This is a conversation between Arjun and Shreya.
They are discussing about the importance of Vedic Literature in Sanatana Dharma.
Hey Shreya, did you know that the ancient Vēdic literature of India forms the bedrock of Sanātana Dharma?
Really? That sounds intriguing! Tell me more about it.
It encompasses a vast array of texts, each rich in wisdom, philosophy, and spiritual insights. It's essential for all Indians to understand its depth, breadth, and grandeur to ignite curiosity and explore its subjects further.
That's fascinating. So, what exactly is Sanātana Dharma?
At the core of the Sanātana way of life lies Sanātana Dharma. ‘Sanātana’ means ‘beginningless, eternal, permanent, or immutable.’ Dharma is a set of rules derived from ancient literature that regulate an individual’s conduct in their personal life and their interactions in society.
I see. So, when someone asks, ‘What is Sanātana Dharma?’ how should we explain it?
We should explain that it is the practical application of teachings found in Śrutis, Smritis, and Purāṇās, as envisaged by the rishis of ancient times, for the welfare of the world (lōka kalyāṇa). Sanātana Dharma is as old as the Vēdas.
It sounds like a comprehensive way of living. Does it transcend boundaries of place and time?
Absolutely. Sanātana Dharma is a "way of living" that transcends boundaries of place and time. It’s the Dharma followed by the society to which the term "Hinduism" is ascribed by Western thinkers.
What is the aim of Sanātana Dharma?
The aim is to uphold the welfare of society. An individual’s conduct impacts the collective well-being of society. Sanātana Dharma prescribes duties for individuals and provides guidelines for personal conduct, ensuring societal harmony.
But isn’t it old and not applicable to modern times?
Not at all. There are two aspects to a Dharma: its essence or spirit (sāra), and its execution (ācharaṇa). The essence remains unchanged, while the execution evolves with society. Sanātana Dharma is adaptable to such changes, allowing adjustments in the execution of Dharma without altering its spirit.
Can you give me an example?
Sure. While Manu Smriti serves as an ancient foundation, subsequent texts like Yājñavalkya Smriti and Parāśara Smriti have adapted to changing times. The essence of Sanātana Dharma is timeless, but its application, or "Vartamāna Dharma," evolves with society. Eg. Driving in various countries
That makes sense. How does it apply to something universal, like eating?
For instance, a living being “must eat for survival” is a universal Dharma. While animals follow their instincts, humans exhibit discernment, guided by Sanātana Dharma. In modern times, eating in restaurants is permitted, extending but not replacing ancient norms. Example. Snatching food andeating habits
Interesting! Did we follow any Sanātana Dharma traditions unknowingly during Covid-19?
Yes, many! Practices like washing feet and hands after entering the house, eating only hot food at home, disinfecting the house periodically, and quarantining the sick are all rooted in Sanātana Dharma.
What about the Vēdas and Śrutis?
Śruti means ‘that which is heard.’ The Vēdas contain knowledge revealed to ancient sages (rishis) directly from the gods and are considered not composed by humans. Earlier they were orally passed on from gurus to their students. They are now accessible to us in book. Audio and video forms because of technological advancements.
So, the Vēdas are humanity’s oldest compilations?
Exactly. Veda actually means knowledge. The enormous amount of unwritten knowledge was collated by Bhagawan Vēda Vyasa and classified the entire Vēdic knowledge into four Vēdas: Rig Vēda, Sama Vēda, Yajur Vēda, and Atharva Vēda, and painstakingly written them down on palm leaves. Our of all, Rig Vēda is the oldest and the largest. It has 1028 hymns.
What’s the significance of the Vēdas?
The Vēdas contain knowledge about action (Karma Kāṇḍa) and liberation (Mōksha Kāṇḍa). They are rich with didactic messages that convey profound information, morals, and principles to instil values. Ex. Satyam vada etc
What are Vēdāngas?
Vēdāngas are ‘Limbs of Vēdas’—essential subjects one must master before studying the Vēdas. They include pronunciation, grammar, prosody, etymology, astrology, and rituals. Example: Like pre-medical course
And Upavēdas?
Upavēdas contain secular sciences useful for human living and society. There are four Upavēdas: Ayur Vēda (Medicine), Dhanur Vēda (Archery and Warfare), Gandharva Vēda (Music and Arts), and Sthapatya Vēda (Architecture).
What about Agamas and Sutras?
Agamas contain the science of temple building, idol sculpting, and worship rituals, while Sutras explain Sastras in a simplified manner.
How are the Purāṇās relevant?
Purāṇās, though old, are ever fresh, explaining the teachings of Vēdas through stories. There are 18 Mahāpuraṇās and several Upapurāṇās, which complement and expand upon the Mahāpuraṇās. Have you ever read about the ancient Indian epics?
I’ve heard of them, but I haven't dived deep. What's so special about them?
The epics are incredibly rich in wisdom and tradition. They tell the traditional accounts of historical events and heroes. The main ones are Shrimad Rāmāyaṇa by Sage Vālmiki and Mahābhārata by Bhagwan Vēdavyāsa.
Oh, I know Rāmāyaṇa and Mahābhārata are quite popular. But aren't they tough to follow?
Not at all! Their style is not difficult to follow. Unlike Śrutis and Smritis, they don’t prescribe Dharma through strict rules. Instead, they showcase how great personalities practiced Dharma in their lives, offering a practical guide.
That's interesting! So, they exemplify how to live by the teachings in Vēdas and Purāṇās?
Exactly. They describe the ancient social and political systems of India, customs, way of life, arts, technology, and much more. These texts have been translated into all Indian languages and many foreign languages like English and French.
No wonder people in India revere these characters as true historical heroes. What should every Indian take away from these texts?
Every Indian should read these texts, imbibe their contents, and learn to live by Sanātana Dharma for an enriching and fulfilling experience in life. The Rāmāyaṇa and Mahābhārata have valuable lessons to offer. Ex. Ramayana-regarding Dharma and, Mahabharata regarding Artha and Kama
Could you tell me about the Rāmāyaṇa?
Of course! The Rāmāyaṇa tells the story of Śri Rāma, the son of King Dasaratha of Kosala, his brothers Bharata, Lakshmana, and Shatrughna, his wife Sīta, his friends Hanuman, Sugriva, and Vibhishana, and his enemies Ravana, Kumbha Karṇa, and Vali. It demonstrates how those who followed Dharma thrived, while those who did not, like Vali and Ravana, perished.
What key learnings can we take from the Rāmāyaṇa?
Key learnings include King Dasaratha’s promise-keeping, the brotherhood of Rāma, Lakshmana, Bharata, and Shatrughna, the relationship between Rāma and Sīta, Hanuman’s devotion to Rāma, and the friendship between Rāma and Sugriva.
Those are truly ideal examples of how kings, brothers, couples, devotees, and friends should follow Dharma. What about Mahābhārata?
The Mahābhārata tells the story of the Pānḍavās, sons of King Pandu, and the Kauravas, sons of Dhritarashtra, who fought for the kingdom and perished in the battle of Kurukshetra. It includes histories of many kings and teachings of many saints.
I've heard it's a vast text. How vast exactly?
It's enormous! Vēda Vyāsa himself declared in Mahābhārata that "What is found here may be found elsewhere; what is not here is nowhere else." It has 100,000 verses divided into 18 parvas (chapters).
Wow, that’s immense. So, what key lessons does Mahābhārata offer?
It offers profound teachings like Yudhishṭhira’s adherence to Dharma, Bhīshma’s vow-keeping, Karna’s generosity, Draupadi’s vengeance, Śri Kŗshṇa imparting knowledge to Arjuna, and Duryodhana’s jealousy and arrogance. Eample. Narada’s role, so many topics like the rules of state craft, wars, public administration, moral code etc
It seems like both epics teach us a lot about Dharma. What else can we learn from Indian history?
Throughout history, many kings, philosophers, reformers, gurus, and sages followed Sanātana Dharma and served as role models. For instance, patriotic kings like Chhatrapati Shivaji, ingenious ministers like Chanakya, ethical philosophers like Bhartŗhari, and devoted saints like Mīrābai.
That's inspiring! What about more recent times?
Even today, many individuals set standards in their fields through their actions. Impartial political leaders like Lal Bahadur Shastri, nationalistic industrialists like JRD Tata, and progressive scientists like Homi Bhabha are a few examples.
It's amazing how Sanātana Dharma has influenced so many lives. What are Smritis?
Smritis are Dharma Śāstrās based on the Vēdas. They contain the “Code of Law/Ethics” and describe Dharma as injunctions and prohibitions for humanity. The most important Smritis include Manu Smriti, Yājñavalkya Smriti, Sankhya Smriti, and Parasara Smriti.
So, they provide guidelines for ethical living?
Exactly. They adapt to changing times while maintaining the essence of Dharma. As we live in modern society, we must follow the laws and rules set by the government of the place we live.
It's clear how deeply ingrained these teachings are. What about secular sciences?
Our ancient rishis provided texts on secular sciences and sixty-four kinds of arts to make life pleasant, entertaining, and enlightening. These include subjects like vocal music, playing instruments, dance, drama, cosmetics, and more. Have you ever delved into the philosophies and schools of thought in ancient India?
Not really, Arjun. What are they about?
It's quite fascinating! Human beings always seek joy or happiness through various pleasures, but often sorrow follows if those pleasures are lost. Philosophers sought ways to free humans from this cycle of joy and sorrow, leading them to permanent joy.
That's interesting. How did they approach this quest?
They investigated the nature of the imperceptible, which we call philosophy, vision, or Darśanā. The sages developed six philosophical treatises, known as Shaḍ Darśanās, using commonly accepted methods of epistemology , such as empirical evidence, inference, analogy, postulation, non-existence, and scriptural evidence.
What are these six treatises?
There are two kinds of Darśanās: Āstika and Nāstika. Āstika Darśanās accept the authority of the Vēdas, while Nāstika Darśanās do not.
What about the philosophical treatises? Who wrote them?
Many sages and scholars have contributed. Sage Vyāsa is known for Vēdānta, while Śankara Bhagavatpāda wrote extensive commentaries on key texts.
That’s incredible. How are these philosophies taught?
The Upanishads, part of the Vēdas, impart Atma or Brahma vidya through dialogues between teachers and students. Any discrepancies in their teachings are resolved by Badarayana Maharshi in his Brahma Sutras.
And what about the Bhagavad Gita?
The Bhagavad Gita summarizes the Upanishads' teachings and applies them to daily life. It's often described metaphorically as the essence of the Upanishads, with Lord Kŗshṇa as the milkman, Arjuna as the calf, and the wise as the drinkers of the Gita’s nectar.
That’s a beautiful analogy. What are bhāshyās and prakaraṇās?
Bhāshyās are commentaries, and Śankara Bhagavatpāda wrote the most influential ones on the Upanishads, Brahma Sutras, and Bhagavad Gita. Prakaraṇās are treatises that systematically deal with specific subjects. For example, Śankara's Viveka Chudamani explains the basic principles of Advaita Philosophy.
So, these texts are foundational for understanding these philosophies?
Absolutely. Śri Sureswarāchārya, a disciple of Śri Śankara, wrote commentaries on Śankara’s works, enhancing their comprehension. Texts like Manasōllāsam, Naishkarmya Siddhi, and Vēdanta Panchadaśi by Śri Vidyāraṇya Swamy are also crucial for students of Advaita.
Karma or Action is very closely associated with our daily lives. In our next session, we will talk about how Theory of Karma helps us perform our actions for success and happiness.