Sanatan Dharma, often translated as the "Eternal Law" or "Eternal Way," refers to the universal and timeless set of principles that govern both the physical and spiritual worlds. It is a foundational concept in Hinduism, but its scope extends beyond any single religion, representing an overarching spiritual and moral framework that guides human life and cosmic order. Sanatan" means eternal or unchanging, and "Dharma" refers to righteousness, law, duty, or the moral order of the universe. Sanatan Dharma together postulates that there is eternal, universal truth indifferent to time, culture, or geography.
Sanatan Dharma comprises a vast range of spiritual, ethical, and philosophical teachings to make an individual align himself with the divine, inculcate inner harmony, and try to balance the world. The belief in the interconnectedness of all living beings and the divine, as well as the importance of living a life of virtue and moral responsibility, is central to this concept. Core principles of Sanatan Dharma include non-violence (ahimsa), truthfulness (satya), selflessness, respect for all forms of life, and the pursuit of spiritual liberation (moksha) from the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth (samsara).
Sanatan Dharma teaches that every individual has a purpose, dharma, and must live according to his or her role in life—whether as a student, householder, or renunciant—while striving for spiritual growth and enlightenment. It also emphasizes the law of karma, the idea that every action has consequences, and the importance of devotion to the divine, often expressed through practices like prayer, meditation, and rituals.
Though it finds its deep root in Hinduism, the teachings of Sanatan Dharma can be perceived as universal truths which can be pursued by all kinds of cultures and backgrounds in quest of a morally sound life with spiritual wisdom and unity with the universe. In this respect, Sanatan Dharma symbolizes a holistic mode of living by integrating spirituality, ethics, and wisdom in the sense that individuals need to find out their position within the universe and understand their relation to the divine.
