ORIGIN AND FOUNDATIONS—
THE ROOTS OF SANATAN DHARMA
Have you ever looked up at the night sky and wondered how the universe began? Or how life came into existence? These questions have fascinated humanity for thousands of years, and Sanatan Dharma offers some of the most profound and timeless answers. Let’s dive into the origins of this eternal wisdom and discover the foundations that have shaped it for millennia.
The Concept of Creation – Srishti and Pralaya
Sanatan Dharma teaches that the universe is not a one-time creation but a continuous cycle of creation (Srishti), preservation, and dissolution (Pralaya). This cyclical nature is often compared to the rhythm of day and night, the changing seasons, or the life cycle of a plant.
Example: Just as a tree sheds its leaves in autumn and blossoms again in spring, the universe goes through cycles of creation and renewal. This idea reflects the eternal and dynamic nature of existence.
The Trimurti – Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva
“At the heart of this cosmic dance are the Trimurti—the three divine forces that govern the universe. Brahma is the creator, Vishnu is the preserver, and Shiva is the destroyer and renewer. Together, they maintain the balance of the cosmos, ensuring that life continues in harmony.” Vishnu Purana explains the roles of the Trimurti in the creation, preservation, and dissolution of the universe.
Where Did the Trimurti Come From?
“The Trimurti are not just deities; they are manifestations of the Supreme Reality, often referred to as Brahman. Brahman is the ultimate, formless, and infinite source of all existence. From Brahman, the Trimurti emerge to perform specific cosmic functions.”
- Brahma (The Creator):
“Brahma is born from the lotus that emerges from the navel of Vishnu, symbolizing the birth of creation from the preserver. He represents the creative energy that brings the universe into existence. However, Brahma is not widely worshipped in temples today, as his role is considered complete once creation begins.” - Vishnu (The Preserver):
“Vishnu is the sustainer of the universe. He is often depicted resting on the serpent Ananta, floating on the cosmic ocean. Vishnu incarnates on Earth in various forms (avatars) like Rama and Krishna to restore balance whenever Dharma (righteousness) is threatened.” - Shiva (The Destroyer and Renewer):
“Shiva is the force of transformation. He dissolves the universe at the end of each cycle, making way for new creation. Shiva is also known as the ‘Adi Yogi’—the first yogi who taught the science of yoga and meditation to humanity.”
While Brahma is born from Vishnu’s navel, Vishnu and Shiva are often described as eternal and self-existent, representing different aspects of the same cosmic reality. Together, they maintain the balance of the universe, ensuring the continuous cycle of creation, preservation, and dissolution.
The Vedas – The Foundation of Sanatan Dharma
The Vedas are the oldest and most sacred texts of Sanatan Dharma. They are not just religious scriptures but a treasure trove of knowledge, covering everything from philosophy and science to ethics and spirituality. The four Vedas—Rigveda, Yajurveda, Samaveda, and Atharvaveda—are like the roots of a tree, providing the foundation for all other teachings.
Origin of the Vedas:
The Vedas are considered apauruṣeya, meaning ‘not of human origin.’ They are believed to be revealed to ancient sages (rishis) during deep states of meditation. These sages, such as Vasishta, Vishwamitra, and Atri, ‘heard’ the Vedas as divine vibrations and passed them down orally for generations before they were written down.Purpose of the Vedas:
The Vedas were revealed to guide humanity in understanding the nature of reality, the cosmos, and the divine. They provide insights into rituals, ethics, and the principles of righteous living.
The Nasadiya Sukta – A Hymn of Creation
The Nasadiya Sukta is a hymn from the Rigveda, often called the “Hymn of Creation.” It contemplates the mystery of how the universe came into being, embracing uncertainty and wonder rather than providing a clear narrative.
Example:
“There was neither existence nor non-existence then;
Neither the realm of space nor the sky beyond.
What stirred? Where? In whose protection?
Was there water, bottomlessly deep?”
“Who really knows? Who will here proclaim it?
Whence was it produced? Whence is this creation?
The gods came afterwards, with the creation of this universe.
Who then knows whence it has arisen?”
Explanation:
This hymn doesn’t provide a straightforward answer but encourages deep reflection on the nature of existence. It suggests that even the gods may not know the origins of creation, as they came after the universe was formed. This humility acknowledges the limits of human and even divine understanding.
The Upanishads – The Essence of Vedic Wisdom
If the Vedas are the roots, the Upanishads are the fruits of Sanatan Dharma. These texts delve into the deeper questions of life—Who am I? What is the purpose of existence? What is the nature of reality?“
Meaning of ‘Upanishad’:
The word ‘Upanishad’ is derived from the Sanskrit roots upa (near), ni (down), and shad (to sit). It literally means ‘sitting down near’—a reference to students sitting near their guru to receive spiritual knowledge. The Upanishads are often called Vedanta, meaning ‘the end of the Vedas,’ as they represent the culmination of Vedic wisdom.”Key Teachings:
The self (Atman) is not separate from the universal consciousness (Brahman).
True knowledge is realizing this oneness and living in harmony with it.
Example:
Imagine you’re a wave in the ocean. The Upanishads teach us that while we may appear separate, we are all part of the same vast ocean of consciousness.
The Role of Nature in Sanatan Dharma
Nature is not just a backdrop in Sanatan Dharma—it’s a sacred and integral part of life. From the mighty Himalayas to the flowing Ganges, every element of nature is revered as a manifestation of the divine.
- The Sacredness of Nature:
In Sanatan Dharma, rivers, mountains, trees, and even animals are considered sacred. For example, the Ganges is not just a river; she is Goddess Ganga, a symbol of purity and life. The Peepal tree is worshipped as a representation of wisdom and longevity. This deep respect for nature teaches us to live in harmony with the environment, not exploit it.
The Five Elements (Pancha Mahabhuta):
According to Sanatan Dharma, everything in the universe is made up of five elements:Earth (Prithvi): Represents stability and nourishment.
Water (Jal): Symbolizes fluidity and purification.
Fire (Agni): Stands for energy and transformation.
Air (Vayu): Signifies movement and life force.
Ether (Akasha): Represents space and connectivity.
Prakriti and Purusha:
Sanatan Dharma describes the universe as a balance between Prakriti (Nature) and Purusha (Consciousness). Prakriti is the dynamic, ever-changing material world, while Purusha is the eternal, unchanging spirit.
The Role of Ancient Sages (Rishis) in Shaping Sanatan Dharma
The ancient sages, or Rishis, are the custodians of Sanatan Dharma. Through their deep meditation and wisdom, they revealed the eternal truths that form the foundation of this tradition.
Who Were the Rishis?
Rishis like Vasishta, Vishwamitra, Atri, and Angiras were spiritual scientists who explored the mysteries of existence through meditation. They explored the mysteries of existence through meditation and shared their insights with humanity.- The Gurukul System:
The Rishis established the Gurukul system, where students lived with their guru (teacher) to learn not just academics but also ethics, spirituality, and life skills. This system emphasized holistic education and the importance of a teacher-student relationship. Their Contributions:
They composed the Vedas, Upanishads, and other sacred texts.
They developed practices like yoga and meditation to help people connect with their inner selves.
They emphasized the importance of Dharma (righteousness) and Karma (action).
Conclusion
The roots of Sanatan Dharma are deep and timeless. From the cosmic cycles of creation and dissolution to the sacredness of nature and the wisdom of the Rishis, these principles offer a profound understanding of existence. Sanatan Dharma is not just a tradition; it is a way of life that continues to inspire and guide humanity.
Glossary
Atman: The individual soul or self.
Brahman: The ultimate, universal consciousness.
Dharma: Righteousness, duty, or moral order.
Karma: Action and its consequences.
Moksha: Liberation from the cycle of birth and death.
Prakriti: Nature or the material world.
Purusha: Consciousness or the eternal spirit.
Rishi: A sage or seer who received divine knowledge.
Srishti: Creation or the beginning of a cosmic cycle.
Pralaya: Dissolution or the end of a cosmic cycle.
Trimurti: The trio of Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva.
Upanishad: Spiritual texts that explore the nature of reality and the self.
Veda: Ancient scriptures that form the foundation of Sanatan Dharma.
source: this content was created with the assistance of AI and has been adapted and curated by Jignesh Gandhi for this blog.