Knowing Sanatana: Part - 1 Sanatana: What is it that is Eternal?

The statement made by Udhayanidhi Stalin, the Leader of the Opposition in the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly, regarding the "abolition of Sanatana," has once again become a subject of intense debate. Proponents of Sanatana are attempting to build a narrative against Udhayanidhi among the common public by diverting this as a move "against Hinduism" and a "call to abolish temples". 

Due to the kind of explanations being provided to them regarding Sanatana, even ordinary citizens are beginning to wonder if what Udhayanidhi said was wrong.

The Evasive Explanations of Sanatana Supporters

Supporters explain Sanatana as something that is "without beginning or end," "endless," and "eternally existing". 

However, when asked what exactly it is that exists eternally, without end or destruction, they have no clear answer. From celebrities like Kushboo to Anitha Kuppusamy, many provide simplistic explanations, claiming that wearing a pottu (bindi), sporting flowers, drawing kolams, or visiting temples constitutes Sanatana.

In truth, the proponents of this ideology know exactly what Sanatana means. But because they fear the public will despise them if the truth is revealed, they hide behind these superficial explanations.

No Sanatana Without Dharma

Even if we interpret the word 'Sanatana' as 'eternally existing,' its full dimension is understood only when coupled with the word 'Dharma' to form 'Sanatana Dharma'. It is impossible to discuss Sanatana without the word 'Dharma'.

Dharma refers to the code of conduct, moral ethics, and duty. It represents the guiding principles that dictate how a human being should live and what ethical values they should follow in their life.

• The Valluvam (teachings of Valluvar) preaches the necessary moral codes for human life in the Thirukkural.

• Jesus Christ provided the guiding principles for Christians in the Bible.

• Allah has ordained how Muslims should live in the Quran.

If so, where should one seek the moral codes for Hindus? They lie scattered across hundreds of texts, including the Vedas, Smritis, Puranas, Epics, and Agamas.

Manusmriti: The Practical Form of Sanatana

Since it is difficult to search for and implement codes scattered across hundreds of texts, an individual named Manu consolidated them under the name 'Manusmriti' or 'Manudharma Shastra' or 'Sanatana Dharma'. 

It is this 'Manudharma Shastra' that discusses the lifestyle, methods of punishment, and atonements (prayaschitta) for Hindus.

In short, if one understands the Manudharma Shastra, the meaning of Sanatana becomes clear. Sanatana is not merely about wearing a pottu or flowers; it is a social structure defined by Manu. Shouldn't ordinary Hindus know what this eternal lifestyle dharma—this moral code—actually entails?

To be continued...

With the objective that the common public should fully understand Sanatana, I plan to extensively analyze every shloka within the Manudharma Shastra, which preaches Sanatana Dharma. This series, aimed at unveiling the true face of Sanatana, will continue.

Let us know Sanatana!

P.Sekar

(ஊரான்)

Advocate