Sanatan Dharma : The Universal Language of Spirituality

 

Introduction

Sanatan Dharma is very vast and cannot be covered in any single work. It is a life long study and practice., Sanatan Dharma stands out as a profound and timeless philosophy that transcends cultural and geographical boundaries. Often referred to as Hinduism, Sanatan Dharma is not merely a religion but a way of life that encapsulates the universal essence of spirituality. In this blog, we will explore how Sanatan Dharma serves as a universal language that connects individuals across the globe through its profound spiritual teachings.

What is Dharma?

There are many ways in which the word Dharma is used in Sanatana Dharma. Giving a precise one line definition is not possible. We will try to understand different ways in which the word ‘dharma’ is used.

Dharma can be said to be a collection of divine qualities within an individual which induce certain behaviour. This includes behaviour at individual level and towards society. It is the virtuous conduct of an individual, community and society.

Dharma is also used to define duty of an individual. Execution of which depends upon the qualities developed within an individual. Infact dharma is prescribed keeping in mind mental makeup and inherent basic predominant quality within an individual. Dharma is also the inherent quality of any object. In other words the property of any chemical or object can also be covered under the word Dharma. It is known as guṇa dharma. E.g. guṇa dharma of fire is heat. So physical and chemical properties of an object is also known as guṇa dharma or simply dharma.

What is Spritual Journey ?

Spiritual path is a journey of mind. As one progresses, one is inwardly purified. Likes and dislikes and superstitions fade away. One becomes introvert. Mind becomes peaceful and experiences ānanda (bliss) constantly flowing through him. As mind purifies, it begins to get near to Īśvara tatva and merges in it resulting in samādhi. Mind again comes down in dual plain and sādhanā continues. Again, mind merges in it’s source or in heart resulting in nirvikalpa samādhi. Mind again comes down in dual plane. As this process continues, all the vāsanās (desires) get uprooted and permanently destroyed. Once all desires are destroyed, mind effortlessly merges in Brahman. After mind comes down from samādhi, it experiences ‘sarvam kahu-idam Brahma’ meaning ‘Everything else is (also) Brahman’. Such a divine jīva is known as ‘Jīvan Mukta’. After such jīva quits his physical body, he attains ‘Videha mukti’. After Videha mukti, there is permanent merging in Brahman. There is no returning back and the connection with the body is permenantly broken. There is no rebirth, there is no death, infact it is said that this life was the ‘last birth’ and not ‘last death’, as there is no death. The person was also mukta while still retaining physical body.

Hindu Customs And Symbols

Bells

Various reasons are mentioned for the use of bells, some say they are to awake the Gods, some say they are to awake the devotee. In general, Gods do not need to be awakened. Bells are generally used to cleanse our mind and clear the clutter of thoughts. The sound of bell i.e. ‘tong’ or ‘tom’ is similar to ‘OM’. The vibrations are known to cleanse mind and atmosphere just like incense are used to purify or cleanse temple atmosphere and remove negative energy.

Sound of bell which resembles OM (AUM) i.e toooommm is supposed to symbolize and remind every devotee that the reality (prakriti) has three stages of evolution, "srishti", "sthiti" and "laya" meaning creation, preservation and destruction.

The bell is made up of a mixture of five metals - lead, copper, zinc, nickel, and chromium - to which it is measured based on ratio and specification. The sound made by the bell is supposed to be pleasant to all creatures therefore it is part of worship to nature and God.

The ringing of bells is to ward off the evil spirits. According to the Aagma SAstra.

Conclusion

Sanatan Dharma emerges as a universal language of spirituality, fostering unity and understanding among diverse communities. Its teachings, rooted in the eternal truths of existence, provide a timeless roadmap for navigating the complexities of life. As individuals from different corners of the world embrace the profound wisdom of Sanatan Dharma, they find a shared language that transcends cultural boundaries, inviting all on a collective journey towards self-discovery and spiritual awakening.