This was a very informative and practicality oriented session. I thoroughly enjoyed and gained from it as well. Dr. Srinivas, your depth of knowledge on Sanatana Dharma and scientific acumen is immense and inspirational; also your composure and focus on applicability, to answer difficult questions/situations, which are plenty in this topic. So, I will be hooked for the next sessions. A small note to the organizers - now that we know that the topic is vast and flow of information is difficult to control unless directed, may I suggest to please have the future sessions dedicated to specific topics so that we can stick to the time in order to make the sessions crisp; though I have to say I can listen hours if the discussions are as interesting as what I heard in this session. Kudos to you to start such a discussions series - both on Philosophy and Sanatana Dharma, they are in essence needed as developmental blocks for all in the society.
Ayaskant Thank you for your message and feedback. The next session is titled “Personal development through Sanatana Dharma”. Look forward to seeing you next week.
Can the speaker address these issues . First can he establish with certainty that "sanatana dharma is spirituality" before going further with the discussion. What is the authority he relies on while making this statement. ? Isn't it through scriptures? . Speaker himself said he is no expert on scriptures. Can he explain how a person without any background develop the same understanding as his without going into scriptures . As far as i know santana dharma as a term was used in manusmriti and bhagavata purana first. . If sanatana dharma is eternal law of universe or cosmos , Why is it we rely that from few lines of bhagavadgita or vedanta? Can we selectively pick from scriptures and derive spirituality from small portion of scriptures. (Like bhagavadgita of mahabharata) Shouldn't these laws reflect throughout in such scriptures Also, i would have liked a more apt title to the stream from host rather than from the guest.
Thanks for the point. If the sticky point is usage of the phrase Sanatana dharma. I am happy to call it Nitya dharma. Regarding selective usage of scriptures, I guess we need to really look at whether scriptures form the basis for Sanatana Dharma or Nitya dharma or if it transcends scriptures. Scriptures are part of manifest whereas that one thing which is Sanatana is unmanifest. Unmanifest therefore doesn’t need a manifest to approve its existence and permanence. My understanding is that Scriptures are supportive evidence of what will always be there. Scriptures are not the starting point of Sanatana Dharma. Having said that I read Bhagavadgita and I teach it too. I find consistency in my understanding of Sanatana Dharma (if I am still allowed to use the phrase) with Bhagavadgita. Regarding Spirituality- I have defined spirituality. And also spoke about having the right amount of inclusion and exclusion in its definition to be in line with Sanatana dharma. I am a researcher and teacher of Sanatana dharma just as my beloved ancient gurus and Rishis. My job is to maintain my professional approach to make Sanatana dharma accessible and applicable in daily life for individual, family and societal development. Regarding my eligibility: I practise Sanatana Dharma. I follow the principle of understand and practise Sanatana Dharma and declare my findings. I believe that is what I am doing through these sessions.
@@ssmalladi yes indeed the usage of the term is point of contention. What is the point in continuing the discussion or research or teaching or preaching using the phrase till we get to know the origins of this phrase... How can one look into what forms basis of sanatana dharma ? How can one know about it ,if it transcends scriptures? How do one know of manifest or unmanifest ? Again how do one understand sanatana dharma if not through scriptures ? How can people derive at same understanding of sanatana dharma before choosing to apply in their lives? Did u also read about kula/ varna sankaram that sri krishna talks in bhagavadgita. Is it varna or jaati that sri krishna talked about ,is it just? Is this also consistent in your understanding of santana dharmam.
@@12sasi we don’t need to agree. 1. Research is ongoing and has been ongoing from time search for absolute truth started. It will continue into future. Same goes with teaching. We teach what we learn, apply and find. All this is fundamental essence of Sanatana Dharma. Our Sanatana Dharma. 2. It appears according to you that only a select few can talk about Sanatana Dharma. Our journeys are different and I am happy with my journey. 3.I believe I stated my position as a psychiatrist and a practitioner of Sanatana dharma. The very essence of which enables me to stay on course of pursuit of truth. 4. Feel free to join the session live next week if you have views to share. The topic would be “Personal development through Sanatana Dharma”. We welcome you to contribute in the QA section your understanding of how you see Sanatana Dharma help us in improving our individual self. 5. As you seem to be a keen practitioner of Sanatana Dharma and highly knowledgeable as well, kindly provide answers to all those questions you asked me it would be a great learning opportunity for someone like me and many others. You may particularly answer your question and state the relevance of “all have to have same understanding” why?, “these eternal laws have to be consistently mentioned in scriptures” why?“how can one learn if not through scriptures” ?? and the “varna/kula sankaram as stated by Srikrishna”, please quote the shloka as stated by you. If stated by Srikrishna, what does it say about him or Sanatana Dharma and Bhagavadgita ? kindly state your position. Kindly enlighten us which scriptures you have read that forms the basis of your definition of Sanatana Dharma? Once we have your answers for all the questions raised then we can discuss further. Best wishes.
@@ssmalladi we need not agree but don't you feel apt to ponder about the question of origin of this word and few critical question before doing so much further work/research/practise/preach in its name. Anybody can talk about anything , if it does not need to have any basis.. I see sanatana dharma as term used to refer to orthodox hindu collective religious practices all good bad and ugly included.Simply put it means from very old . Since hindu was relatively modern term . There is frenzy to go back to using santana dharma and more orthodox practices in place of hindu to give it a firm footing that its very old and going back to pre reformist practices. As some one who professes preaches teaches why don't you answer my questions ? “all have to have same understanding” It is relevant . If it is eternal law don't you think all would arrive at same eternal law? If you say each has his own understanding then how is it relevant to club them into single term santana dharma . “these eternal laws have to be consistently mentioned in scriptures” If you rely on scriptures for the claim then is it too much to expect consistency ? “how can one learn if not through scriptures” ?? You have to answer this .since you were one whose proposition was that it did not manifest and it transcends ? “varna/kula sankaram as stated by Srikrishna”, please quote the shloka as stated by you.if stated by Srikrishna, what does it say about him or Sanatana Dharma and Bhagavadgita ? " I take back my earlier statement that srikrishna mentioned varna sankara. Varna sankara or kula sankara has been mentioned by arjuna in bhagavadgita The point being are all the mentions about varna kula jaati by arjuna, srikrishna consistent in your understanding of sanatana dharma. Varnasrama dharma(integral part of bagavadgita) is it JUST , as per santana dharma. "Kindly enlighten us which scriptures you have read that forms the basis of your definition of Sanatana Dharma? " That is precisely my question. You are passing the ball back to me.
@@12sasi 1. Origin of the word and its historicity: Historical origin is not required as it is a descriptor and not a name. Like for instance the word spirituality is a descriptor and not a name and there is still not much of convergence on the exact definition of spirituality which I will explain later. Similarly Sanatana dharma is a descriptor with Sanatana meaning eternal and dharma in this context means principles. As I have explained in the session, 2. As a psychiatrist my job is to find ways to help heal the human emotional suffering and to teach coping strategies through cognitive processing. 3. Sanatana dharma can be accessed through guru, scriptures or through personal quest. I employ the personal quest method. Like any researcher, once I conceptualize a research question I then look at references and go through evidence available in modern and ancient spiritual research that is available. Once this is done, then it is applied in the field through own practice to see their application and utility. 4. Spirituality has been differently described by different people which in my view led to over inclusivity. When I started teaching spirituality and Sanatana dharma I reconciled the definition of spirituality and religion as follows: Spirituality/ Sanatana Dharma/Atmavidya- Sincere and consistent efforts to develop knowledge of the self as a reflection of the cosmic oneness and stay in that state of realization with the goal of merging into that cosmic oneness. As we live in this life here and now, we should accept that we assume many lives to learn lessons and we align our approach to life based on this fundamental knowledge which we can call individual dharma. ( you may understand by now that dharma here refers to duties). Yoga - paths as per the individual personalities which helps one to stay on this spiritual course. Individual’s Faith (Sva-matam)- The individual’s chosen belief system in which he has complete freedom to choose his or her practice of spiritual path. Organized Religion (vyavasteekruta matam)- One’s experience is declared as true revelation and codified to be practiced by all the followers. This path is restrictive on individual variations and therefore disallows freedom to think beyond the codified practice. (svamatam and vyavasteekrutamatams are terminology coined by me) It is important to mention the work going in spiritual research. Article by Luccheti et al in 2015 “Spirituality, religiousness, and mental health: A review of the current scientific evidence” states “religion involves beliefs, practices, and rituals related to the transcendent, and on the other hand spirituality is a broader concept which includes the personal quest for understanding answers to ultimate questions about life, life meaning, and relationship with the sacred or transcendent.” It also admits that research has been hampered by the lack of consensus on the definition of the term spirituality which authors have begun to differentiate from religiousness.” 5. If you draw parallels to your concern about frenzy to find new term for Hinduism. Hindu-ism is a descriptive too of a conglomerate of various different matams which have their fundamental roots in the transcendental oneness with acceptance of atma, paramatma, karma, punarjanma and moksha. The various matams inspired or not inspired by Sanatana Dharma are not Sanatana as they are subject to changes according to time and geography. Whereas Sanatana Dhamra is not subject to change and stays the same irrespective of time or geography. 6. Like any system we use in society, for example a sun dial system to know the time - there are much better systems now to check time and hence it is obsolete. We can let go and move on with time. Same goes with social systems and religions inspired by eternal concepts. A sincere overview of eternal concepts would tell us that the once the human intervention comes into play - a timebound or non-eternal has started. Hence by this in itself any of those are not eternal and not Sanatana. 7. Regarding, whether all have to agree: That is not at all a requirement for Sanatana dharma or spirituality. Truth is one but perceived uniquely by each individual. “Yatho vacho nivartante aprapya manasa saha - that is the absolute truth which the mind and speech try to reach but returns back as it is beyond comprehension” “sadeva aseet Soumya”- “only the absolute truth existed (before all this) my dear” 8. Clubbing together is not Sanatana dharma. Sanatan dharma is oneness - it is independent of any scriptures anywhere in the world. As nirvana shatakam says “Na mantro na theertham na veda na yajna chidanandaroopah sivoham sivoham- I am beyond mantras, sacred places, vedas and yajna - I am that absolute truth, consciousness, bliss - the ever blissful consciousness” 9. Regarding what consistencies am I looking at in scriptures (across the world): The consistencies with atmavidya - Knowledge of the self - also called spirituality also called Sanatana dharma. 10. Is varna ashrama dharma just? I have no satisfactory answer for this. There are several things in this world which have multidimensional viewpoints which when a human mind tries to answer end up going in circles. For instance, is it just that the herbivores can’t eat the carnivores, but carnivores can eat herbivores. I don’t have an answer apart from saying that is how the ecosystem was designed. All I can say is along with division of labour there should be dignity of labour. I think human application in an opportunistic fashion removes the dignity of labour leading to exploitation which we should condemn. However, Varna’s aspect of division of labour can be seen in various aspects of life at work and elsewhere. 11. You say sanatana dharma has good, bad and ugly. I think you are referring to the human application here. It is like this - a mobile phone is designed the way it is designed. A person using it can use it for good reasons or bad reasons or ugly reasons. It is not the phone which is the problem, it is the use. 12. What scriptures to read to establish sanatan dharma? None is my answer. I don’t need to read manusmriti etc that you are mentioning. I don’t need to even read Vedas for that matter nor Upanishads nor Bhagavadgita. However reading them can help develop a better understanding. That’s all. 13. Frankly the more one gets involved in human knowledge transfer the more you move away from your real truth or the absolute truth. Information search should only be for furthering the path in search of transcendental knowledge. Pothana in his bhagavatham says “in pursuit of absolute knowledge do not engage in unwanted discussions even if academic just for the sake of it” As we believe in the concept of “vaada” that both parties present their positions with the single goal of establishing truth it will be essential to know your position. To say I am passing the buck will only leave a gap in my understanding of your concerns or your position. As a side note, I often noticed that it is easy to ask questions but not very easy to answer in this modern world due to not having the face to face interface. I prefer face to face discussion as one of the problems in the modern digital age is people are relying on information such as from Wikipedia, chatgpt which is fine but doesn’t allow one to think for themselves. Absolute truth is the heart's work and truth is one that is experienced by that individual.. You may need to excuse me from further conversation here due to time constraints. Please meet me in the live session to discuss further in the QA time. Best wishes
Allowing wife to sleep with guest is part of Sanatana Dharma? Reference: Story of Svetaketu in Mahabharata, Adi Parva, Chapter 122 (Sambhava Parva) famous as Svetaketu Sasanam. Story in short: When a Brahmin visited Uddalaka as guest, after serving him well, the guest took Uddhalakas wife's had and dragged her into bed room. Seeting this Uddalaka's son Svetaketu got angry and objected. However the father Uddalaka said to Svetaketu "Be not be aangry of this, it is our Sanatana Dharma". Later Swetaketu made a rule which is know as Svetaketu Sasanam creating the practice of the "wife being loyal to one husband for life" Pandu narrating to Kunti: "It hath been heard by us that there was a great Rishi of the name of Uddalaka, who had a son named Swetaketu who also was an ascetic of merit. O thou of eyes like lotus-petals, the present virtuous practice hath been established by that Swetaketu from anger. Hear thou the reason. One day, in the presence of Swetaketu's father a Brahmana came and catching Swetaketu's mother by the hand, told her, 'Let us go.' Beholding his mother seized by the hand and taken away apparently by force, the son was greatly moved by wrath. Seeing his son indignant, Uddalaka addressed him and said, 'Be not angry. O son! This is the practice sanctioned by antiquity (Sanatana Dharma)"
like any one else Sanatana dharma empowers you to synthesise information that helps in personal growth and welfare of mankind and also differentiate right or wrong. Thank for sharing this story which must be part of Mahabharata from what you say’. One life time is not enough to go through all the literature available in various fields. I seriously wouldn’t have known such a story existed as I don’t have any immediate plans to read Mahabharata for atleast another few years as it is sitting in the waiting list of books to cover just out if interest. Coming back to Sanatana dharma please feel free to share if you are practising it and how it is going for you. You may share any of your experience of applying Sanatana dharma in your daily life. we are committed towards holistic wellness through Sanatana dharma. I will be doing a session on “roles and responsibilities towards family and marriage through Sanatana dharma.” Possibly the third session.
@@ssmalladi Thank you very much Sir for your reply and accepting the fact. Before I was fascinated about Sanatana Dharma very much like you. So called Gurus planted/exaggerated so much about Sanatana Dharma by cherry pickings. After going through the standard books (grandhas like Mahabharatam) I came to konw about what Sanatana Dharma actually is and the one example given by me is enough not to practice the Sanata Dharma. There are many such examples like, the one I mentioned, social discrimination, gender descrimination etc, therefore I request you find some time and go through the literal evidences about Sanatana Dharma defined in standard books.
@@vishnuthoka8808 I trust you for what you said. I cannot verify whether it is a fact nor do I prioritise that story as essential reading. My suggestion to you is that to know the truth one needs to look beyond books. We need to think, reflect and absorb. There is so much we learn from nature and there are noble souls around us. Please look beyond books. Books are not to be considered as dictats. Best books are guides while worst books are best ignored. (This applies to any book of the world)Trust yourself. That is Sanatana dharma. When you say you stopped practising Sanatana dharma, may I know what exactly you were practising and what you stopped.
@@ssmalladi You don't need to trust me either, reference was given you yourself cha check the fact. Need to standardise the definition else you will end nowhere. You have not yet read at least the so called standard books of Sanatana Dharma quoted then how do you think beyond them? Currently I'm free from all dharmas except human dharma, reading Buddhisam and will decide later.
@@vishnuthoka8808 I have come across so many who have not read a single book and in fact illiterate and have the wisdom. Same goes with so many westerners who practise the essence of Sanatana dharma often not realising that they are practising it. Sanatana dharma is not only not confined to books it is also not confined to a geographical territory or a culture. I thank you for letting me know that someone wrongly advised you on so called standard books because of which you say you left Sanatana Dharma. There was once a Fisherman named Dheevaramani who would spend most of his daily life on the river for livelihood , pleasure and penance. Dheevaramani learnt all his life lessons from the river - the water, the sounds, the fish, sky, rain. He learnt that he is one small part of this river ecosystem. He needs to play his role. He needs to take care of the river ecosystem just as it takes care of him. One day he lost his beloved family member in a whirlpool which suddenly developed while he was swimming in it. Following this incident, everyone started blaming the river that it is bad and evil. This infuriated the dejected Dheevaramani who turned against this river and decided to never go into it anymore out of anger. After several days he realised that even if he stopped going to the river the water he drinks is that of the river and the fish he eats is from the river. He learnt that it is the nature of the river just as there is a nature to the hills and to the clouds for an unexpected landslide or a cyclone. They will not change their nature as they are true to themselves. He understood that his anger was only upsetting his emotions and his avoidance was only affecting him spending time with something which he shared unconditional love towards. He exercised his own wisdom that the river ecosystem had taught him about how to have clarity in decision making. He learnt lessons that he needs to take precautions to make the river a safer place for himself and others and it is his responsibility to do so. he started taking precautions and educated all to take precautions for the unexpected hazards that can happen in the river and that it is his right to be back in the river which is his home to which he needs no invitation to return back to. It is all about learning life lessons for our own betterment. The aborigines of Australia don’t read any books but practise the cosmic wisdom. They learn from the nature to live in nature. So all of us in general need to utilise our given tools to progress within and not neglect them at the expense of heavy dependence on external sources such as books particularly if they do not make sense or absurd. use the sword called asanga (detachment) to cut those attachments to free yourself in path of realisation. Focus on your inward journey. Embrace your truth about yourself. Observe the nature. Slow things down and practise mindfulness. Unlearn and relearn should be the Mantra. Human dharma is a great place to be in. all the best with your pursuit.
This was a very informative and practicality oriented session. I thoroughly enjoyed and gained from it as well. Dr. Srinivas, your depth of knowledge on Sanatana Dharma and scientific acumen is immense and inspirational; also your composure and focus on applicability, to answer difficult questions/situations, which are plenty in this topic. So, I will be hooked for the next sessions. A small note to the organizers - now that we know that the topic is vast and flow of information is difficult to control unless directed, may I suggest to please have the future sessions dedicated to specific topics so that we can stick to the time in order to make the sessions crisp; though I have to say I can listen hours if the discussions are as interesting as what I heard in this session. Kudos to you to start such a discussions series - both on Philosophy and Sanatana Dharma, they are in essence needed as developmental blocks for all in the society.
Ayaskant
Thank you for your message and feedback. The next session is titled “Personal development through Sanatana Dharma”. Look forward to seeing you next week.
Can the speaker address these issues .
First can he establish with certainty that "sanatana dharma is spirituality" before going further with the discussion.
What is the authority he relies on while making this statement. ?
Isn't it through scriptures? .
Speaker himself said he is no expert on scriptures.
Can he explain how a person without any background develop the same understanding as his without going into scriptures .
As far as i know santana dharma as a term was used in manusmriti and bhagavata purana first. .
If sanatana dharma is eternal law of universe or cosmos , Why is it we rely that from few lines of bhagavadgita or vedanta?
Can we selectively pick from scriptures and derive spirituality from small portion of scriptures.
(Like bhagavadgita of mahabharata)
Shouldn't these laws reflect throughout in such scriptures
Also, i would have liked a more apt title to the stream from host rather than from the guest.
Thanks for the point. If the sticky point is usage of the phrase Sanatana dharma. I am happy to call it Nitya dharma.
Regarding selective usage of scriptures, I guess we need to really look at whether scriptures form the basis for Sanatana Dharma or Nitya dharma or if it transcends scriptures. Scriptures are part of manifest whereas that one thing which is Sanatana is unmanifest. Unmanifest therefore doesn’t need a manifest to approve its existence and permanence. My understanding is that Scriptures are supportive evidence of what will always be there. Scriptures are not the starting point of Sanatana Dharma.
Having said that I read Bhagavadgita and I teach it too. I find consistency in my understanding of Sanatana Dharma (if I am still allowed to use the phrase) with Bhagavadgita.
Regarding Spirituality- I have defined spirituality. And also spoke about having the right amount of inclusion and exclusion in its definition to be in line with Sanatana dharma. I am a researcher and teacher of Sanatana dharma just as my beloved ancient gurus and Rishis. My job is to maintain my professional approach to make Sanatana dharma accessible and applicable in daily life for individual, family and societal development.
Regarding my eligibility: I practise Sanatana Dharma. I follow the principle of understand and practise Sanatana Dharma and declare my findings. I believe that is what I am doing through these sessions.
@@ssmalladi yes indeed the usage of the term is point of contention.
What is the point in continuing the discussion or research or teaching or preaching using the phrase till we get to know the origins of this phrase...
How can one look into what forms basis of sanatana dharma ?
How can one know about it ,if it transcends scriptures?
How do one know of manifest or unmanifest ?
Again how do one understand sanatana dharma if not through scriptures ?
How can people derive at same understanding of sanatana dharma before choosing to apply in their lives?
Did u also read about kula/ varna sankaram that sri krishna talks in bhagavadgita. Is it varna or jaati that sri krishna talked about ,is it just?
Is this also consistent in your understanding of santana dharmam.
@@12sasi we don’t need to agree. 1. Research is ongoing and has been ongoing from time search for absolute truth started. It will continue into future. Same goes with teaching. We teach what we learn, apply and find. All this is fundamental essence of Sanatana Dharma. Our Sanatana Dharma.
2. It appears according to you that only a select few can talk about Sanatana Dharma. Our journeys are different and I am happy with my journey.
3.I believe I stated my position as a psychiatrist and a practitioner of Sanatana dharma. The very essence of which enables me to stay on course of pursuit of truth. 4. Feel free to join the session live next week if you have views to share. The topic would be “Personal development through Sanatana Dharma”. We welcome you to contribute in the QA section your understanding of how you see Sanatana Dharma help us in improving our individual self.
5. As you seem to be a keen practitioner of Sanatana Dharma and highly knowledgeable as well, kindly provide answers to all those questions you asked me it would be a great learning opportunity for someone like me and many others. You may particularly answer your question and state the relevance of “all have to have same understanding” why?, “these eternal laws have to be consistently mentioned in scriptures” why?“how can one learn if not through scriptures” ?? and the “varna/kula sankaram as stated by Srikrishna”, please quote the shloka as stated by you. If stated by Srikrishna, what does it say about him or Sanatana Dharma and Bhagavadgita ? kindly state your position.
Kindly enlighten us which scriptures you have read that forms the basis of your definition of Sanatana Dharma?
Once we have your answers for all the questions raised then we can discuss further.
Best wishes.
@@ssmalladi we need not agree but don't you feel apt to ponder about the question of origin of this word and few critical question before doing so much further work/research/practise/preach in its name.
Anybody can talk about anything , if it does not need to have any basis..
I see sanatana dharma as term used to refer to orthodox hindu collective religious practices all good bad and ugly included.Simply put it means from very old .
Since hindu was relatively modern term .
There is frenzy to go back to using santana dharma and more orthodox practices in place of hindu to give it a firm footing that its very old and going back to pre reformist practices.
As some one who professes preaches teaches why don't you answer my questions ?
“all have to have same understanding”
It is relevant .
If it is eternal law don't you think all would arrive at same eternal law?
If you say each has his own understanding then how is it relevant to club them into single term santana dharma .
“these eternal laws have to be consistently mentioned in scriptures”
If you rely on scriptures for the claim then is it too much to expect consistency ?
“how can one learn if not through scriptures” ??
You have to answer this .since you were one whose proposition was that it did not manifest and it transcends ?
“varna/kula sankaram as stated by Srikrishna”, please quote the shloka as stated by you.if stated by Srikrishna, what does it say about him or Sanatana Dharma and Bhagavadgita ? "
I take back my earlier statement that srikrishna mentioned varna sankara.
Varna sankara or kula sankara has been mentioned by arjuna in bhagavadgita
The point being are all the mentions about varna kula jaati by arjuna, srikrishna consistent in your understanding of sanatana dharma.
Varnasrama dharma(integral part of bagavadgita) is it JUST , as per santana dharma.
"Kindly enlighten us which scriptures you have read that forms the basis of your definition of Sanatana Dharma? "
That is precisely my question.
You are passing the ball back to me.
@@12sasi 1. Origin of the word and its historicity: Historical origin is not required as it is a descriptor and not a name. Like for instance the word spirituality is a descriptor and not a name and there is still not much of convergence on the exact definition of spirituality which I will explain later. Similarly Sanatana dharma is a descriptor with Sanatana meaning eternal and dharma in this context means principles. As I have explained in the session,
2. As a psychiatrist my job is to find ways to help heal the human emotional suffering and to teach coping strategies through cognitive processing.
3. Sanatana dharma can be accessed through guru, scriptures or through personal quest. I employ the personal quest method. Like any researcher, once I conceptualize a research question I then look at references and go through evidence available in modern and ancient spiritual research that is available. Once this is done, then it is applied in the field through own practice to see their application and utility.
4. Spirituality has been differently described by different people which in my view led to over inclusivity. When I started teaching spirituality and Sanatana dharma I reconciled the definition of spirituality and religion as follows:
Spirituality/ Sanatana Dharma/Atmavidya- Sincere and consistent efforts to develop knowledge of the self as a reflection of the cosmic oneness and stay in that state of realization with the goal of merging into that cosmic oneness. As we live in this life here and now, we should accept that we assume many lives to learn lessons and we align our approach to life based on this fundamental knowledge which we can call individual dharma. ( you may understand by now that dharma here refers to duties).
Yoga - paths as per the individual personalities which helps one to stay on this spiritual course.
Individual’s Faith (Sva-matam)- The individual’s chosen belief system in which he has complete freedom to choose his or her practice of spiritual path.
Organized Religion (vyavasteekruta matam)- One’s experience is declared as true revelation and codified to be practiced by all the followers. This path is restrictive on individual variations and therefore disallows freedom to think beyond the codified practice. (svamatam and vyavasteekrutamatams are terminology coined by me)
It is important to mention the work going in spiritual research.
Article by Luccheti et al in 2015 “Spirituality, religiousness, and mental health: A review of the current scientific evidence” states “religion involves beliefs, practices, and rituals related to the transcendent, and on the other hand spirituality is a broader concept which includes the personal quest for understanding answers to ultimate questions about life, life meaning, and relationship with the sacred or transcendent.” It also admits that research has been hampered by the lack of consensus on the definition of the term spirituality which authors have begun to differentiate from religiousness.”
5. If you draw parallels to your concern about frenzy to find new term for Hinduism. Hindu-ism is a descriptive too of a conglomerate of various different matams which have their fundamental roots in the transcendental oneness with acceptance of atma, paramatma, karma, punarjanma and moksha. The various matams inspired or not inspired by Sanatana Dharma are not Sanatana as they are subject to changes according to time and geography. Whereas Sanatana Dhamra is not subject to change and stays the same irrespective of time or geography.
6. Like any system we use in society, for example a sun dial system to know the time - there are much better systems now to check time and hence it is obsolete. We can let go and move on with time. Same goes with social systems and religions inspired by eternal concepts. A sincere overview of eternal concepts would tell us that the once the human intervention comes into play - a timebound or non-eternal has started. Hence by this in itself any of those are not eternal and not Sanatana.
7. Regarding, whether all have to agree: That is not at all a requirement for Sanatana dharma or spirituality. Truth is one but perceived uniquely by each individual. “Yatho vacho nivartante aprapya manasa saha - that is the absolute truth which the mind and speech try to reach but returns back as it is beyond comprehension” “sadeva aseet Soumya”- “only the absolute truth existed (before all this) my dear”
8. Clubbing together is not Sanatana dharma. Sanatan dharma is oneness - it is independent of any scriptures anywhere in the world. As nirvana shatakam says “Na mantro na theertham na veda na yajna chidanandaroopah sivoham sivoham- I am beyond mantras, sacred places, vedas and yajna - I am that absolute truth, consciousness, bliss - the ever blissful consciousness”
9. Regarding what consistencies am I looking at in scriptures (across the world): The consistencies with atmavidya - Knowledge of the self - also called spirituality also called Sanatana dharma.
10. Is varna ashrama dharma just? I have no satisfactory answer for this. There are several things in this world which have multidimensional viewpoints which when a human mind tries to answer end up going in circles. For instance, is it just that the herbivores can’t eat the carnivores, but carnivores can eat herbivores. I don’t have an answer apart from saying that is how the ecosystem was designed. All I can say is along with division of labour there should be dignity of labour. I think human application in an opportunistic fashion removes the dignity of labour leading to exploitation which we should condemn. However, Varna’s aspect of division of labour can be seen in various aspects of life at work and elsewhere.
11. You say sanatana dharma has good, bad and ugly. I think you are referring to the human application here. It is like this - a mobile phone is designed the way it is designed. A person using it can use it for good reasons or bad reasons or ugly reasons. It is not the phone which is the problem, it is the use.
12. What scriptures to read to establish sanatan dharma? None is my answer. I don’t need to read manusmriti etc that you are mentioning. I don’t need to even read Vedas for that matter nor Upanishads nor Bhagavadgita. However reading them can help develop a better understanding. That’s all.
13. Frankly the more one gets involved in human knowledge transfer the more you move away from your real truth or the absolute truth. Information search should only be for furthering the path in search of transcendental knowledge. Pothana in his bhagavatham says “in pursuit of absolute knowledge do not engage in unwanted discussions even if academic just for the sake of it”
As we believe in the concept of “vaada” that both parties present their positions with the single goal of establishing truth it will be essential to know your position. To say I am passing the buck will only leave a gap in my understanding of your concerns or your position.
As a side note, I often noticed that it is easy to ask questions but not very easy to answer in this modern world due to not having the face to face interface.
I prefer face to face discussion as one of the problems in the modern digital age is people are relying on information such as from Wikipedia, chatgpt which is fine but doesn’t allow one to think for themselves. Absolute truth is the heart's work and truth is one that is experienced by that individual..
You may need to excuse me from further conversation here due to time constraints. Please meet me in the live session to discuss further in the QA time.
Best wishes
Allowing wife to sleep with guest is part of Sanatana Dharma?
Reference: Story of Svetaketu in Mahabharata, Adi Parva, Chapter 122 (Sambhava Parva) famous as Svetaketu Sasanam.
Story in short: When a Brahmin visited Uddalaka as guest, after serving him well, the guest took Uddhalakas wife's had and dragged her into bed room. Seeting this Uddalaka's son Svetaketu got angry and objected. However the father Uddalaka said to Svetaketu "Be not be aangry of this, it is our Sanatana Dharma". Later Swetaketu made a rule which is know as Svetaketu Sasanam creating the practice of the "wife being loyal to one husband for life"
Pandu narrating to Kunti: "It hath been heard by us that there was a great Rishi of the name of Uddalaka, who had a son named Swetaketu who also was an ascetic of merit. O thou of eyes like lotus-petals, the present virtuous practice hath been established by that Swetaketu from anger.
Hear thou the reason. One day, in the presence of Swetaketu's father a Brahmana came and catching Swetaketu's mother by the hand, told her, 'Let us go.' Beholding his mother seized by the hand and taken away apparently by force, the son was greatly moved by wrath. Seeing his son indignant, Uddalaka addressed him and said, 'Be not angry. O son! This is the practice sanctioned by antiquity (Sanatana Dharma)"
like any one else Sanatana dharma empowers you to synthesise information that helps in personal growth and welfare of mankind and also differentiate right or wrong.
Thank for sharing this story which must be part of Mahabharata from what you say’. One life time is not enough to go through all the literature available in various fields. I seriously wouldn’t have known such a story existed as I don’t have any immediate plans to read Mahabharata for atleast another few years as it is sitting in the waiting list of books to cover just out if interest.
Coming back to Sanatana dharma please feel free to share if you are practising it and how it is going for you. You may share any of your experience of applying Sanatana dharma in your daily life. we are committed towards holistic wellness through Sanatana dharma.
I will be doing a session on “roles and responsibilities towards family and marriage through Sanatana dharma.” Possibly the third session.
@@ssmalladi Thank you very much Sir for your reply and accepting the fact.
Before I was fascinated about Sanatana Dharma very much like you. So called Gurus planted/exaggerated so much about Sanatana Dharma by cherry pickings.
After going through the standard books (grandhas like Mahabharatam) I came to konw about what Sanatana Dharma actually is and the one example given by me is enough not to practice the Sanata Dharma.
There are many such examples like, the one I mentioned, social discrimination, gender descrimination etc, therefore I request you find some time and go through the literal evidences about Sanatana Dharma defined in standard books.
@@vishnuthoka8808 I trust you for what you said. I cannot verify whether it is a fact nor do I prioritise that story as essential reading. My suggestion to you is that to know the truth one needs to look beyond books. We need to think, reflect and absorb. There is so much we learn from nature and there are noble souls around us. Please look beyond books. Books are not to be considered as dictats. Best books are guides while worst books are best ignored. (This applies to any book of the world)Trust yourself. That is Sanatana dharma.
When you say you stopped practising Sanatana dharma, may I know what exactly you were practising and what you stopped.
@@ssmalladi You don't need to trust me either, reference was given you yourself cha check the fact.
Need to standardise the definition else you will end nowhere. You have not yet read at least the so called standard books of Sanatana Dharma quoted then how do you think beyond them?
Currently I'm free from all dharmas except human dharma, reading Buddhisam and will decide later.
@@vishnuthoka8808
I have come across so many who have not read a single book and in fact illiterate and have the wisdom. Same goes with so many westerners who practise the essence of Sanatana dharma often not realising that they are practising it.
Sanatana dharma is not only not confined to books it is also not confined to a geographical territory or a culture.
I thank you for letting me know that someone wrongly advised you on so called standard books because of which you say you left Sanatana Dharma.
There was once a Fisherman named Dheevaramani who would spend most of his daily life on the river for livelihood , pleasure and penance. Dheevaramani learnt all his life lessons from the river - the water, the sounds, the fish, sky, rain. He learnt that he is one small part of this river ecosystem. He needs to play his role. He needs to take care of the river ecosystem just as it takes care of him.
One day he lost his beloved family member in a whirlpool which suddenly developed while he was swimming in it.
Following this incident, everyone started blaming the river that it is bad and evil. This infuriated the dejected Dheevaramani who turned against this river and decided to never go into it anymore out of anger.
After several days he realised that even if he stopped going to the river the water he drinks is that of the river and the fish he eats is from the river. He learnt that it is the nature of the river just as there is a nature to the hills and to the clouds for an unexpected landslide or a cyclone. They will not change their nature as they are true to themselves.
He understood that his anger was only upsetting his emotions and his avoidance was only affecting him spending time with something which he shared unconditional love towards. He exercised his own wisdom that the river ecosystem had taught him about how to have clarity in decision making. He learnt lessons that he needs to take precautions to make the river a safer place for himself and others and it is his responsibility to do so. he started taking precautions and educated all to take precautions for the unexpected hazards that can happen in the river and that it is his right to be back in the river which is his home to which he needs no invitation to return back to.
It is all about learning life lessons for our own betterment.
The aborigines of Australia don’t read any books but practise the cosmic wisdom. They learn from the nature to live in nature.
So all of us in general need to utilise our given tools to progress within and not neglect them at the expense of heavy dependence on external sources such as books particularly if they do not make sense or absurd.
use the sword called asanga (detachment) to cut those attachments to free yourself in path of realisation.
Focus on your inward journey. Embrace your truth about yourself. Observe the nature. Slow things down and practise mindfulness.
Unlearn and relearn should be the Mantra.
Human dharma is a great place to be in. all the best with your pursuit.