Misinterpreting Sanatana Dharma (Part 1)

It is widely accepted that Sanatana Dharma is another name for Hinduism. ‘Sanatana’ means eternal and ‘Dharma’ signifies the path of righteousness. It lays down an eternal set of duties for every individual irrespective of his caste, class or sect that have evolved over thousands of years. The roots of Sanatana Dharam go back to the Vedas, the oldest known texts of Hindus. Later, it was influenced by the Upnishads, Bhagwat Gita and Puranas. It advocates the belief of Reincarnation and Karma where one’s deeds and actions in this life will influence his fate in future lives. An important part of Sanatana Dharma is the imperative need to fulfill one’s duties in life as per one’s position in the society (Varna) and at each stage in life (Ashrama). Does this understanding of Sanatana Dharma promote casteism, inequality or divisiveness among Hindus as alleged by DMK leaders?

Sanatana means eternal or that which is everlasting. Is it not true that very religion in the world hopes to be everlasting? Is it not equally true that being thousands of years older than any other surviving religion today, Hinduism’s claims in this regard are the strongest? Unlike the Abrahamic religions, Hinduism believes that one can only be born a Hindu. The Hindu philosophy of not proliferating their religion by force, coercion or inducements stems from this belief while other major religions do so as part of their religious calling. In short, Hinduism believes that being eternal is intrinsic to its philosophy and that precludes any fear of extinction. Others religions lack such intrinsic strengths and therefore the need to proliferate at all costs.

Dharma on the other hand means natural order of things or the path of righteousness. In its simplest form, natural order may be defined as the natural relations of beings with one another in absence of any man-made laws. It focuses on living in harmony with each other and the nature by discharging one’s duties honestly. Given the wide variety of roles that are warranted for smooth running of any society and preservation of the natural environment around us, it is logical that the duties and responsibilities of individuals will also vary as per their position in the society (Varna) and stage of life (Ashrama). This implies that Varna is neither permanent nor hereditary. It may change within one’s life or in successive generations depending on an individual’s own calling, intellect, capabilities, opportunities available and the changing needs of the society. Sanatana Dharma does not lay down any fixed rules in this regard. All it advocates is that one must play his role to the best of his abilities as per his skills irrespective of his position in the society.

Are Varna and Caste system (as we know it today) same? This comparison can only be termed as preposterous. The present caste system is an output of evil minds in the society and Sanatana Dharma has nothing to do with it. Casteism or class distinctions continue to be part of every society around the world in different forms where the more fortunate, at any period of time, suppress the less fortunate with a view to retain power and control to further their selfish interests. The extent and modes of this malady may vary but its existence cannot be denied.

If some societies have been able to root out or minimise this deplorable practice, it is because of two major factors. First, their resolve to recognise the contribution of every individual in the society irrespective of his position. This in turn promotes equality. Second, ensuring equal opportunity for growth to all members of the society. The latter includes developmental support to weaker sections to enable them to compete effectively with the more fortunate ones. In short, these societies recognised the importance of the principles of Varna in its true form and initiated measures to achieve it.

Equality, social or otherwise, does not mean that each individual in the society should have the same status, wealth, role and duties. In short, making all individuals a carbon copy of each other. If this were to happen, the diverse needs of the society will never be addressed. Every society, by default, throws up different roles, positions and challenges that need to be addressed so that it can progress and be managed efficiently. These needs, in turn, necessitate the development of different levels of skills, knowledge and intellect within the society.

Equality for all, within the society, implies recognition of the individuality and contribution of all individuals irrespective of their level or role. It appreciates the fact that each role and the set of duties that come with it are important for the overall functioning of the society. Equality, in spirit and deed, does not consign any individual, section of the society or their future generations to any one role or level permanently. On the contrary, it continually affords room, resources and support for their growth. This is the concept of Varna and in turn Sanatana Dharma.

(To be continued in Part 2)

END OF ARTICLE