"Sanatan Dharma" literally means "eternal law", which then is said to be Hinduism. Hindus say that the eternal law is the one which governs the whole of human existence. The basis of "Sanatan Dharma" are the four principles: ahimsa, satya, asteya and sauca. These are all moral laws (ahimsa and asteya being civil laws) which apply to our lives in the modern world today, and not just in Hinduism alone.
Ahimsa refers to the idea of non-violence, non-killing, and respecting all life. This is true in the world, and not just in Hinduism. People are arrested for violating, abusing, or killing, and this also applies to animals (thus "all life").
Satya means truth. Young children are taught that lying is morally wrong, and in courtrooms people swear to tell the truth. Also in Christianity, "thou shalt not bear false witness" is the Ninth Commandment, the Commandments forming the basis of Christian law. Therefore it is not only in Hinduism that this principle or law applies, but also in the world we are living in today.
Everybody follows these civil and moral "laws" to enhance our quality of living.
I was just wondering...would it be relevant to talk about the rest of the world if the question is why HInduism - the religion - should be called Sanatan Dharma?
Or is it okay to talk about Hinduism being a way of life that as you said governs all of human existence and the universe, rather than a religion entirely focusing on God? :/
I'm not really sure about this one either ...
ReplyDelete"Sanatan Dharma" literally means "eternal law", which then is said to be Hinduism. Hindus say that the eternal law is the one which governs the whole of human existence. The basis of "Sanatan Dharma" are the four principles: ahimsa, satya, asteya and sauca. These are all moral laws (ahimsa and asteya being civil laws) which apply to our lives in the modern world today, and not just in Hinduism alone.
Ahimsa refers to the idea of non-violence, non-killing, and respecting all life. This is true in the world, and not just in Hinduism. People are arrested for violating, abusing, or killing, and this also applies to animals (thus "all life").
Satya means truth. Young children are taught that lying is morally wrong, and in courtrooms people swear to tell the truth. Also in Christianity, "thou shalt not bear false witness" is the Ninth Commandment, the Commandments forming the basis of Christian law. Therefore it is not only in Hinduism that this principle or law applies, but also in the world we are living in today.
Everybody follows these civil and moral "laws" to enhance our quality of living.
Can you do the other two? :)
(asteya and sauca)
Thanks a lot Feebs :D That's helpful!
ReplyDeleteI was just wondering...would it be relevant to talk about the rest of the world if the question is why HInduism - the religion - should be called Sanatan Dharma?
Or is it okay to talk about Hinduism being a way of life that as you said governs all of human existence and the universe, rather than a religion entirely focusing on God? :/
I'm confused :(
I dont get this question either :S
ReplyDeleteYeah you can talk about the world
ReplyDeleteI mean, you're trying to argue that the principles of Sanatan Dharma can be used anywhere, not just in religions, or in Hinduism alone.
:)