All beings share a profound desire for lasting happiness and tranquility, free from suffering and fear. This sentiment is especially strong in human beings, from a commoner to the coronated ones. During the course of life everyone faces challenges of varying degrees, from minor day-to-day issues to matters of survival. Unpleasant experiences often outnumber pleasant ones. There are seemingly more unhappy moments than happy ones. Even during peaceful moments, individuals often ponder about life's mysteries, purpose of existence, what follows after death, the nature of the universe, and our connection to it.
When we observe ourselves closely, we notice an innate yearning for a calming, peaceful state similar to the tranquility experienced during deep sleep. We sometimes experience brief moments of profound peace even while awake, and it is natural to want these moments to last longer-or even seek a way to make such peace a permanent part of our lives.
In such a state of yearning, any authentic guidance or practical solution becomes immensely valuable, offering not just clarity but true relief to a mind burdened with doubts.
This, at its core, is the true purpose of any religion. Their purpose is to guide people, not only to conduct their daily lives harmoniously but also to progress spiritually.
There are many religions in the world. Most have a specific founder often revered as a prophet or enlightened teacher-whose life and teachings form the foundation of that tradition. For example, Buddhism looks to Gautama Buddha and texts such as the Dhammapada. Christianity centers around Jesus Christ and the Bible. Islam follows the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad as recorded in the Quran. These scriptures are typically considered Revealed Texts, believed to be divinely inspired or directly communicated by the Divine through a chosen intermediary. Further, religions such as Christianity and Islam generally speak of a single, all-powerful God who is distinct from the world and its beings.
As regards Hinduism, there is no single founder, no definitive starting point in history, and no single central scripture that defines the tradition. It is not anchored in a single Book or Prophet but rather rests on a vast and evolving body of wisdom accumulated over millennia.
(CN: The term 'Hindu' was coined by foreign visitors to India, referring to those living beyond the Sindhu River. Over time, it appears that the practices of these inhabitants came to be known as Hinduism and the followers were called the Hindus.)
Given this, it is not surprising that Hindus themselves may offer varied answers when asked, "What is your sacred text?" For some, the Bhagavad Gita holds central importance; for others, the Ramayana, for some others the Vedas and Vedanta are seen as foundational. Hindus also differ in the form of the Divine they primarily worship. Some are devoted to Śiva, others to Vishnu, Sakti, or one of the many other manifestations of the Divine with forms and without forms.
Furthermore, the tradition embraces multiple philosophical schools, and across its broad geographic and linguistic landscape, different regions have preserved and revered their own scriptures and commentaries-each shaping the lives of millions.
Therefore, we use the broader and deeper term called Dharma, rather than the term "Religion".
Dharma is a path or a way of life, when followed, fosters inner peace and fulfillment in daily life, while ultimately leading the seeker toward liberation.
Because this path has no beginning (Anadi) and no end (Anantha), it is called Sanatana Dharma, which translates to 'Eternal Truth'.
Vedas (1192)
Upanishads (501)
Puranas (632)
Ramayana (746)
Mahabharata (363)
Dharmasastras (167)
Goddess (502)
Bhakti (243)
Saints (1509)
Gods (1294)
Shiva (377)
Journal (184)
Fiction (60)
Vedanta (365)
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