Very Often we hear the word Santan Dharma but do you ever actually stop and ponder What this word actually meant? Understanding the genuine essence of "Sanatan Dharma" is quite interesting. If this awareness is formed with faith and conviction, it can help us grasp our faith more clearly and expand our consciousness.
Meaning Of Sanatan Dharama
Sanatan refers to a timeless concept that means anything “which is without beginning or end” or “eternal.” Dharma is a term used commonly to refer to religion or duty. Dharma has a deeper meaning that defies easy English translation. The source of the term itself, "dhri," in Sanskrit, meaning "to sustain."
Sanatana dharma is the set of duties and practices that all Hindus must adhere to. Honesty, goodwill, patience, and generosity are among the virtues on this list. Following this code results in moksha, or spiritual liberation, self-awareness, and enlightenment.
अनित्यानि शरीराणि विभवो नैव शाश्वतः ।
नित्यं संनिहितो मृत्युः कर्तव्यो धर्मसंग्रहः ॥
English Translation
This body does not last for ever. Wealth is temporary. Death is approaching you every day. Hence get involved in following Dharma as if there is no tomorrow. Do not put off noble duties to tomorrow.
Hindi Translation
मनुष्य का शरीर नश्वर हैं और धन वैभव भी शाश्वत नहीं होता है। मृत्यु सदैव हमारे साथ रहती है (कभी भी हो सकती है) । अतएव हमारा यह् कर्तव्य है कि धर्म द्वारा प्रतिपादित सिद्धान्तों का पालन कर पुण्य प्राप्त करें।
Source – Maha subhashita samgraha – 1380
How Sanatana Dharma Is Different From A Religion?
Dharma is concerned with VALUES.
Religion is all about the PROCESS.
Dharma guides us through the complexities of daily life, suggesting ways to cope with problems and adapt solutions as we progress on our spiritual journey. Dharma guides us through the complexities of daily life, teaching us how to deal with problems and adapt solutions as we progress spiritually. Dharma is fundamentally practical.
Religion is more concerned with ideology; it tells you what to think and believe. Religion establishes all of the rituals, ceremonies, and rules that must be followed. Religion, which derives from the Latin word "to bind," binds you to God and the religious community.
Sanatana Dharma, although it incorporates both streams, does not compel one to follow the "processes," but instead puts more emphasis on following the "values."
The ultimate goal of Sanatana Dharma is to transform the individual from a self-centered human being to an idealistic, selfless person with a clear realization of the self.