There are definitely followers of Sanatana Dharma in Iran. They tend to try not to attract attention to themselves, however, out of concern of potential persecution.
I wish to embrace Sanatana Dharma, I am a vegetarian. I would like to believe its ideas stretch far back into the mythical past. However, I struggle to reconcile vegetarianism and reincarnation with the ancient Vedic faith. As far as I know, ancient Vedic literature does not promote any of these ideas. They, not unlike European pagans, performed sacrifices and believed in one Earthly life only. Is this not the case?
Namaste and thank you for your message. Sanatana Dharma is, generally speaking, a broad and sophisticated culture that allows for several different practices and modes of being in accordance with one's own recognized sva-dharma (inner essence). Some aspects of ancient Vedic culture did, indeed, practice animal sacrifice, as Sri Acharyaji has spoken in-depth about in several of his talks. For those individuals, however, who wish to practice Vedic spirituality in a very serious way, i.e., yogically and not just socially, the Vedic scriptures have always prescribed a vegetarian diet. There are many verses from the Shruti (Vedic) literature to this effect which Sri Acharyaji has commented upon in his talks. For example: “Those noble souls who practice meditation and other yogic ways, who are ever careful about all beings, who protect all animals, are the ones who are actually serious about spiritual practices.” (Atharva Veda Samhita 19.48.5), and “You must not use your God-given body for killing God's creatures, whether they are human, animal or of any other kind.” (Yajur Veda Samhita, 12.32), among many other verses from the Vedas. So, the Vedas and ancient Vedic spirituality do, indeed, support the ideas that have been passed down to us for millennia. What we are observing here are not contradictions, but the specific rules for different Vedic paths in accordance with one's personal sva-dharma. We hope you will definitely consider embracing the path of Sanatana Dharma in the future.
This is a wonderful discussion. May Bhagavan Sri Krishna bless Sri Acharyaji and the ISDS
Wunderbar and great questions 🙏🏻
Thank you. I remember I thought: "I wish this conversation would be recorded." I didn't know it actually was.
Thank you so much for this.
Wow, great discussion.
🙏
Are there any Iranians who follow sanatana dharma?
There are definitely followers of Sanatana Dharma in Iran. They tend to try not to attract attention to themselves, however, out of concern of potential persecution.
I wish to embrace Sanatana Dharma, I am a vegetarian. I would like to believe its ideas stretch far back into the mythical past. However, I struggle to reconcile vegetarianism and reincarnation with the ancient Vedic faith. As far as I know, ancient Vedic literature does not promote any of these ideas. They, not unlike European pagans, performed sacrifices and believed in one Earthly life only. Is this not the case?
Namaste and thank you for your message. Sanatana Dharma is, generally speaking, a broad and sophisticated culture that allows for several different practices and modes of being in accordance with one's own recognized sva-dharma (inner essence). Some aspects of ancient Vedic culture did, indeed, practice animal sacrifice, as Sri Acharyaji has spoken in-depth about in several of his talks. For those individuals, however, who wish to practice Vedic spirituality in a very serious way, i.e., yogically and not just socially, the Vedic scriptures have always prescribed a vegetarian diet. There are many verses from the Shruti (Vedic) literature to this effect which Sri Acharyaji has commented upon in his talks. For example: “Those noble souls who practice meditation and other yogic ways, who are ever careful about all beings, who protect all animals, are the ones who are actually serious about spiritual practices.” (Atharva Veda Samhita 19.48.5), and “You must not use your God-given body for killing God's creatures, whether they are human, animal or of any other kind.” (Yajur Veda Samhita, 12.32), among many other verses from the Vedas. So, the Vedas and ancient Vedic spirituality do, indeed, support the ideas that have been passed down to us for millennia. What we are observing here are not contradictions, but the specific rules for different Vedic paths in accordance with one's personal sva-dharma. We hope you will definitely consider embracing the path of Sanatana Dharma in the future.