4. Introduction

Some info about article …

|| Hari OM ||

Namaste,

Dear Divine Souls, this article is a humble attempt to share some basic info about the eternal dharma, Sanatan Dharma from Traditional POV.

The article covers wide range of topics including

• Importance of Guru

• What is shāstra

• What is dharma

• Concept of Īśṭa devatā

• Mantra: Meaning and Importance

• 14 abodes of knowledge (vedas, puranas, etc)

• Theories of Creation in Hinduism (sanātana dharma)

• Status of women in sanātana dharma

• 8 types of marriages,

• Different types of Yoga

• Varṇāshram dharma (caste system)

• Why a dharma should be eternal

• Religious Tolerance

• Vegetarianism and Nonviolence  

• Idol worship and beyond

• and many more ...

The article also explains why Hindu Dharma is the most organized, integrated spiritual and practical way of life.

There are many sects and sub-sects in Hinduism. They have different philosophies each claiming itself to be the ultimate truth and the true essence of vedAnta. The author belongs to advaita school of thought. Hence one may find tilting towards advaita in some places. Though the author practices advaita at personal level author respects all traditional philosophies.

There are two types of works

1. Polemical

2. Informative

1. Works of Polemical nature are often filled with logic and scriptural reference, refuting objections of opponent(s) and raise objections to rival sects or religion under discussion.

2. Another approach is to write in an informative way where all complexities are avoided and concepts are explained in simple way.

Present work is of informative nature. As explained earlier, the author has tried to speak positively about Hindu Dharma than trying to be critical of other religions. Though at times concepts of other religions are briefly touched for the sake of comparisons, the author has not tried to denigrate any religion or philosophy.

There are three ways to interpret any verse or a story

1. Literal

2. Symbolic - connected with mind

3. An encrypted form of Yogic process

• Literal meaning are useful for instilling faith and devotion in God.

• Symbolic interpretations are indirect pointers in which any story or incident or verse is interpreted with our inner qualities or for pointing out a particular approach for the benefit of meditator. Moral of the story is important than the story itself. This approach is directly connected with workings of mind - both conscious and sub-conscious.

• Yogic Interpretation is concerned about exploring the inner universe, dealing with subtle bodies. It is encrypted way of describing inner universe called as pinḍāṇḍa.

Attempts are made to make one understand that one must not always try to interpret scriptures in literal sense. Symbolic and yogic interpretations are also very useful for spiritual progress.

With this in mind let us understand our dharma from traditional POV.