Spiritual Knowledge Blog

Sanatan Dharma, often referred to as Hinduism in modern times, is the world's oldest living religion and spiritual tradition. The term "Sanatan" means eternal, and "Dharma" refers to the righteous way of living, cosmic law, and order that sustains the universe.

Unlike many other religions, Sanatan Dharma wasn't founded by a single prophet or based on a single book. It evolved organically over thousands of years, incorporating diverse philosophical thoughts, spiritual practices, and cultural traditions.

Hinduism recognizes that the Divine is infinite and can be approached in countless ways. The numerous deities in Hinduism represent different aspects and qualities of the one Supreme Reality (Brahman). These deities serve as focal points for worship and meditation, allowing devotees to connect with the Divine in ways that resonate with their individual temperaments and spiritual inclinations.

The concept is often explained as "Ekam Sat Vipra Bahudha Vadanti" (Truth is one, the wise call it by many names). This perspective allows for both monotheistic and polytheistic approaches within the same tradition.

Hindu scriptures are vast and diverse, categorized into two main types:

Shruti ("what is heard") - Considered divinely revealed texts:

• The four Vedas: Rig Veda, Sama Veda, Yajur Veda, and Atharva Veda
• Upanishads: Philosophical texts exploring the nature of reality and self

Smriti ("what is remembered") - Human compositions based on divine inspiration:

• Epics: Ramayana and Mahabharata (which contains the Bhagavad Gita)
• Puranas: Ancient narratives about deities, creation, and cosmic cycles
• Dharma Shastras: Texts on ethics, law, and social conduct

Om or Aum is considered the primordial sound of the universe in Hindu tradition. It represents the cosmic vibration that brought the universe into existence and sustains it. The symbol and sound encapsulate the essence of ultimate reality (Brahman).

The three components of the sound (A-U-M) represent various triads:

• The three states of consciousness: waking, dreaming, and deep sleep
• The three main deities: Brahma (creator), Vishnu (preserver), and Shiva (transformer)
• The three periods of time: past, present, and future

Om is often chanted at the beginning and end of prayers, mantras, and spiritual practices to connect with the divine vibration.