What Is 'Sanatana Dharma'? Is It Really Against Social Justice As Claimed By Udhayanidhi Stalin?

Alleging that 'Sanatana Dharma' is against equality and social justice, DMK youth wing secretary and Tamil Nadu Youth Welfare Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin has said it should be eradicated.

Likening Sanatana Dharma to coronavirus, malaria, fever caused by the dengue virus and mosquitoes, he said such things should not be opposed but destroyed.

"A few things cannot be opposed, that should be abolished only. We can't oppose dengue, mosquitoes, malaria, or corona. We have to eradicate this, that's how we have to eradicate Sanatana. Rather opposing Sanatana it should be eradicated," Udhayanidhi was quoted as saying at an event organised by the Tamil Nadu Progressive Writers Artists Association on Saturday.

"The name Sanatana is from Sanskrit. It is against Social Justice and equality," he added.

So, What is 'Sanatana Dharma'?
'Sanatana Dharma' is a term that Hindus use to describe their religion, Hinduism. It represents the timeless principles and practices that all Hindus should follow. It's like the unchanging wisdom and teachings of Hinduism, often translated as "the natural and eternal way of living." People who follow 'Sanatana Dharma' usually call themselves 'Sanatani'.

In reality, Hinduism extends beyond its practitioners. Anyone who contributes to creation, shares in God's everlasting responsibilities, and acknowledges their life's connection to Him can be considered a part of Hinduism, Hindu scriptures say.

"This is the very reason religion started in the first place. You worship a monkey and I worship an elephant. What is the problem? You are a monkey-lover and I am an elephant-lover, it is fine. And tomorrow, if we want to exchange our Gods we can do that too. This freedom was allowed in the culture. That is why it was referred to as an eternal religion because it is not rigid, you can change. God with form, without form or even no God is okay, whichever way you choose," spiritual leader Sadhuguru, founder and head of the Isha Foundation, based in Coimbatore, says about 'Sanatana Dharma'.

Estimates of the religion's age vary, with some scholars dating its origins anywhere from 3000 BC to 15000 BC, but it's generally believed to be around 6,000 years old. Hinduism is essentially a contemporary interpretation of Sanatan Dharma, recognized as the most ancient spiritual tradition in human history.

Unlike other religions, 'Sanatana Dharma' does not have a single founder rather it has been shaped by numerous sages, philosophers, and religious leaders over millennia. It is a complex and ancient spiritual tradition that has evolved over thousands of years. Its origins are deeply rooted in the history and culture of the Indian subcontinent.

It has been influenced by a multitude of ancient Indian scriptures, including the Vedas, Upanishads, Bhagavad Gita, and various Puranas. The sacred texts and teachings of these scriptures have played a significant role in shaping the religious and philosophical aspects of Sanatana Dharma.

It is believed that the idea of Sanatan Dharma was initially articulated by Lord Krishna, the Supreme Personality of Godhead, and is recorded in the Atharva Veda. The Bhagavad Gita also affirms that millions of years ago, Lord Krishna imparted the knowledge of the Eternal Dharma to Vivasvan, the deity of the Sun. Krishna once again conveyed this wisdom to Arjuna during the Kurukshetra battlefield.

The Varna System
However, Stalin targeted Sanatana Dharma over 'varna system'. It is because this system led to the exploitation of certain groups.

Sanatana Dharma classified humans into four categories - priests, rulers, merchants, and workers - based on their natural tendencies. Each category has specific roles and responsibilities. When people fulfil their designated roles, they live peacefully and are less affected by worldly problems. There are also stages in life - student, householder, retiree, and renunciant. By fulfilling one's duties in both society and spirituality, one can please the Supreme Lord. The main goal of this system is to gradually purify one's mind and become eligible to serve and please Lord Vishnu. This is also mentioned in the Vishnu Purana.

According to Hindu scriptures, a person's caste or varna should be determined based on their nature (guna) and actions (karma), not solely on their birth (janma). Maharaja Yudhisthira in the Vana Parva of the Mahabharata has discussed this issue.

A snake asked, "O Maharaja Yudhisthira, who qualifies as a brahmana, and what is the purpose of knowledge? You are very wise; I seek enlightenment from your answer." Maharaja Yudhisthira replied, "A brahmana is someone who embodies truthfulness, generosity, forgiveness, self-control, kindness, austerity, and a lack of hatred." The snake then inquired further, saying, "But even some Shudras possess these qualities - truthfulness, generosity, freedom from anger, nonviolence, lack of envy, and absence of hatred." Maharaja Yudhisthira clarified, "If these traits are found in a Shudra, then they should not be considered a Shudra. Just as someone cannot be called a brahmana if they lack these qualities, similarly, only a person who exhibits the characteristics of a brahmana can be regarded as one; otherwise, they are simply a Shudra.