Wikipedia: What is Sanatana Dharma

 

Wikipedia: What is Sanatana Dharma

First Srimad Bhagavatham talks about the sanAtana Dharma and defines what Dharma is before going into VarnAshrama Dharma.

Sage Narada says that this definition he has heard from Lord Narayana himself. It is mentioned that is called sanAtana Dharma (Note that it is not called Hindu Dharma). This definition of SanAtana Dharma transcends boundaries of region, time and religion.

NArada gives a short and important definition of Dharma. He says Dharma are set of practices which take us towards God.

Adharmic practices are ones which make us turn away from God. God himself is at the root of Dharmic practices. Vedas have come from the Lord Hari. So, these unauthored (apaurusheya) texts or vedas are the source of Dharma.

There are two other sources for obtaining definitions or clarifications for Dharma. These have practical applications for obtaining clarifications on Dharma. One source of Dharma is the people who have realized God and Vedas. These people’s mind will be tuned to God and righteous behavior. Whatever comes to their mind will be according to Dharma.

In summary, nArada gives the sources of Dharma as:

1) God and Vedas, 

2) people who are enlightened in God and the vedas , 

3) enlightened people whose mind has become tuned to God and the Vedas and 

4) finally one’s inner conscience (sAkshi) can also be a guidance for right dharma, provided it is properly trained with sAdhana (spiritual practice ) and nurtured with ethical behavior. For most normal people, who can not read and understand the vedas, conduct and advice of the enlightened people is the main source of the knowledge of Dharma.

Manu smriti also says exactly the same thing. Vedas are the source of Dharma, conduct of people who are enlightened and who know the vedas and inner conscience are primary source of the Dharma. 

[vedAkhilo dharma moolaM smRitisheeleshcha tadvidAmM | AchAraschaiva sAdhUnaM atmanastushTirEvacha ||

 – Vedas , Vedic Seers, good behavior of saints and one’s own inner conscience are sources of Dharma – Manu smriti].