The sanatana dharma

Many thanks to Dr. G. L. Bhan (U.K.) for the following.

Me: ...I'm spiritual and not religious and see Hinduism as a philosophy and not as a religion.

Dr. Bhan: Hindu dharma is both.

In reality it is a spiritual philosophy, the most comprehensive known to mankind. To achieve spiritual 'growth', however, dharma suggests a way of life - how a Hindu ought to live, consistent with dharma. This has come to be known as the 'Hindu way of life'. Nevertheless, Sanatana dharma is not dogmatic, nor restrictive, giving full freedom to its followers.

Bhagavad Geeta makes it clear that human mind and its needs are varied and diverse. It states that one may achieve self-realisation through the path of knowledge, as also through devotion. Most human minds have a natural tendency to follow the path of devotion - it is on that path that people diversify, evolving various modes of worship according to their aptitude. When people, or communities, make these practices systematic and organised you have what could be defined as religion within the Hindu context.

In practice, sanatana dharma includes all these. One can pick and choose - all practices are valid so long as the individual lives the life according to dharmic tenets, and remains on the path that will lead to moksha.

That is not all - it is recognised that most human beings, slave to their desires, will not be able to achieve that goal - they will continue to stay in aavaa-gavan - the cycle of rebirths, taking responsibility for one's karmas.

There is wisdom and pragmatism.

Me: Thank you! That is a very clear description. I've been convinced of several layers of knowledge in vedic texts (not just two or three layers that is usually accepted); and though it's open knowledge, it's locked by the spiritual advancement of one; and maybe unlocked in steps.

The vikaaras you mention are difficult to overcome, and even more difficult is to get rid of the inner ego due to spiritual advancement or arrogance of apparent victory over the vikaaras. My simplest possible extract from Geeta - true belief in getting rid of 'aham', is difficult to achieve.