This book introduces Sanatana Dharma. Sanatana means eternal in Sanskrit. Dharma has one of its meanigs as Law that which sustains the universe. In other words it is the law that orders the universe. In the context of an individual, it means inner modification in the right direction. Thus, Sanatana Dharma in brief could be termed as ‘eternal law’ that is sustaining all aspects of the universe. It is also called as Vaideeka Dharma. In recent years, it is popularly known as Hinduism. Some people, not so correctly, identify Sanatana Dharma as Hindu religion. Translating Dharma as religion could create confusion. Because, the scope of religion is inherently narrow and its meaning has to be extended to match the meaning of Dharma. Religion is translated as mata. There are many religions in this world like Christianity, Islam and Judaism. Strictly speaking, many religions are followed by people who are identifying themselves as Hindus. Followers of Sankhya, Advaita, Dwaita are in fact following different religions.
This book makes an attempt to provide clarity on these issues. The first part of the book identifies the problems that could be termed as universal at philosophical, social and personal spheres. The second part provides a rational foundation on which a meaningful attempt could be made to solve those universal problems. Additional terminology that are required to complete the first introduction of Sanatana-Dharma are covered. The reader will find that the concepts of Hinduism are inclusive, brilliant, logical and consistent. Precisely why Hinduism is also described as Universal Religion. Throughout the book, pointers are provided to address confuisions, controversies and allegations around the mother religion.
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