Inner Joy, Eternal Truths: What Sanatana Dharma And Indigenous Wisdom Teach Us About Happiness

In a world that constantly urges us to do more, earn more, and be more, the ancient wisdom of Sanatana Dharma offers a gentle but profound reminder, that true happiness is not something to be chased, but something to be unveiled within. Long before self-help books and wellness trends became fashionable, indigenous philosophies like Sanatana Dharma quietly mapped out a path to inner contentment, rooted in timeless truths. This article delves into how these sacred teachings, far from being outdated relics, offer modern souls a spiritual compass, one that points inward, towards stillness, balance, and an unshakable joy that transcends the noise of everyday life.

This article is authored by AiR Atman in ravi - Happiness Ambassador and Spiritual Leader.

Indigenous Wisdom and Inner Joy: Ancient Teachings for Modern Times

The modern world has seen great technological advancements. There are digital distractions. There is rampant consumerism. While many of us are running a material race, some are rediscovering the value of ancient, indigenous wisdom to restore a sense of balance, peace, joy and connection to the sacred. Among the oldest and most profound systems of indigenous knowledge is Sanatana Dharma, from which Hinduism is said to have originated. Its teachings echo the teachings of other ancient belief systems.

The word, 'Sanatana' means eternal. While some people equate ‘Dharma’ with religion, it is much more than just a religion. It is the path of righteousness, a philosophy that spells out our righteous duties. Together, the two words, Sanatana Dharma denote that eternal and ancient life philosophy which leads us to a state of Eternal Bliss in Truth Consciousness. Deeply rooted in Consciousness, its teachings, passed down from generation to generation, offer timeless guidance for cultivating bliss in the midst of outer chaos.

At the heart of Sanatana Dharma is the belief in oneness, non-duality, the Divine unity of all existence. The sacred scriptures such as the Upanishads speak of the Atman, our true or higher Self, as not separate from Brahman, the infinite and supreme consciousness. We are not the body, mind, ego, what we appear to be. We are the Soul and the Soul is a part of the Supreme Immortal Power we call God. In fact, all living beings are the Soul. Even the inanimate world is a manifestation of Divine energy. We are all one. Realising this oneness brings an ecstatic sense of peace and fulfillment. Modern life separates us from this understanding, compelling us to seek happiness outside ourselves. Sanatana Dharma reminds us: true joy comes from within, through inner stillness, self-realisation and God-realisation.

Sanatana Dharma categorises life into four distinct phases or Ashramas: Brahmacharya, a period dedicated to education and spiritual discipline; Grihastha, characterised by the responsibilities of a householder; Vanaprastha, where one gradually detaches from worldly concerns; and Sannyasa, where one seeks complete renunciation and liberation, Moksha.

Unfortunately, today most of us are stuck in the first and second phases of life. We learn and then we earn and earn. We don’t stop. But peace and bliss cannot come from achievement or success. That is only pleasure. Peace comes from contentment and fulfillment and is the foundation of happiness. Unless we discover the purpose of life through spirituality and awaken to the truth, we cannot be truly blissful and peaceful.

Acceptance and surrender are two critical pillars of Sanatana Dharma. Life can be explained as the unfolding of our Karma. The world is governed by the Law of Karma: as we sow, so shall we reap. Suffering or joyous circumstances can be attributed to our own deeds. Therefore, it is imperative that we gracefully accept what we can’t change, do our best and surrender to the Divine Will.

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One of the core practices in this belief system is Dhyana or meditation. Meditation is about silencing the mind. Even a few minutes of daily stillness can reconnect us with the peace and bliss that is our natural state. Contemplation can lead to increased self-awareness. Spiritual discipline, living with dispassion, detachment, discrimination, and the desire for the Divine and Liberation, can lead us to the ultimate purpose of life, Moksha, freedom from the Karmic cycle of death and rebirth.

Another cornerstone of inner joy in Sanatana Dharma is Seva or selfless service. In serving others without expectations, one transcends the ego and experiences a sense of unity and purpose. This is the path of Karma Yoga, the path of action performed without attachment to outcomes. Service becomes prayer when we serve humanity as manifestations of God.

As we face the uncertainties of modern times, Sanatana Dharma shows us the way, one rooted in timeless truth, discipline, love, and compassion. Under its umbrella, we remember: true joy is not something we chase, it is what we uncover when we go within to realise our true self.

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