[Aditya Koirala]

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Hinduism, as referred to as an ancient religion today, may hold the basic idea about Sanatana Dharma but does not fit enough to be used as its  synonymous term. Hinduism as a religion in the modern world talks about Gods and Goddesses, castes, rites and rituals and traditions and customs. But Sanatana Dharma is more inclined towards teachings, way of living, Atman, and spirituality. Sanatana Dharma may be used as a synonymous term with Hinduism because it is widely associated with the practices and the teachings that Sanatana Dharma has followed along with time and work mostly on the same base, but with a deeper insight into the two topics can provide greater knowledge of them.

According to certain beliefs, Hindus is a name used by the Mughals and the Persians to address the people living between the Himalayas and  the Sindhu river. They were mostly Sanatanis and they were widely called the Hindus which later turned out to be a group of people following a certain religion. So Hindu is basically a geographical identity for the people living in India.

Sanatana Dharma is a totally different concept that talks about eternal knowledge and a higher form of life that can be achieved through good deeds and by living life in a way which would not only benefit ourselves but the whole eternal world. Dharm basically means responsibility which is far from a religion. Sanatana Dharma teaches us to take the responsibility of ourselves and our environment and to not harm the interest of any other being in any way. It also talks about Atman(soul) which varies from person to person and is not affected by death. Atman is immortal and hence is far from the universal understanding of the people. Hinduism follows the various practices and rituals that are performed in accordance with the Gods and Goddesses but Sanatana Dharma emphasises on the universal and timeless nature of the practices.

The term Sananata Dharma finds its reference in the old literature of Veda. This knowledge was earlier taught and spread through word of mouth. The Guru’s would teach these lessons and the Sishyas would implement them and further spread them. It was only during the Vedic times that these teachings began to be recorded in scriptures.

In today’s world, Hinduism is a more prevalent term used to denote religious practice. The Sanatani followings have been placed under the rock. It is high time that people understand the meaning and the difference of the two and follow the ancient path of the Sanatana Dharma so that people can follow the spiritual path and retain within themselves the ancient teachings that teach about truthfulness, kindness, gratitude, humbleness and wisdom.

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