Sanatana-dharma - an essential subject

What is the Sanatana-dharma? Is it a form of hinduism? Vedic scriptures state that sanatana-dharma means eternal religion; a religion which has existed since time immemorial, with no beginning and no end. It is a religion meant for everyone; exclusive to nobody. Therefore, its nature is universal and for the benefit of mankind, helping man to realize his constitutional position and thereby, enable him to take steps to go back to Godhead. In light of this, Srila Prabhupada very nicely says that this sanatana-dharma is not promoting any religion. Rather, it helps one to follow his religion in a better way (i.e. a Christian becomes a better Christian and a Muslim becomes a better Muslim etc). From this, we can only infer one thing; sanatana-dharma is meant for us to realize our love for God.

Srila Prabhupada's books, lectures, conversations and letters offer a comprehensive presentation of this essential subject as seen in the Vaniquotes Sanatana-dharma category. An introduction from his books is given below in the following 8 quotes.

Quotes from Srila Prabhupada's books


vanipedia.org 		Sanātana-dharma means devotional service. The word sanātana refers to that which is eternal, which does not change but continues in all circumstances. We have several times explained what the eternal occupational duty of the living being is. Indeed, it has been explained by Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu. (Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam 7.11.2)



vanipedia.org 		Real spiritualism is transcendental to the various religions that focus on the gross material body or the subtle material mind. This sanātana-dharma, the eternal religion, is never established just for one particular people, place, or time. It is for this reason that sanātana-dharma is also termed all-pervasive. All other religions except the one that is known as sanātana-dharma are meant for the culturing of physical or psychological effects. (Message of Godhead, Chapter 1)



vanipedia.org 		By contact with material nature the living entities exhibit varied symptoms of the disease of material consciousness. To cure this material disease is the supreme object of human life. The process that treats this disease is called bhāgavata-dharma, or sanātana-dharma-real religion. This is described in the pages of Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam. (Caitanya-caritāmṛta, Ādi-līlā 1.91)



vanipedia.org 		The younger brothers of Mahārāja Yudhiṣṭhira decidedly followed their eldest brother in rendering devotional service to Lord Śrī Kṛṣṇa. According to the principles of sanātana-dharma, one must retire from family life after half the duration of life is finished and must engage himself in self-realization. (Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam 1.15.45)



vanipedia.org 		According to the regulations of the sanātana-dharma institution, one is trained from the beginning to depend fully on the protection of the Lord in all circumstances. The path of renunciation is recommended for acceptance by one who is fully accomplished and fully purified in his existence. This stage is described also in the Bhagavad-gītā as daivī sampat. (Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam 2.2.5)



vanipedia.org 		The breaking of the sanātana-dharma tradition by irresponsible leaders of society brings about chaos in that society, and consequently people forget the aim of life-Viṣṇu. Such leaders are called blind, and persons who follow such leaders are sure to be led into chaos. (Bhagavad-gītā 1.42)



vanipedia.org 		One who has studied the Vedas perfectly, who is a perfect vipra, or knower of the Vedas, who knows what spiritual life actually is, speaks about Kṛṣṇa, the Supreme Person, as one's sanātana-dharma. Lord Śiva therefore teaches us the principles of sanātana-dharma. (Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam 4.24.42)



vanipedia.org 		It is said that the living spirit is eternal, all-pervading, unchangeable, indestructible, and so forth. What is known in India as sanātana-dharma, or "the eternal religion," is meant for this living spirit. That is to say, real spiritualism is transcendental to the various religions that focus on the gross material body or the subtle material mind. This sanātana-dharma, the eternal religion, is never established just for one particular people, place, or time. (Message of Godhead, Chapter 1)


Sanatana-dharma - explore more within this category.

Vanipedia has now over 903 introductory articles compiled from Srila Prabhupada's books under the series titled Essential Subjects. All these articles can be seen in the Table of Content on the right side of this article and also here in this Umbrella Category. Browse through them to relish the breadth and depth of Srila Prabhupada's teachings - There is a subject for everyone.


   
 

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