Exploring Hinduism: The Meaning of Sanātana Dharma in Sacred Texts

What is Sanātana Dharma?

Sanātana Dharma, often translated as "eternal law" or "eternal order," is the ancient term for what we now call Hinduism. This term appears in many Hindu scriptures and refers to the timeless, universal principles of righteousness (dharma), duty, and harmony that guide human life beyond the boundaries of time and place.

Sanātana means "eternal" (नित्य), and Dharma means "righteous duty" or "the natural law." Together, Sanātana Dharma is the eternal set of values and duties that apply to all living beings, regardless of caste, creed, or era.

Vedic Foundations: The Oldest Roots

The Vedas: Rigveda, Yajurveda, Sāmaveda, and Atharvaveda are the oldest and most authoritative texts of Sanātana Dharma. The Vedas are described as apauruṣeya (अपौरुषेय), meaning "not of human origin" or "divine revelation". They are considered eternal truths, heard by ancient sages (ṛṣis).

Rig Veda 1.164.46

Sanskrit:इन्द्रं मित्रं वरुणमग्निमाहुरथो दिव्यः स सुपर्णो गरुत्मान्।एकं सद्विप्रा बहुधा वदन्त्यग्निं यमं मातरिश्वानमाहुः॥

Transliteration:indram mitram varuṇam agnim āhur atho divyaḥ sa suparṇo garutmān |ekaṃ sad viprā bahudhā vadanty agniṃ yamaṃ mātarishvānam āhuḥ ||

Meaning: "They call Him Indra, Mitra, Varuṇa, Agni... Truth is One; the wise call it by many names."

Significance: This verse is a cornerstone of Sanātana Dharma. It teaches that the divine truth is one, though it is expressed in many forms and names. This is why Hinduism is so inclusive and diverse, with different gods, rituals, and philosophies, but all connected by the same eternal truth.

Philosophical Framework: Hinduism in the Epics

The Mahābhārata and Bhagavad Gītā elaborate on the concept of dharma as both universal (sanātana) and personal (svadharma).

Mahābhārata 3.86.22

Sanskrit:ये च वेदविदो विप्रा ये चाध्यात्मविदो जनाः।ते वदन्ति महात्मानं कृष्णं धर्मं सनातनम्॥ २२॥

Transliteration:ye ca vedavido viprā ye cādhyātmavido janāḥ |te vadanti mahātmānaṃ kṛṣṇaṃ dharmaṃ sanātanam || 22 ||

Meaning: "The knowers of the Vedas and those who know the Self declare Krishna as the eternal Dharma."

Significance: Here, Krishna is described as the embodiment of Sanātana Dharma. In the Bhagavad Gītā, Krishna teaches that following one's own duty (svadharma) and devotion (bhakti) are paths to cosmic order and liberation.

Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam: The Soul’s Eternal Duty

The Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam further explains Sanātana Dharma as the soul’s eternal relationship with the Divine.

Sanskrit:जीवेर ‘स्वरूप’ हय-कृष्णेर ‘नित्य-दास’।

Transliteration:jīvera 'svarūpa' haya-kṛṣṇera 'nitya-dāsa'

Meaning: "The true nature of the soul is to be an eternal servant of Krishna."

Significance: This reflects the Bhakti tradition, where loving devotion to God is considered the highest and most eternal duty, transcending all temporary social or ritual obligations.

Timelessness and Origin

Sanātana Dharma is described in the scriptures as anādi (अनादि)-without beginning or end. The Vedas are considered śruti (श्रुति), or "that which is heard," and are believed to be eternal truths revealed to ancient sages.

• Mahābhārata’s Cosmic Timeline: The epic describes the universe moving through cycles of ages (yugas), but dharma remains relevant in every age, even as it faces challenges and decline.

Core Principles of Sanātana Dharma

1. Dharma (Righteousness)

Sanātana Dharma includes universal virtues such as:

• Satya (सत्य) – Truth

• Ahimsa (अहिंसा) – Non-violence

• Karuna (करुणा) – Compassion

• Shaucham (शौच) – Purity

• Daya (दया) – Mercy

• Kshama (क्षमा) – Patience

• Dāna (दान) – Generosity

Dharma is contrasted with svadharma (one’s personal duty according to one’s nature, caste, or stage of life). When universal and personal duties conflict, ancient texts like the Bhagavad Gītā discuss how to resolve these dilemmas.

2. Purushārthas (Four Life Goals)

Sanātana Dharma teaches that life should be balanced among the four aims, called Purushārthas:

• Dharma (धर्म) – Righteousness, duty

• Artha (अर्थ) – Prosperity, wealth

• Kāma (काम) – Desire, pleasure

• Mokṣa (मोक्ष) – Liberation from the cycle of birth and death

3. Karma and Rebirth

The law of karma (action and consequence) and rebirth is central. Every action has consequences, and the soul (ātman) takes birth again and again until it attains moksha (liberation).

Conclusion

Sanātana Dharma- The eternal law is the foundation of Hinduism as described in the Vedas, Mahābhārata, and Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam. It is timeless, universal, and inclusive, teaching that all paths lead to the same ultimate truth. Its core is the pursuit of righteousness, truth, compassion, and liberation, guiding humanity towards harmony and self-realization.

Key References from Ancient Texts

• Rig Veda 1.164.46:"एकं सद्विप्रा बहुधा वदन्ति"("Truth is one, the wise call it by many names.")

• Mahābhārata 3.86.22:"ते वदन्ति महात्मानं कृष्णं धर्मं सनातनम्"("The knowers of the Vedas and the self declare Krishna as the eternal Dharma.")

• Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam 8.14.4:"जीवेर ‘स्वरूप’ हय-कृष्णेर ‘नित्य-दास’"("The true nature of the soul is to be an eternal servant of Krishna.")

• Vedas as Apauruṣeya: The Vedas are "not of human origin," and are considered eternal revelations.

Sanātana Dharma is not just a religion, but a way of life-eternal, universal, and ever-relevant.