The Hindu Religion is also called ''Sanaatn Dharma". But not many are aware of its true meaning. Sanatan Dharma is often seen as a way of life that can be practiced by people of all backgrounds and beliefs, as it focuses on timeless values and principles. The term Sanatan Dharma is rooted in ancient Sanskrit texts and philosophical traditions, suggesting a long history and continuous evolution. To highlight the true value, our Sanskrit have following to say :
अकृत्यं नैव कर्तव्यं प्राणत्यागेSपि संस्थिते|
न च कृत्यं परित्याज्यं एष धर्मः सनातनः||
Akrutyam naiv kartavyam prantyaagepi sansthite,
Na cha krutym prityaajyam esh dharmah sanaatanah.
Akrutyam = an action which is not right or just. (By adding the prefix 'a' before a word in Sanskrit ,the opposite meaning of the word is denoted as is done by 'un' and 'in' English)
Krutya = an action, doing a job.
Kartavyam = duty, doing something.
Praantyaag = the process of dying.
Api = even
Sansthithe = happening, facing.
Parityaajya = abandon , refrain,give up.
Eash = this is.
Dharma = religion.
Sanatanah = from time immemorial.
i.e. Even while facing grave danger to his life, one should not indulge in doing wrongful deeds. On the other hand one should never refrain from performing rightful deeds, as this is the 'Dharma' being followed since time immemorial.
Here it denotes rightful duties and actions beneficial to mankind ordained by the Religion. Sanatan Dharma emphasizes principles like dharma (righteousness), karma (action and consequence), and moksha (liberation) as being eternal and universally applicable. The term has been interpreted in different ways, sometimes as a way to describe a unified Hinduism and other times as a more inclusive way of life. Some argue that Sanatan Dharma is more accurately understood as a way of life or a universal law rather than a specific religion, as it encompasses a wide range of beliefs and practices.
@queenart