Sanatan, Dharma or part of Dharma? Is Sanatan what is it supposed to be or is it what is is presumed to be? Can Sanatan be the reason for living or be the living for a reason? Know all here.

What is Sanatan? Is it Dharma or a part of Dharma?

The terms Sanatan and Dharma are deeply rooted in Indian philosophy and spirituality. Often used interchangeably, they carry distinct yet interconnected meanings. When we hear the word Sanatan, a deep sense of antiquity, tradition, and timelessness often resonates in our minds. Especially in the Indian culture and spiritual context, Sanatan is not just a word, it is an idea, a philosophy and a way of life. 

The Hindu religion is known as Sanatan Dharma or occasionally, the eternal way of life is the original name given to the Hindu religion. But it is not only a religion it is a philosophy that has remained untouched throughout millennia and has influenced millions of people. If we want to understand whether Sanatan is Dharma or part of Dharma, we must explore their origins and meanings, historical contexts and philosophical implications.

Origins and Meaning

The word Sanatan comes from Sanskrit and means “eternal”, “unchanging” or “ageless”. It refers to principles that are timeless, universal, and beyond the constraints of any particular era or civilization. In Hinduism, Sanatan Dharma is often used to describe the eternal order that governs the universe and it is a cosmic law that sustains creation, morality and spiritual growth.

What is Dharma?

Dharma is a more complex term with multiple layers of meaning. It derives from the Sanskrit root “dhr” which means “to uphold” or “to sustain”. In a broad sense, dharma represents the moral duty which emphasizes on righteousness, ethics and one’s obligations in life. It also favours universal law which is the natural order that maintains harmony in the cosmos and represents religious path where teachings and practices that guide the spiritual progress are valued.

Therefore, on contrary to religious dogmas, Dharma is adaptive, contextual and varies according to time, place and individual circumstances.

 

What is Sanatan Dharma?

When we put the two words together, that is Sanatan and Dharma, we arrive at the concept of Sanatan Dharma which is often translated as the Eternal Dharma or Eternal way. Sanatan Dharma refers to the universal principles of righteousness, truth, and cosmic order that remain unchanged across time and space. It is not a religion in the way modern societies define religion like with a single founder, a specific scripture, or a rigid set of beliefs. Instead as discussed above it is a way of life, an exploration of eternal truths that underline all existence.

Altogether, both Sanatan and dharma pose a truth which they call as the eternal truth and which is beyond the time and space, which forms the ground of existence of the cosmos. Although many scholars and spiritual leaders use Sanatan Dharma synonymously with Hinduism, it is more than just a religion as it is a way of life based on eternal truths. We can understand this by taking a brief look at principles of Santan Dharma:

• Timeless Principles

Sanatan Dharma encompasses universal values such as truth (Satya), non- violence (Ahimsa), compassion (Daya), and self- discipline (Tapas). These principles are not bound by any single scripture or prophet but are considered inherent to existence.

• Beyond Man- made Constructs

Unlike religions founded by historical figures, Sanatan Dharma is said to be Apaurusheya (not of human origin). Its teachings are derived from the Vedas, Upanishads, and other ancient texts that are believed to be revelations of cosmic truth (Shruti).

• Inclusive and Adaptive

Sanatan Dharma does not reject other spiritual paths. It acknowledges that different cultures and individuals may have unique ways (Yoga, Bhakti, Jnana, Karma) to realize the same ultimate truth (Brahman).

However a second school of thought considers Hinduism as Sanatan Dharma and believes that being the oldest of all religions, the roots of Sanatan Dharma cannot be pinpointed on an individual but, rather, is traced back in history in the Vedic scriptures. Sanatan Dharma is a religion that has its roots in the Vedic tradition of India dating back to 1500 BC. The Vedas are the sacred texts. Such texts as Rigveda, Samaveda, Yajurveda, and Atharvaveda existed and strongly contributed to providing the basis of the spiritual and philosophical concept of the religion. The Vedic period focussed more on activities of chanting, reading of hymns and offering sacrifices to various gods.

Is Santan a part of Dharma or is it Dharma itself?

Now, coming to the key question: Is Sanatan a part of Dharma, or is it Dharma itself? The answer lies in recognizing that Sanatan is not a "part" of Dharma in the sense of being a subset or a smaller segment. Instead, Sanatan represents the core, the foundation, the eternal aspect of Dharma. It is Dharma in its purest, most universal form — the eternal, unchanging principles that form the heart of righteous living.

In everyday life, we practice different forms of Dharma — social Dharma (such as respecting elders, fulfilling family duties), personal Dharma (pursuing truth, being honest), professional Dharma (performing one’s work sincerely), and so on. These forms can vary according to context. However, Sanatan Dharma is that layer of Dharma that remains constant, unaffected by social, political, or temporal changes.

For instance, truth (Satya) and compassion (Karuna) are Sanatan principles. No matter the era or place, being truthful and compassionate are always righteous. These do not change with time. In contrast, certain customs and social rules — say, the specific rituals of marriage or mourning — may evolve with changing times and societies. Thus, while Dharma has adaptable aspects, Sanatan Dharma is the eternal compass that always points to the highest good. In this sense, Sanatan is Dharma — but Dharma is understood at its most profound, universal, and timeless level.

Therefore, it becomes very clear that Sanatan is both Dharma and a part of Dharma. As Dharma, it is the eternal, universal law that sustains existence and as part of Dharma, itt is the unchanging essence, while Dharma also includes evolving duties based on time and circumstance. Ultimately, Sanatan Dharma is not just a religion but a cosmic principle—a guide to righteous living, spiritual growth, and universal harmony. Whether seen as the whole or a part, its essence remains timeless, urging humanity toward truth, duty, and transcendence.

This article is written by our star content writer and strategist, Nikita.

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