Is the term Sanatan well defined ? Well understood?
Definitely, Sanatan is understood and used largely as a synonym of Hindu religion. But Hindu religion or Hinduism defies definition. It has been frequently described as a way of life rather than a religion because of its vast canvas and universalistic complexion and appeal.
Then, what is Sanatan as a religion or Dharma? Etymologically, it connotes eternal. And Dharma, in true and fundamental terms means righteousness. Righteousness is the natural religion of all humanity and it transcends caste, creed, race or sect. And this righteousness, better termed as Dharma is the universal religion of humanity which is timeless or eternal. So Dharma, in its true sense, is intrinsically eternal and synonymous with Sanatan.
Udaynidhi Stalin was grossly mistaken when he abused the term Sanatan. This is because he associates Sanatan with casteism, hierarchical divisions and superstitions. He thinks that this religion is rife with morbid elements akin to Dengue, Malaria or even AIDS, as someone else of his ilk remarked. Sanatan contains none of these.
It is time we all understood the real meaning of Sanatan as the eternal principles of Dharma or righteousness as expounded in the primordial scriptures called Vedas. Vedas are the foundation of Hinduism. As per Vedic scriptures, Sanatan as eternal Dharma has ten cardinal principles enumerated below. These principles are required to be observed by all humans.
1. Forgiveness
2. Patience
3. Honesty
4. True knowledge
5. Truthfulness
6. Cleanliness of body and mind
7. Control of the senses
8. Mind control
9. Abjuring anger
10. Application of intellect
It is easy to observe by even the educated and rational minded layman that these principles are universal and are humanity centred.Since the above tenets of eternal Dharma contain true knowledge as one tenet, Sanatan has no room for inhuman ideologies like hierarchical casteism or superstitions and unscientific practices outside of the Vedic tradition.
Let us propagate the ideology and spirit of true Sanatan which belongs to the timeless Vedic tradition. At least 30 to 40 percent of the Hindu society is unaware of these truths. It is our bounden duty to educate this section in the true Vedic tradition so that none calls Sanatan poisonous like the Tamil Nadu prince Udaynidhi did. Educating the populace about true religion will rid our society of sectarian hatred and serve to unite this society which is still divided on factional lines, unfortunately. It will do a lot to dispel ignorance, illusion, obscurantism and bigotry and help to rebuild a strong, united Bharat.
It is emphasized that sectarian bigotry has been the bane of our society for a long , long time and was instrumental even in the unfortunate partition of united Bharat. Disseminating true concept of eternal Dharma will pave the way for ideological unification of the entire nation and this will lead to emergence of the united Bharat of the yore.
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