Many of us have heard the term Sanatana Dharma, yet find it difficult to put into words what it truly means. Is it a religion we follow, a philosophy we study, or a way of living we slowly grow into? Sanatana Dharma is, at its heart, an ancient understanding of life itself. It is the oldest known code of conduct for human beings, one that is not limited by time, place, or identity. It speaks to the universal laws that govern the universe and invites us to live in harmony with them.

Sanatana means eternal, that which flows unchanged through time. Dharma is that which supports and sustains life. Together, they describe a way of living rooted in balance, responsibility, and awareness. The word Hinduism, which is commonly used today, came into usage much later to describe the people living around the river Indus. While it has historical value, it does not fully express the depth and universality of Sanatana Dharma, which was never meant to belong to any one group alone.

The course Sanatana Dharma Parichaya, offered by Chinmaya International Foundation, opens a gentle doorway into this timeless wisdom. In his rich and thoughtful lectures, Swami Sharadananda Ji brings clarity to ideas that are often misunderstood or reduced to mere ritual. He helps the listener see Sanatana Dharma not as something distant or rigid, but as a living tradition that continues to guide human life with quiet strength.

The course explores the origins of the scriptures, the beauty and precision of the Sanskrit language, and the many ways the idea of God has been understood over time. It speaks of Avataras and Rishis as enlightened beings who responded to the needs of their times, and of the Guru parampara as a sacred relationship through which knowledge is preserved and shared with care.

It also looks at how Sanatana Dharma understands creation, the responsibilities of human life, and the social order meant to support inner and outer harmony. The Shodasha samskaras, the sixteen sacraments, are presented not as rituals to be performed mechanically, but as meaningful moments that guide an individual through the journey of life. Reflections on birth, death, and the cycle that connects them bring a sense of wholeness to this vision.

Sanatana Dharma Parichaya is for anyone who wishes to pause and reflect on life with sincerity. It does not ask for belief, but offers understanding. In a world that often feels restless and uncertain, it reminds us of a timeless way of living with clarity, compassion, and purpose.

To know more and explore the course, please visit: https://chinfo.org/courses/sanatana-dharma-parichaya-2/

By – Anjali N Kumar