Introduction to Sanatana Dharma

Sanatana Dharma is a collective term for the set of principles that govern the cosmic order (Ṛta) and the paths of exploration (Yoga) towards the higher reality, as chronicled by seekers throughout the ages.

Sanatana Dharma represents the culmination of human effort across lifetimes to realize the highest reality, ultimately meeting Divine Grace—the Divine intent to reach out to creation. It is a collection of the realizations of sages in Samadhi (deep meditative absorption) and the divine revelations they received.

When intelligent beings began wondering about the nature of the self and the nature of reality, they sought answers to eternal questions such as "What am I?" For those to whom this inquiry was merely an intellectual exercise, their efforts ended in vain. However, in those where the question burned bright, they sought answers within themselves, in the stillness of their hearts.

The fortunate ones realized that the Self is the core of all existence, the ultimate being (Brahman) expressing itself as countless forms. They understood that all apparent reality is a play (Lila) of that singular being, expressing itself as multiplicity (individualized beings) through a temporary veil of ignorance called Maya, which brings forth creation.

Sages whose minds were unsullied by mental afflictions such as kāma (desire), krodha (anger), lobha (greed), mada (ego), moha (attachment), and mātsarya (jealousy)—collectively referred to as the Arishadvargas (the six enemies of the mind)—could easily see through this veil of illusion. They realized that the core of all beings is the same. At the level of the mind and body, there is an apparent separation, but this separation is untrue in the absolute sense.

If intelligent beings exist in any corner of the universe with a burning desire to know themselves, they too would realize the same underlying truths that human beings on Earth have discovered. This Dharma is eternal; it is ever the same across time and space, aptly called Sanatana Dharma.

 

Core principles of Sanatana Dharma

Sanatana Dharma is built upon numerous principles, but four main concepts form its core foundation. While this is not an exhaustive or standardized list, these principles are widely accepted as central to understanding the essence of Dharma:

1. Karma (Action and Its Consequences)

Karma refers to the principle of action and its corresponding results. Each action carries its own fruit, which comes to fruition in due time. This is often loosely compared to the law of "cause and effect." The idea emphasizes personal responsibility, as one’s current circumstances are shaped by past actions, and future outcomes depend on present deeds.

2. Dharma (Righteous Living)

Dharma is the practice of aligning oneself with the eternal cosmic flow. It involves living in harmony with the universe and acting in a way that prioritizes the greater good of all beings. Dharma encourages actions that promote spiritual well-being for oneself and others, placing collective harmony above selfish gratifications. It is the guiding principle for righteous and ethical living.

3. Punarjanma (Reincarnation)

Punarjanma, or reincarnation, refers to the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth. It is believed that a being passes through 8.4 million life forms on Earth before reaching the human stage. The individual soul (Jeeva), driven by a desire to experience life, moves through various forms of existence, from inanimate objects to sentient beings. With each life, the soul seeks to experience higher realities, eventually attaining a human body, which is considered the most suitable for spiritual evolution. Reincarnation is seen as the process of the soul’s spiritual evolution, akin to the scientific concept of evolution but rooted in the development of consciousness.

4. Moksha (Liberation or Self-Realization)

Moksha is the ultimate goal of Sanatana Dharma. It represents the realization of the highest reality of existence, which is identical to the realization of the true nature of the Self. This state of oneness with the entire creation is also the state of ultimate freedom, where the individual transcends all desires, limitations, and the cycle of birth and death. Moksha is considered the pinnacle of spiritual attainment, leading to eternal peace and unity with the Divine.

These core principles guide individuals on their spiritual journey, providing a framework to live a balanced, purposeful, and fulfilling life while striving for the ultimate realization of truth and liberation.

 

Paths to Self Realization

The sages brought forth a veriety of detailed paths through which a seeker can realize the ultimate truth within himself, Lord Krishna in Bhagavad Gita broadly categorizes these paths into four main ones:

1. Jnana Yoga

The path of knowledge: In this path, a seeker uses purified intelligence (wisdom) to cut throught the clutter. Self-enquiry, study of scriptures, contemplation are the tools on this path. 

2. Bhakti Yoga

The Path of Devotion: Devotee's Love/ Devotion towards the deity is the tool that  transforms the heart of the devotee. The focus is so one pointed towards the object of Love/ Reverence that a devotee loses his ego based decision making in favor of scripture/ deity ordained way of life. Complete Surrender, Love, Faith are the qualities of a devotee.

3. Karma Yoga

 The Path of Right Action: Through the act of performing duties in the right spirit, a yogi frees oneself from the attchment to the results. Yogi acts for the sake of action, not results, thus over time he is able to effortlessly do what is right.

4. Raja Yoga

Also known as Dhyana Yoga, A Yogi uses the techniques of Meditation & Concentration to attain the state of Samadhi (A state of utter stillness, state of oneness with the Consciousness). Patanjali's Yoga Sutras deal with the Eight limbs of RajaYoga, namely:

  1. Yama (restraints)
  2. Niyama (observances)
  3. Asana (Posture)
  4. Pranayama (Control over flow of life energies)
  5. Pratyahara (withdrawal of senses)
  6. Dharana (concentration)
  7. Dhyana (Meditation)
  8. Samadhi (Oneness with the consciousness; absorption into Brahman)

In the above list, Yoga is used to mean the Path to the finality, which is Yoga (Oneness).

 

Purusharthas (Four Worthwhile Pursuits)

What is the purpose of life? Sages have pondered over millennia whether there is any purpose to existence at all. Rather than seeking abstract answers, they have found it far more meaningful to examine the present human condition and explore ways to engage meaningfully with life while living in the human body. This inquiry has led to the broad categorization of human pursuits into four essential goals:

1. Dharma

Dharma deals with right conduct and being righteous in our thoughts and actions. It is given a higher position than Artha (wealth) and Kama (desires). While humans are encouraged to seek wealth and pleasures, it is of foremost importance that in these pursuits, one remains righteous toward other beings. This means ensuring that no harm or injury is caused to others, and that there is no injustice or misconduct.

A person is encouraged to create wealth in the right manner, enjoy the righteously gathered wealth, and use it for the betterment of everyone around. Dharma serves as the foundation that governs all other pursuits, ensuring that they align with moral and ethical principles.

2. Artha

Artha signifies the pursuit of wealth and material prosperity. Wealth, when earned righteously, provides the resources necessary to fulfill responsibilities, support oneself, and contribute to society.

The pursuit of Artha is not meant to be an end in itself but rather a means to live a meaningful life and uphold Dharma. Wealth gained through ethical means not only sustains an individual but also becomes a tool for serving the greater good.

3. Kama

Kama refers to the fulfillment of desires, encompassing physical, emotional, and sensory pleasures. The pursuit of Kama must also adhere to Dharma. This means desires should be fulfilled using righteously earned wealth, without coveting what belongs to others, over-indulging, or incurring unnecessary debt.

The purpose of wealth and the effort to fulfill desires is ultimately to transcend them. Yearning for desires ceases only when one goes beyond them. Experiencing the objects of desire is sometimes a necessary step toward this detachment, as it allows individuals to recognize their transient nature.

4. Moksha

Moksha is the highest of all human pursuits, so much so that sages have called attaining Moksha the ultimate purpose of life. Moksha represents liberation—a state of realization where one is no longer driven by desires, and sorrows can no longer touch the being. It is the realization of the Sat-Chit-Ananda (Existence-Consciousness-Bliss) nature of the self, where the Self resides in the Self alone.

The Purusharthas provide a holistic framework for leading a balanced and meaningful life. They acknowledge the importance of engaging with the world while also pointing toward the ultimate goal of spiritual liberation. In integrating Dharma, Artha, Kama, and Moksha, one finds harmony in the journey of life, fulfilling not only personal aspirations but also contributing to the greater cosmic order.

 


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