What Is Sanatana Dharma? Hinduism Explained Simply

The eternal way

Sanatana means eternal, without beginning or end; dharma means the order that upholds life — duty, righteousness, the true nature of things. Sanatana Dharma, "the eternal way", is the name many Hindus prefer for their tradition. The word "Hindu" itself came from the Persian name for the people beyond the river Sindhu (Indus).

A tradition without a single founder

Unlike religions that begin with one founder and one book, Sanatana Dharma grew over thousands of years from the insights of the rishis, seers who are said to have "heard" the Vedas in deep meditation. It has many scriptures, many schools of philosophy, many forms of worship and many saints — and it welcomes this diversity with the Rig Vedic saying ekam sat vipra bahudha vadanti: "Truth is one; the wise call it by many names" (Rig Veda 1.164.46).

Core ideas

• Brahman — the one ultimate reality, worshipped in many forms (Vishnu, Shiva, Devi, Ganesha and others).
• Atman — the eternal self in every being, ultimately one with Brahman in many schools.
• Dharma — living rightly according to one's nature, stage of life and duties.
• Karma — every action has consequences, in this life or the next.
• Samsara and moksha — the cycle of birth and death, and liberation from it.

Read more in core beliefs.

Many paths, one goal

The tradition recognises several paths (margas): karma yoga (selfless action), bhakti yoga (devotion), jnana yoga (knowledge) and raja or dhyana yoga (meditation) — all taught in the Bhagavad Gita. People choose the path and form of God that suit their nature (ishta devata).

Living the dharma

For most families Sanatana Dharma is lived rather than defined: daily puja at home, festivals through the year, vrats, pilgrimages, the sixteen samskaras that mark life's milestones, respect for parents, teachers and guests (atithi devo bhava), and care for all living beings.