Sanatana dharma is a term that refers to the eternal Truth. Sanatana denotes “that which is without beginning or end” or “everlasting.” Dharma, comes from dhri, meaning “to hold together or sustain.” Dharma is often interpreted as meaning “natural law.” The term, sanatana dharma, can translate as “the natural and eternal way to live.” Sanatana dharma encompasses the list of duties and practices that all Hindus must comply with. This list of practices includes virtues like honesty, goodwill, patience and generosity. Following this code allows one to reach moksha, a state of spiritual liberation, Self-knowledge and enlightenment. The practice of yoga is a vital part of this process as it allows the yogi to achieve a union with their spiritual side.
There are certain beliefs which are basic to Sanatana Dharma. The belief that the atma is superior to the body, the conviction that the atma must strive for moksha, the belief in repeated births until the atma is finally liberated, the belief that God alone can liberate us, the belief that the liberated soul is never reborn. Sanathana Dharma conveys that each life or birth goes through experiences and commits punyam and paapam. Each birth all over our OM Universe which may be millions of them will make a soul attain its true nature of realization of its infinite nature in totality. Some births are only to commit paapam.
All jivatmas are born due to their karma, and what they face in life is a result of their karma. Every atma must resort to a way to reach God. God Himself has given us many choices in this respect. We can resort to karma yoga, bhakti yoga or gnana yoga, or Saranagati, to reach Him. And this should be our aim in life. Moksha is the goal we should work towards.
Paapam or Sin: Any human act that is not pure in the eyes of Vishnu, which prevents a soul attaining the self realization and also prevents others from becoming divine which in turn acts against the divine karma as defined by the God. Even an inaction is a sin. Paapa conscience looses all abilities to see the divine path laid in front it.
Punyam or Good Deed: All actions or Karma which is towards Vishnu’s WILL and helping him in his divine actions, in all circumstances and all times fully focused on him and who guides and helps others to realize the path of Krishna is Punyam. Any act that is free from hatred, cruel, selfishness and religious fundamentalism in any form and which shatters the Maya of materialism is Punyam.
Every dharma has its own value, just as every duty. All duties flow from God and all dharmas also flow from Him only. Each caters to certain needs and fulfills certain aims. Every living being who lives upon earth is an embodiment of God's eternal duty.
Therefore, we have to be careful when we speak ill of others or degrade their faith. Agreed that not all duties are equal, but all duties are sacred since they flow from God.
However, if we perform actions selfishly for our own end, then we are not performing God's duties anymore and we become subject to their consequences (karma).Since the actions of animals are guided mostly by Nature, they do not incur karma as much human beings who are intelligent and who can exercise their will for good or bad.
Now what is the higher nature or the true dharma of a human being? According to Hinduism, as a human being, you have a responsibility or a duty towards yourself, towards your family, towards your society, towards your ancestors, towards your divinities and towards all living beings in general.
God is the upholder of dharma and the order of the universe. He makes sure that the fire burns, the wind blows and the water flows because these are their essential dharmas. In case of living beings, He enforces the law of karma and allows them to indulge in willful actins out of their desires and natural instincts. However, if the worlds becomes too chaotic or disturbingly disorderly, on account of their activities, He incarnates upon earth and sets things right.
Whatever may be the religion or the personal philosophy you follow, make sure that you contribute to peace and harmony and do not disturb yourself or others in harmful and evil ways. According to the Bhagavadgita, a true yogi does not disturb others nor is disturbed by them. He does not create any ripples in the lives of other people or beings. He lives peacefully, without imposing himself or trying to control others. He is at peace with everyone. That is the true purpose of yoga.
If you are for peace, harmony and order and if you strive to establish them and maintain them in your life and your environment, it is deemed that you are following your dharma and you are in tune with your spiritual nature. God and all the divinities whom we worship will be happy with you and respond to you promptly whenever you pray to them sincerely.
It is through your adherence to dharma that you become a true devotee of God and fulfill the central purpose of your life. Here are a few simple ways in which you can practice your essential dharma.
- Curb your baser desires and your animal instincts. Refuse to be guided by your lower instincts.
- Identify yourself with your inner self, knowing that you are neither your body nor your mind but the immortal self, who is caught in the whirlpool of life.
- Offer whatever you have and whatever you do to God or the divinities whom you love most. Make your life and your activities an offering to God.
- Practice detachment so that emotionally you will be more stable and peaceful.
- Cultivate sattva or purity by practicing virtue and avoiding wrong doings so that you can experience affinity with your spiritual side.
- Practice non-violence and compassion towards other living beings. It will set you apart from animals and provide you with an opportunity to practice universal friendliness (mitrata).
- Avoid thinking and harboring evil and immoral thoughts.
- Practice yoga and meditation so that you can control the modifications of your mind and experience peace and harmony within yourself.
- Worship your gods and divinities so that they will be active in your consciousness as well as in the cosmos and express themselves through you.
- Do your duty, whatever it is, without expectation and with a sense of sacrifice.
- Fill your mind with positive and spiritual thoughts.
- Speak right words, think right thoughts and do right deeds.
It is the dharma of the animals to live for themselves as intended by Nature. It is the dharma of humans to live wisely and intelligently and work for their liberation as intended by the Creator. The dharma of gods is to exist for others and help them according to their merit. As far as we are concerned, we have a choice. We have the freedom to live like animals or live like gods and accept the consequences.
Purushartham
- Dharma is the aim of carrying out spiritual duties, which include worshipping, learning and devoting oneself to the gods and goddesses.
- Kama is the aim of enjoying the good things in life – love, desire and pleasure.
- Artha is the aim of success in work – earning money, providing for a family and doing a good job.
- Moksha is the aim of liberation. It is a blissful state where the atman is no longer reincarnated but becomes one with Brahman.
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