Core Concepts of Sanatana Dharma (Hinduism)

Sanatana Dharma (Hinduism)

• Synonymous with "Hinduism", meaning "Eternal Law"
• Belief in an eternal, supreme universal spirit (Brahman) from which all souls emanate
• Individual souls (Atman) are part of Brahman and eternal
• The cycle of life, death, and rebirth is Samsara
• Liberation from this cycle is Moksha

Core Concepts

• Dharma: Duties and responsibilities based on one's caste
• Karma: The law of cause and effect; actions determine future lives
• Moksha: Release from the cycle of Samsara, achieved through various paths and fulfillment of Dharma
• Samsara: The continuous cycle of birth, death, and rebirth until Moksha is attained

Sacred Texts

• Shruti: Most revered; considered divinely revealed
  • Vedas: Hymns, recited during rituals
  • Upanishads: Central teachings and principles
• Smriti: Texts interpreting the Vedas and providing guidance for life
  • Bhagavad Gita: Part of the Mahabharata; synthesis of religious ideas, especially Dharma, and featuring Krishna

Deities and Concepts

• Krishna: Major deity; 8th avatar of Vishnu, also considered the Supreme God
• Brahman: Ultimate reality, universal spirit, all-pervading
• Devas: Celestial beings, lesser than major gods, with godly qualities and powers
• Indra: God of rain and storms
• Agni: Fire god, domestic and sacrificial hearth
• Soma: God of the moon, associated with plants and vegetation
• Trimurti: Trinity of supreme divinity
  • Brahma: Creator
  • Vishnu: Preserver, provides salvation
  • Shiva: Destroyer and transformer
• Avatars: Incarnations of Vishnu, often deities
• Shaivism: Focuses on Shiva, emphasizes destruction and transformation
• Vaishnavism: Focuses on Vishnu, emphasizes preservation and devotion

Caste System

• Brahmans: Priests, scholars, highest caste
• Kshatriyas: Warriors, rulers
• Vaisyas: Merchants, traders, agriculturalists
• Sudras: Laborers, service providers
• Untouchables: Lowest caste, marginalized

Paths to Liberation (Margas)

• Karma-Yoga: Selfless action, fulfilling duty without attachment
• Jnana-Yoga: Intellectual inquiry, understanding of self and ultimate reality
• Bhakti-Yoga: Devotion and love for a personal god

Ethical and Philosophical Considerations

• Detachment: Release from material attachments to achieve spiritual growth
• Pantheism: Belief that the divine pervades the universe and is synonymous with nature
• Transmigration: Reincarnation of the soul
• Visishtadvaita: Individual soul (atman) is distinct from Brahman but inseparable
• Advaita: Individual soul and ultimate reality (Brahman) are identical
• Ethical Issues: Hindus focus on Dharma, and actions are deemed ethical if they result in good karma

Universal Perspectives

• Universe: Cycle of creation, preservation, and destruction, governed by the Trimurti
• Humans: Temporary vessel for the eternal soul (atman)
• Life: Actions affect future lives (Karma), fulfillment of dharma
• Suffering: Consequence of past actions, detachment is key
• Salvation: Liberation from Samsara (many paths)
• Death: Transition; the soul continues its journey based on actions
• The Poor: Their circumstances are due to past actions
• Hope for Living: Rebirth allows for continued growth toward Moksha.

Explore the fundamental principles of Sanatana Dharma, also known as Hinduism, including concepts such as Dharma, Karma, Moksha, and Samsara. This quiz delves into the sacred texts and the eternal worldview that shapes the beliefs of millions. Test your knowledge on these key ideas that define a complex and ancient religion.