Sanatan Dharma, often referred to as the "Eternal Order" or "Eternal Duty," is a term used to describe the religious, philosophical, and cultural practices rooted in ancient Indian traditions. It is the indigenous name for what is commonly known as Hinduism, and it emphasizes the timeless and universal principles that underpin this spiritual path.
Key Concepts of Sanatan Dharma
1. Eternal Truths:
Sanatan Dharma is based on eternal truths and principles that are considered universal and timeless. These truths are believed to have been revealed to ancient sages (Rishis) through deep meditation and spiritual insights.
2. Vedas and Scriptures:
The foundational texts of Sanatan Dharma are the Vedas, which include the Rigveda, Samaveda, Yajurveda, and Atharvaveda. Other important scriptures include the Upanishads, Puranas, Itihasas (Ramayana and Mahabharata), and the Bhagavad Gita.
3. Dharma:
The concept of dharma is central to Sanatan Dharma. It refers to the moral and ethical duties, responsibilities, and righteous path that individuals must follow according to their position in life (varna) and stage of life (ashrama).
4. Karma and Reincarnation:
Sanatan Dharma teaches the law of karma, which states that every action has consequences that affect one's future. Reincarnation is the belief in the cyclical nature of life, death, and rebirth, where the soul undergoes multiple lifetimes to evolve and attain moksha (liberation).
5. Moksha:
The ultimate goal of Sanatan Dharma is moksha, or liberation from the cycle of birth and death. Moksha is achieved through self-realization, understanding the true nature of the self (Atman), and its unity with the supreme reality (Brahman).
6. Yoga and Meditation:
Practices such as yoga, meditation, and other spiritual disciplines are integral to Sanatan Dharma. These practices help individuals purify their minds, control their senses, and achieve spiritual growth.
7. Devtas and Worship:
Sanatan Dharma encompasses a vast pantheon of deities, each representing different aspects of the supreme reality. Devotional practices (bhakti) include rituals, prayers, and ceremonies conducted in temples and homes.
8. Inclusivity and Diversity:
Sanatan Dharma embraces a wide range of beliefs, practices, and philosophies. It respects and accommodates diverse paths to spiritual realization, acknowledging that different individuals may have different inclinations and approaches.
9. Cultural Practices:
Sanatan Dharma is deeply intertwined with the cultural and social fabric of Indian society. Festivals, rituals, arts, music, and dance are all expressions of its spiritual and cultural heritage.
Significance of Sanatan Dharma
Sanatan Dharma provides a comprehensive framework for living a life of righteousness, spirituality, and harmony with the universe. Its teachings encourage individuals to seek truth, practice compassion, and strive for spiritual growth. The emphasis on eternal principles and universal values makes Sanatan Dharma relevant across different cultures and times, offering wisdom and guidance for personal and collective well-being.
The Main Literature of Hinduism
Hinduism is enriched with a vast and diverse body of literature that forms the foundation of its religious, philosophical, and cultural traditions. Here are the primary categories and key texts that constitute the main literature of Hinduism:
1. Vedas
The Vedas are the oldest and most authoritative scriptures of Hinduism, composed in Sanskrit.
· Rigveda: The oldest of the Vedas, containing hymns dedicated to various deities.
· Samaveda: Consists mainly of hymns from the Rigveda, set to music for liturgical purposes.
· Yajurveda: Contains prose mantras for use in rituals.
· Atharvaveda: Includes hymns, spells, and incantations for domestic use.
2. Upanishads
Philosophical texts that explore the concepts found in the Vedas, focusing on meditation, morality, and the nature of the soul (Atman) and ultimate reality (Brahman).
Key Upanishads: Isha, Kena, Katha, Prashna, Mundaka, Mandukya, Taittiriya, Aitareya, Chandogya, and Brihadaranyaka.
3. Itihasas
Epic narratives that convey moral and ethical teachings through stories of divine incarnations and historical events.
Ramayana:
The story of Lord Rama, his wife Sita, and his loyal companion Hanuman, written by Sage Valmiki.
Mahabharata:
The longest epic in the world, containing the Bhagavad Gita, and narrating the story of the Kurukshetra war and the fate of the Kaurava and Pandava princes.
4. Bhagavad Gita
A 700-verse scripture that is part of the Mahabharata, consisting of a conversation between Prince Arjuna and Lord Krishna, who serves as his charioteer. The Gita addresses the moral and philosophical dilemmas faced by Arjuna and is a key philosophical and spiritual guide in Hinduism.
5. Puranas
A genre of ancient texts that contain myths, legends, cosmology, and teachings. They are written in the form of stories to impart moral lessons and religious teachings.
Major Puranas:
Vishnu Purana, Shiva Purana, Bhagavata Purana, Narada Purana, Markandeya Purana, and Devi Bhagavata Purana.
6. Dharma Shastras
Texts that provide guidelines for ethical and moral conduct, duties, and laws governing society.
Manusmriti:
One of the most important Dharma Shastras, attributed to the sage Manu.
Yajnavalkya Smriti and Parashara Smriti: Other significant texts in this category.
7. Aranyakas and Brahmanas
Texts that provide interpretations of the rituals and hymns of the Vedas.
Aranyakas: Meditative texts that are considered the bridge between the ritualistic Brahmanas and the philosophical Upanishads.
Brahmanas: Prose texts that explain the hymns in the Vedas and provide details on rituals and ceremonies.
8. Sutras
Concise aphoristic texts that provide rules and guidelines on various subjects, including rituals, grammar, and philosophy.
Vedanga Sutras: Include texts like the Shrauta Sutras, Grihya Sutras, and Dharma Sutras.
Philosophical Sutras: Such as the Brahma Sutras, which systematize the teachings of the Upanishads.
9. Tantras
Texts that deal with esoteric practices, rituals, and the worship of deities, particularly in Shaktism and Shaivism.
Notable Tantras: The Kularnava Tantra, Rudra Yamala Tantra, and Mahanirvana Tantra.
These texts collectively provide a comprehensive understanding of Hindu beliefs, practices, ethics, and philosophies. They form the foundation of Hindu religious life and continue to influence Hindu thought and practice across the world.
India has gifted the world with its original, oldest, and most profound philosophy of life. The ancient sages and philosophers of India delved into the Truth of our existence, offering various philosophies and theories.
The ultimate goal is to achieve Moksha, liberation from the cycle of birth and death. Concurrently, they established guidelines for “good living” on earth, which constitute the Hindu religion. A unique concept of Hinduism is that the Supreme can be worshipped in any form. This belief is embodied in the Hindu Trinity—Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva—representing creation, sustenance, and transformation, respectively.
Throughout history, many genuine Rishis, Saints, and Sages in India have continually reformed and revitalized Hinduism, ensuring its relevance across different eras. These enlightened individuals, known as Rishis, had purified minds that perceived the truth. In Hinduism, a Sage or Saint is someone who has directly experienced the divine.
The Revealed Divine Truths are known as the Vedas, the primary scriptures of Sanatan Dharma. The Vedas shaped ancient Indian society, influencing ethics and morality. They are categorized into “Shruti” (verbal) and “Smriti” (written) based on their origins.
A Sage named Krishna Dvaipayana (Ved Vyasa) documented the Yajur Veda, the original Veda, which was later classified into four categories due to its extensive content.
Sanskrit literature can be categorized into six orthodox sections and four secular sections. The six orthodox categories constitute the authoritative scriptures of Hinduism, while the four secular categories represent later developments in classical Sanskrit literature.
The six orthodox scriptures are:
(i) Srutis,
(ii) Smritis,
(iii) Itihasas,
(iv) Puranas,
(v) Agamas, and
(vi) Darsanas.
The four secular writings are:
(i) Subhashitas,
(ii) Kavyas,
(iii) Natakas, and
(iv) Alankaras.
Our Vedas.
The Srutis, known as the Vedas or Amnaya, are revered as divine revelations in Hinduism, considered Apaurusheya (superhuman) with no specific author. The term "Veda," derived from the root 'Vid' meaning "to know," signifies a book of knowledge and forms the foundation of Hindu scriptures. The Vedas are the eternal truths revealed by God to ancient Rishis (Seers) of India, who were not the creators but the spiritual discoverers of these truths. As the cornerstone of Indian wisdom, the Vedas hold a timeless and universal significance.
Embrace the spirit of the Vedas by discerning the permanent from the impermanent and recognizing the Self in all beings and objects. Understand that names and forms are illusions. Share your resources—physical, mental, moral, or spiritual—with everyone, serving the Self in all. Love your neighbor as yourself and break down barriers that separate people. Embrace all, eliminating the concepts of sex and body by focusing on the Self, the sexless, bodiless Atman.
Keep your mind on the Self in all actions. This practice, the essence of the Vedas, leads to a dynamic yogic life and ultimate liberation.
The Vedas are divided into four major books: the Rig-Veda, Yajur-Veda, Sama-Veda, and Atharva-Veda.
The Yajur-Veda has two parts, Sukla and Krishna, with Krishna (Taittiriya) being older and Sukla (Vajasaneya) a later revelation to sage Yajnavalkya from the Sun-God.
The Rig-Veda has twenty-one sections, the Yajur-Veda has one hundred and nine, the Sama-Veda has one thousand, and the Atharva-Veda has fifty, totaling one thousand one hundred and eighty recensions.
Each Veda consists of four parts: Mantra-Samhitas (hymns), Brahmanas (ritual explanations), Aranyakas, and Upanishads, catering to the four stages of life.
Mantra-Samhitas are hymns praising Vedic Gods for material prosperity and happiness, useful for Brahmacharins.
The subject matter of the Vedas is divided into three sections: Karma-Kanda, Upasana-Kanda, and Gyana-Kanda.
1. Karma-Kanda (Ritualistic Section):
This section deals with various sacrifices and rituals. It includes the Mantras and Brahmanas.
2. Upasana-Kanda (Worship Section):
This section focuses on different types of worship and meditation. It is represented by the Aranyakas.
3. Gyana-Kanda (Knowledge Section):
This section provides the highest knowledge of Nirguna Brahman (the formless aspect of the Divine). It consists of the Upanishads.
The Rig-Veda Samhita, revered as the grandest book of the Hindus, contains beautiful, mysterious, and immortal Mantras embodying profound truths. Its priest is called the Hotri.
The Yajur-Veda Samhita, mostly in prose, is used by the Adhvaryu priest for ritual explanations, supplementing the Rig-Vedic Mantras.
The Sama-Veda Samhita, mainly derived from the Rig-Veda, is meant to be sung by the Udgatri priest during sacrifices.
The Atharva-Veda Samhita, used by the Brahma priest, ensures the correct pronunciation and performance of rituals, correcting mistakes made by the other three priests.
We encourage you to visit the links below for further study.
· Our great Sages, Gurus, and Acharyas.
· Rig Veda original text (relates to Chanting)
· Shukla Yajur Veda original text (relates to sacrifice)
· Krishna Yajurved original text (also relates to sacrifice)
· Sama Veda original text (relates to divine music)
· Atharva Veda original text (relates to modern science)
Geographical Distribution of Hindu Dharma
Hinduism, one of the world’s major religions, is the oldest known religion, often referred to as Sanatan Dharma (Eternal Religion). This enduring faith originated and flourished in the Indian subcontinent. Today, over a billion people adhere to Hinduism, with significant communities in Nepal, Mauritius, Fiji, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Guyana, Indonesia, Australia, America, Canada, England, New Zealand, and other countries.
Hindu Dharma, originating from the Indian subcontinent, has spread globally, establishing significant communities in various regions around the world.
Significant Hindu Population:India is home to the largest Hindu population globally, with millions of Hindus practicing their faith across the country. This population comprises diverse communities, each contributing to the rich tapestry of Hindu traditions and customs. The sheer number of adherents makes India a vital center for Hindu religious activities, festivals, and practices.
In summary, India stands as the heartland of Hinduism, nurturing and preserving its rich heritage through countless temples, pilgrimage sites, and cultural practices. The religion's profound impact on the country's history, culture, and daily life underscores India's significance as the cradle of Hinduism.
Nepal is a predominantly Hindu country, with Hinduism being the major religion practiced by the majority of its population. According to the 2011 census, approximately 81.3% of the population in Nepal identifies as Hindu. This makes Nepal one of the most Hindu-majority countries in the world, second only to India.
The Hindu community in Nepal is deeply rooted in the country's history, culture, and daily life. Temples, shrines, and holy sites are widespread, with famous ones including the Pashupatinath Temple in Kathmandu, which is one of the most sacred Hindu temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. Hindu festivals such as Dashain, Tihar, and Holi are celebrated with great enthusiasm and are integral to Nepalese culture.
Hinduism in Nepal is characterized by a rich tradition of rituals, customs, and ceremonies that permeate every aspect of life, from birth to death. The religion has a profound influence on the country's art, literature, and festivals, and it plays a crucial role in maintaining social and cultural cohesion among the Nepalese people.
Hindu festivals, such as Diwali, are celebrated with great enthusiasm and are often recognized as national holidays, reflecting their importance in Fijian society. Diwali, the festival of lights, is marked by elaborate decorations, cultural performances, and community gatherings, showcasing the rich heritage of the Hindu community. Other important festivals, like Holi, Navaratri, and Ram Navami, are also celebrated with similar fervor, bringing together people from all walks of life to participate in the joyous occasions. These celebrations highlight the diversity and inclusivity of Fiji's multicultural society, where different traditions and customs are respected and embraced.
Hinduism's spread across the globe reflects its adaptability and the strong cultural ties of the Indian diaspora, fostering a rich and diverse global Hindu community.
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