Lord Krishna in Vedic Temples have a life force present in them and thus they are not idols. Millions of people have personally witnessed the presence of God in the statues, which are called Deities. Lord Krishna has appeared from His Deity form to millions of His pure devotees.

To accept their services and full fill their desire to see Him. The statues in all Vedic Temples have a life force in them. They are not idols. An idol is an object made of stone with no life force present in them.

Those who bow down to stones believing there is no life force present in them are idol worshippers. Those who circumambulate stones knowing there is no life force in them are idol worshippers.

Some individuals hold the belief in eternal damnation, where those who do not adhere to their religion are condemned to suffer in hell for eternity.

This perspective suggests that life begins and ends in a single existence, with judgment and the allocation of eternal destinations solely based on religious affiliation, irrespective of one’s actions.

Consequently, even infants who pass away are thought to endure eternal torment for their inability to adopt a religion. This viewpoint raises questions about the concepts of forgiveness and mercy, especially in the context of a deity believed to be all-forgiving and compassionate.

The idea of eternal damnation prompts reflection on whether enduring suffering for a finite period would not suffice as atonement for one’s transgressions.

The notion of eternal punishment seems incongruous with the principles of justice and compassion, particularly when considering the eternal nature of the punishment. Moreover, the arbitrary nature of being born into a specific religion challenges the notion of divine justice and fairness.

Contrary to the concept of eternal damnation, the tenets of Sanatan-Dharma, represented by Lord Krishna, offer a different perspective. In this belief system, Krishna does not consign anyone, regardless of their actions, to eternal damnation.

Instead, every soul is destined to return to the spiritual realm and experience eternal bliss. This belief system emphasizes the inclusive paths available for souls to attain spiritual liberation, such as being in the presence of Krishna at the time of death, being killed by Krishna, or being a devoted follower of Krishna.

For those who do not fall into these categories, there are opportunities for reincarnation and eventual attainment of spiritual liberation. Thus, the concept of eternal damnation finds no support within the framework of Sanatan-Dharma.

A fundamental principle for followers of Lord Krishna, known as Vaishnavas, is abstaining from meat, fish, eggs, and leather items. Believers in Karma understand that harming others leads to negative consequences.

Lord Krishna emphasizes kindness to all living beings, making a devotee dear to Him. This includes refraining from harming animals, humans, or any living entity.

Offering simple offerings with love and devotion is valued by Lord Krishna, who accepts vegetarian offerings only. Therefore, a devotee’s diet aligns with this principle, avoiding meat consumption as Krishna does not accept it.

1. Ancient Wisdom: Sanatana Dharma, also known as Hinduism, is one of the oldest spiritual traditions in the world, dating back thousands of years. Followers are drawn to its rich philosophical teachings, spiritual practices, and timeless wisdom.
2. Universal Principles: Sanatana Dharma emphasizes universal principles such as dharma (righteousness), karma (action), and moksha (liberation). These teachings provide a comprehensive framework for leading a meaningful and ethical life.
3. Spiritual Growth: Followers seek spiritual growth and self-realization through practices like meditation, yoga, and devotion (bhakti). Sanatana Dharma offers a wide range of spiritual practices tailored to individual preferences and inclinations.
4. Cultural Identity: For many people, Sanatana Dharma is not just a religious or spiritual path but also a cultural identity. It includes a diverse range of customs, rituals, festivals, and traditions that deeply intertwine with daily life.
5. Connection to Nature: Sanatana Dharma recognizes the sacredness of nature and teaches reverence for all living beings. Many followers feel a deep connection to the natural world and strive to live in harmony with it.
6. Social Values: Sanatana Dharma promotes values such as compassion, tolerance, and respect for diversity. Followers are inspired to cultivate virtues that contribute to the well-being of society and the world at large.
7. Sense of Community: Sanatana Dharma fosters a sense of community and belonging among its followers. Temples, ashrams, satsangs (spiritual gatherings), and festivals provide opportunities for people to come together, share their spiritual journey, and support one another.

Overall, its holistic approach to life, profound spiritual insights, and timeless relevance in navigating the challenges of the modern world draw people to Sanatana Dharma.

Unveiling Your Life’s Purpose: Unraveling the Concept of Dharma in Sanatana Dharma

Understanding dharma and its significance is the cornerstone of integrating it into your daily existence. Dharma, often described as your sense of duty or purpose, serves as a guiding force directing your actions and decisions in alignment with your beliefs and values. It acts as a personal compass, facilitating navigation through life’s complexities while staying true to yourself and your convictions.

In the realm of Sanatana Dharma, dharma assumes paramount importance in personal growth and self-realization. By uncovering your dharma and committing to its fulfillment, you can experience a profound sense of direction and purpose, living authentically in harmony with your deepest convictions.

Embarking on this journey requires introspection, self-reflection, and a deep understanding of your values and beliefs. Engaging in practices like meditation, yoga, or journaling, along with seeking guidance from mentors or teachers, can aid in the exploration of your dharma. Despite its challenges, persistently pursuing this endeavor can lead to a richer understanding of your purpose, allowing you to integrate it meaningfully into your daily life.

Living with Purpose: Applying Dharma in Your Everyday Life

Once you’ve grasped the essence of your dharma, the next step is its practical application in your day-to-day activities.

Here are some actionable strategies to incorporate dharma into your routine:

Prioritize Self-Reflection: Dedicate regular time to introspection, allowing you to stay connected with your dharma and ensure that your choices and actions resonate with your values.

Make Intentional Decisions: Before making any decision, pause to consider whether it aligns with your purpose and values, empowering you to act with clarity and conviction.

Take Purposeful Action: Whether working, socializing, or pursuing personal interests, approach each activity deliberately, evaluating its alignment with your overarching sense of purpose.

Cultivate Supportive Relationships: Surround yourself with individuals who understand and respect your dharma, fostering a supportive community that encourages your growth and development.

By infusing dharma into your daily life, you can experience greater fulfillment, direction, and contentment, living authentically and in harmony with what truly matters to you.

Unlocking the Benefits of Dharma-Centered Living

Embracing a dharma-centered lifestyle offers a myriad of benefits, enriching both personal and professional spheres:

Enhanced Mental Clarity: Developing a strong mindset is key to success. Enhanced mental clarity, which comes from aligning with your purpose, fosters clear thinking. It enables you to make informed decisions and stay steadfast on your path, paving the way for greater achievement and fulfillment.”

Stronger Relationships: By embodying your values and acting with integrity, you attract like-minded individuals and cultivate meaningful connections, fostering a sense of community and belonging.

Improved Physical Health: Living in accordance with your values promotes self-care and healthier lifestyle choices, contributing to overall well-being and vitality.

The advantages of embracing dharma extend far beyond individual fulfillment, permeating every aspect of life and enriching the collective human experience.

Embarking on the Journey of Self-Realization through Dharma

Self-realization: the process of uncovering and embracing one’s true nature, can be a transformative journey, with dharma serving as a guiding light along the way:

Clarity and Focus: Living in harmony with your purpose provides clarity of direction, empowering you to navigate life’s complexities with confidence and conviction.

Enhanced Relationships: Embracing your dharma fosters deeper connections with others, cultivating a sense of community and belonging grounded in shared values.

Personal Growth: By continually reflecting on your purpose and values, you embark on a journey of self-discovery and evolution, unlocking your full potential and experiencing profound personal growth.

Incorporating dharma into the pursuit of self-realization offers a pathway to fulfillment and enlightenment, guiding you towards a deeper understanding of yourself and your place in the world.

Discovering Fulfillment through Right Action: The Role of Dharma in Daily Life

Dharma, a foundational principle in Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism, underscores the importance of ethical conduct and selflessness in daily living:

Aligning with Purpose: Dharma encompasses right action and a commitment to serving others, providing a framework for leading a meaningful and purposeful life.

Self-Awareness and Mindfulness: Integrating dharma into daily life requires self-awareness and mindfulness, facilitating conscious decision-making aligned with your values and principles.

By embracing dharma and committing to its practice, you can find fulfillment and happiness, living authentically and contributing positively to the world around you.

While Hinduism is incredibly diverse and encompasses a wide range of beliefs and traditions, there are several core beliefs that are fundamental to the faith:

1. Dharma (Righteousness and Duty):

Dharma is one of the central concepts in Hinduism, referring to the moral and ethical duties and responsibilities that individuals must uphold in their lives. It encompasses the idea of righteousness, duty, and moral law, guiding individuals to live virtuously and fulfill their societal and cosmic obligations.

2. Karma (Law of Cause and Effect):

Karma is the concept that every action has consequences, whether in this life or the next. Hindus believe that individuals accumulate karma through their thoughts, words, and deeds, and that this karma influences their future experiences and circumstances. Good actions lead to positive outcomes, while negative actions result in suffering and adversity.

3. Samsara (Cycle of Rebirth):

According to Hindu belief, the soul undergoes a continuous cycle of birth, death, and rebirth known as samsara. Karma governs the cycle of rebirth, with individuals being reincarnated into different bodies and life situations based on their past actions. The ultimate goal is to break free from the cycle of samsara and attain moksha, or liberation from the cycle of birth and death.

4. Moksha (Liberation):

Moksha is the ultimate goal of Hindu spirituality, representing liberation from the cycle of samsara and the attainment of spiritual enlightenment. Individuals believe that by practicing self-realization, spiritual practice, and the pursuit of knowledge, they can break free from the cycle of birth and death and achieve union with the divine.

5. Brahman (Universal Soul):

Brahman is the ultimate reality and the source of all existence in Hinduism. It is often described as the formless, infinite, and eternal essence that underlies the universe and permeates all living beings. Brahman is both immanent and transcendent, manifesting in the diversity of the world while remaining beyond all forms and attributes.

6. Atman (Individual Soul):

Atman refers to the individual soul or self, which is believed to be eternal and indestructible. Hindus believe that the atman is distinct from the body and mind and that it undergoes the cycle of birth and death as it seeks to attain liberation and reunite with Brahman.

7. Ahimsa (Non-Violence):

Ahimsa is the principle of non-violence and compassion towards all living beings. In Hinduism, people believe that all life is sacred and interconnected, and that causing harm to others ultimately leads to suffering for oneself. They consider Ahimsa one of the highest virtues, and they centralize it in the practice of yoga, meditation, and ethical living.

These core beliefs form the foundation of Hindu spirituality and guide individuals on their journey towards self-realization, liberation, and union with the divine. Through the practice of dharma, karma, and spiritual discipline, Hindus seek to lead lives of meaning, purpose, and fulfillment, ultimately striving to attain moksha and experience the eternal bliss of Brahman.

Becoming a firm follower of Sanatana Dharma involves embracing its principles, practices, and teachings wholeheartedly and integrating them into one’s daily life. Here are some steps to help you become a firm follower of Sanatana Dharma:

1. Study the Scriptures:

Begin by studying the sacred texts of Hinduism, such as the Vedas, Upanishads, Bhagavad Gita, and Ramayana. These scriptures contain the timeless wisdom and spiritual insights that form the foundation of Sanatana Dharma.

2. Understand the Core Beliefs:

Familiarize yourself with the core beliefs and principles of Sanatana Dharma, including the concepts of karma, dharma, reincarnation, and the ultimate goal of moksha (liberation). Gain a deeper understanding of the cyclical nature of existence and the interconnectedness of all beings.

3. Practice Regular Sadhana:

Cultivate a regular spiritual practice, or sadhana, that includes meditation, prayer, chanting, and other devotional practices. Set aside time each day for spiritual reflection and introspection, and strive to deepen your connection with the divine.

4. Live by Ethical Principles:

Embody the ethical principles of Sanatana Dharma in your daily life, including ahimsa (non-violence), satya (truthfulness), asteya (non-stealing), and aparigraha (non-possessiveness). Treat all beings with kindness, compassion, and respect, and strive to live in harmony with the natural world.

5. Participate in Rituals and Festivals:

Engage in religious rituals, ceremonies, and festivals that are meaningful to you and your community. Participate in worship services, pujas, and yagnas, and celebrate auspicious occasions with devotion and reverence.

6. Embrace Healthy Eating Habits:

Incorporate healthy eating habits and dietary guidelines into your lifestyle as prescribed by Sanatana Dharma. Follow the principles of moderation, balance, and mindfulness in your food choices, and prioritize fresh, seasonal, and locally sourced ingredients.

Practice mindful eating by savoring each bite, chewing your food thoroughly, and eating in a calm and relaxed environment. Avoid processed foods, excessive consumption of stimulants like caffeine and alcohol, and overeating.

By nourishing your body with wholesome, nutritious foods and observing the principles of healthy eating, you can promote physical health, mental clarity, and spiritual well-being in accordance with Sanatana Dharma.

7. Seek Guidance from Teachers:

Seek guidance and mentorship from spiritual teachers, gurus, and elders who can offer wisdom, support, and guidance on your spiritual path. Learn from their teachings and insights, and strive to embody their example in your own life.

8. Serve Others Selflessly:

Practice seva, or selfless service, by helping those in need and serving your community with humility and compassion. Volunteer your time and resources to charitable causes, support social justice initiatives, and work towards the welfare of all beings.

9. Cultivate Bhakti (Devotion):

Cultivate a deep sense of devotion and love for the divine in all its forms, whether as personal deities, cosmic forces, or the supreme consciousness. Engage in devotional practices such as bhajans, kirtans, and arati, and surrender your heart and mind to the divine presence.

10. Stay Connected to the Sangha:

Stay connected to the wider Hindu community, or sangha, by participating in satsangs, spiritual gatherings, and community events. Build relationships with like-minded individuals who share your spiritual values and aspirations, and support one another on the spiritual journey.

11. Continuously Learn and Evolve:

Approach your spiritual journey with an open mind and a willingness to learn and grow. Stay curious, explore new teachings and practices, and be open to challenging your existing beliefs and assumptions. Continuously strive for self-improvement, self-awareness, and spiritual evolution.

By following these steps and dedicating yourself wholeheartedly to the principles and practices of Sanatana Dharma, you can become a firm follower and experience the transformative power of Hindu spirituality in your life.

References:

https://ebooks.iskcondesiretree.com/pdf/Sanatan_Dharma/fundamentals-of-sanatan-dharma.pdf
https://cpd.tauedu.org/sanatana-dharma-in-daily-life-and-how-to-apply-it/