What is Sanatana Dharma (Hinduism)

Dear Editor,

Sanatana Dharma, commonly referred to as Hinduism, is an ‘ Arjunacratic’ /‘Socratic’ or dialectical religion. It emphasizes reasoned discussion and inquiry to discover truth through questions and answers, accommodating opposing viewpoints to gain a deeper understanding of what is ‘truth’ or who is ‘God’ in any given debate. Hinduism is not about claiming a monopoly on God or winning a debate, but about cultivating an investigative mind toward understanding. The people of Bharat (India) have never transformed one religion into another, as occurred in some Abrahamic religions; Hinduism has remained consistent from the beginning of time to the present.

In defending Hinduism, it is essential to understand its basic philosophy, key terms, and concepts. This enables one to respond thoughtfully and effectively in discussions, particularly in defending Vedic culture.

What is Hinduism / Sanatana Dharma?

Hinduism is more a philosophy than a religion, based on inquiry and ongoing dialectical discussions. It explores questions such as “Who am I?” and “How did the world evolve?” Its teachings cover the laws of the universe, and life is guided by the principles of Karma (actions and consequences) and Dharma (righteous duty). The Upanishads explain that our souls are part of the universe.

Hinduism is not about having a savior who guarantees a place in heaven regardless of one’s actions. Concepts of heaven and hell do not govern Hindu thought. Hinduism encourages questioning of teachings and is not bound to a single sacred book. Instead, it is a library of concepts, including:

Vedas: Rig Veda, Sama Veda, Yajur Veda, Atharva Veda
Epic Authors: Sage Vyasa (Mahabharata), Valmiki / Tulsidas (Ramayana / Ramcharitmanas)
Puranas: Stories of creation and legends of gods (compiled by Sage Vyasa)
Upanishads: Philosophical works by various authors including Yajnavalkya and Uddalaka

Unlike Abrahamic religions, Hinduism did not evolve from Pagan practices. India / Bharat has always known only one spiritual tradition: Sanatana Dharma, the “eternal path” or seekers of knowledge.

Key Concepts in Hinduism / Sanatana Dharma

Dharma: Righteous path / duties
Karma: Actions and consequences
Samsara: Cycle of birth, death, and rebirth
Moksha: Liberation from the cycle of rebirth
Smriti / Shruti: Texts that are “remembered” and “heard”
Puja: Prayer / ritual worship
Yoga: Spiritual discipline
Atman: Eternal self / soul
Brahman: Supreme spirit
Gunas: Three qualities — Sattva (goodness), Rajas (passion), Tamas (ignorance)
Brahma, Vishnu, Shiva: Creator, preserver, and destroyer — the Trimurti
Devi: Feminine or mother goddess
Avatar: Incarnation of a deity on Earth (e.g., Krishna, Rama)
Aarti: Ritual offering of light
Murti: Image of a deity

Sacred Texts and Language:

Vedas: Authoritative Hindu scriptures
Upanishads: Philosophical works
Bhagavad Gita: Dialogue between Krishna and Arjuna
Ramayana: Epic poem about Rama
Sanskrit: Sacred language

Five Elements of Hinduism: Earth (Prithvi), Water (Jalam), Fire (Agni), Air (Vayu), Space (Akasha)

Hinduism does not have a caste system in the Western sense. It has a Jati system, which is a division of labor. Practices such as Sati were cultural and historical exceptions, not scriptural mandates. Hinduism believes in many gods as manifestations or incarnations of one ultimate reality.

Who is a Hindu?

A person does not “become” a Hindu but can practice Hinduism. Hinduism does not rely on conversion or proselytizing. Its followers are seekers of knowledge, asking logical questions and engaging in civil debates to uncover truth. Hinduism accepts multiple pathways to truth or God.

In contrast, Abrahamic religions often present truth as established in their holy books and do not encourage questioning. Knowledge in Hinduism is dynamic and contextual, adapting over time within social constructs. Critics of Hinduism often focus on isolated practices (caste system, idol worship, multiple gods, Sati) but fail to engage with its core principles, such as Karma and Dharma, which emphasize personal responsibility.

Comparative Context: Abrahamic Religions

In Christianity and Islam, wrongs can often be forgiven because they are attributed to the influence of evil forces. Certain texts justify conquest, slavery, and taxation of non-believers. Examples include:

Islam: Hadith and Quran (e.g., Chapter 9) give directives about non-Muslims to enslave, kill, tax [ Jizya] rape the infidels.

Christianity:

Matthew 15:24 — Jesus came only for the Israelites, not Gentiles
Leviticus 25:44-46 — Permitted perpetual slavery
Exodus 21:2-11 — Regulated servitude and property rights over foreigners
Joshua 6:20-21 — Commands to destroy certain peoples in holy wars

Hinduism, by contrast, has no such historical mandates for conquest or slavery and evolved independently without absorption of Pagan practices.

Proof of Pagan Influence in Abrahamic Religions

Pre-Islamic Arabia practiced polytheism with the Kaaba housing around 360 idols, including Hubal.
Christianity borrowed some motifs from earlier myths, e.g., Horus and Jesus share similarities such as virgin birth, twelve disciples, walking on water, and resurrection.

Hinduism / Sanatana Dharma developed organically within Bharat and is holistic in nature. Cherry-picking criticisms about caste, Sati, or many gods must be met with informed, principled responses rather than counter-accusations.

On Multiple Gods: Hinduism believes in reincarnation of divine aspects. Rama is the 7th incarnation of Vishnu; Krishna is the 8th.

Sati: The historical immolation of Shiva’s first wife was a localized event, not a law.

Caste System: The Varna / Jati system is a distribution of labor, not a rigid hierarchy.

Hindus are guided by Karma (actions) and Dharma (duties) to achieve Moksha (liberation). Guidance comes from Shruti (divinely heard) and Smriti (humanly recorded), with Shruti being authoritative.

Summary

Hinduism / Sanatana Dharma emphasizes knowledge, inquiry, and responsibility. Unlike Abrahamic religions, it has remained consistent, never adopting Pagan residues. It encourages civil, reasoned debate, and understanding multiple pathways to truth. Its principles of Karma and Dharma guide ethical living, spiritual growth, and liberation.

Vassan Ramracha.

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