Sanatan Dharma, often referred to as Hinduism, is an ancient and complex religious and philosophical tradition that originated in the Indian subcontinent. The term “Sanatan Dharma” translates to “eternal religion” or “eternal order.” It encompasses a wide range of beliefs, practices, rituals, and philosophies that have evolved over thousands of years.
Key aspects of Sanatan Dharma include:
Dharma: The concept of dharma is central to Hinduism. It refers to the righteous and moral duties and responsibilities that individuals must follow in order to lead a virtuous life.
Karma: This concept suggests that every action has consequences, and individuals are bound by the consequences of their actions. Good actions lead to positive outcomes, while negative actions result in negative consequences.
Moksha: Moksha is the ultimate goal in Hinduism, representing liberation from the cycle of birth and death (samsara). It is achieved through self-realization, spiritual knowledge, and detachment from worldly desires.
Brahman: The supreme, unchanging reality or cosmic spirit that underlies and unites the diversity of the physical world. Devotees often worship different deities as manifestations of this ultimate reality.
Reincarnation (Samsara): The belief in the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth until one attains moksha. The quality of each life is influenced by one’s actions (karma) in previous existences.
Vedas and Upanishads: Sacred texts such as the Vedas and Upanishads form the foundation of Hindu philosophy. These scriptures contain hymns, rituals, and philosophical discussions.
Sanatan Dharma is characterized by its diversity, allowing for various paths (margas) and belief systems. It accommodates different schools of thought, including Vedanta, Samkhya, Yoga, and others. Hinduism also incorporates a rich tapestry of mythologies, rituals, festivals, and a wide array of deities that represent various aspects of the divine.
It’s important to note that Hinduism is a term that is often used interchangeably with Sanatan Dharma, but Hinduism is a more recent term used to describe the religious and cultural traditions of the Indian subcontinent.