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 This article delves into how these sacred teachings, far from being outdated relics, offer modern souls a spiritual compass,one that points inward, towards stillness, balance, and an unshakable joy that transcends the noise of everyday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 byAiR 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 arerediscovering the value of ancient, indigenous wisdom to restore asense of balance, peace, joy and connection to the sacred. Amongthe oldest and most profound systems of indigenous knowledge isSanatana 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 isthe path of righteousness, a philosophy that spells out ourrighteous duties. Together, the two words, Sanatana Dharmadenote that eternal and ancient life philosophy which leads us to astate of Eternal Bliss in Truth Consciousness. Deeply rooted inConsciousness, its teachings, passed down from generation togeneration, offer timeless guidance for cultivating bliss in themidst of outer chaos.
At the heart of Sanatana Dharma is the belief in oneness, non-duality, the Divine unity of all existence. The sacred scripturessuch as the Upanishads speak of the Atman,our true or higher Self,as not separate from Brahman, the infinite and supremeconsciousness. We are not the body, mind, ego, what we appear tobe. We are the Soul and the Soul is a part of the Supreme ImmortalPower we call God. In fact, all living beings are the Soul. Even theinanimate world is a manifestation of Divine energy. We are allone. Realising this oneness brings an ecstatic sense of peace andfulfillment. Modern life separates us from this understanding,compelling us to seek happiness outside ourselves. SanatanaDharma reminds us: true joy comes from within, through innerstillness, self-realisation and God-realisation.
Sanatana Dharma categorises life into four distinct phases orAshramas: Brahmacharya, a period dedicated to education andspiritual discipline; Grihastha, characterised by theresponsibilities of a householder; Vanaprastha, where onegradually detaches from worldly concerns; and Sannyasa, whereone seeks complete renunciation and liberation, Moksha.
Unfortunately, today most of us are stuck in the first and secondphases 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 andfulfillment and is the foundation of happiness. Unless we discoverthe 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 SanatanaDharma. Life can be explained as the unfolding of our Karma. Theworld is governed by the Law of Karma: as we sow, so shall wereap. Suffering or joyous circumstances can be attributed to ourown deeds. Therefore, it is imperative that we gracefully acceptwhat we can’t change, do our best and surrender to the DivineWill.
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One of the core practices in this belief system is Dhyana ormeditation. Meditation is about silencing the mind. Even a fewminutes of daily stillness can reconnect us with the peace andbliss that is our natural state. Contemplation can lead to increasedself-awareness. Spiritual discipline, living with dispassion,detachment, discrimination, and the desire for the Divine andLiberation, 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 orselfless service. In serving others without expectations, onetranscends the ego and experiences a sense of unity and purpose.This is the path of Karma Yoga,the path of action performedwithout attachment to outcomes. Service becomes prayer whenwe serve humanity as manifestations of God.
As we face the uncertainties of modern times, Sanatana Dharmashows us the way, one rooted in timeless truth, discipline, love, and compassion. Under its umbrella, we remember: true joy is notsomething we chase,it is what we uncover when we go within torealise our true self.
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