Beyond Religion: Why Sanatan Dharm is a Living Practice

What if your understanding of ‘religion’ didn’t quite capture the essence of one of the world’s most ancient and profound traditions?

Many globally recognize it as “Hinduism,” but this term, given by outsiders like the Persians, Greeks, and later the British, doesn’t fully grasp its true nature. The indigenous and accurate term is Sanatan Dharm (सनातनधर्म).

At its heart, Sanatan Dharm translates to “The Eternal Path” or “The Eternal Way.” ‘Sanatan’ means ‘Eternal,’ and ‘Dharma’ or Dharm refers to ‘the way of life,’ ‘righteous conduct,’ or ‘path.’ This distinction is crucial because unlike many conventional religions, Sanatan Dharm doesn’t fit neatly into established definitions.

Consider what the word ‘religion’ typically implies: a single founder, one or two primary holy books, a rigid set of dogmas, and often a formal conversion process. However, Sanatan Dharm, despite being widely known as the ‘world’s oldest religion,’ defies most of these typical characteristics. It doesn’t have a single founder. Instead, it boasts a vast library of ancient wisdom contained in countless texts, each offering deep insights into existence, the universe, and the human experience. Moreover, a fundamental aspect of practicing Sanatan Dharm is that one does not need to formally convert; it is a way of living and seeking truth that is open to all.

A powerful principle underscoring this is found in the Rigveda, a revered text within this tradition: “Ekam Sat Vipra Bahudha Vadanti” (एकं सद् विप्रा बहुधा वदन्ति). This profound mantra means, “Truth is one, but the wise speak of it in many ways.” This tenet is central to Sanatan Dharm, emphasizing that there are multiple paths to the ultimate truth. Consequently, the focus shifts from adherence to a rigid dogma to a deeply personal spiritual journey and continuous self-discovery through practice.

While some might see the diverse array of deities in Sanatan Dharm as a contradiction to this idea of oneness, that’s another fascinating aspect we can explore in a future post. For now, understand that the essence lies in the individual’s direct experience and active engagement with the eternal principles of truth.