Sanatana: Let’s Understand – Part 2, Changing Ethics vs. Unchanging Sanatana Dharma

The current political landscape in Tamil Nadu is quite extraordinary. On one hand, voices calling for the "Abolition of Sanatana" are loud, while on the other, defensive voices are equally intense. In this context, a crucial question arises: “Is it necessary to talk about Sanatana now? Should we criticize it in writing?”

Sanatana is not just an ancient religious scripture; it is a social order that has historically influenced—and continues to influence—varna-caste structures, living spaces, professions, education, and even the judicial system. Therefore, understanding it is essential.

Political Shifts and the Anti-Sanatana Front

The support extended by the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) to the new political front led by Vijay has sparked intense debate. Thol. Thirumavalavan, who once criticized Vijay’s political entry, is now discussing power-sharing. This has created confusion within the anti-Sanatana camp. It raises a pertinent question: Is anti-Sanatana politics a mere electoral tool or a principled touchstone?

Aram (Ethics) and Dharma: The Fundamental Difference

Before diving into the debate, we must understand the vast difference between the words 'Aram' and 'Dharma'. 'Aram' is a Tamil traditional term, while 'Dharma' is rooted in Sanskrit tradition.

1. Aram (Ethics):

   Aram emphasizes the internal and external integrity of an individual. As Thirukkural (Kural 34) states, "Being spotless in mind is Aram." Aram is adaptive to time and context. If a previously followed practice is found to be wrong, discarding it and paving a new righteous path is Aram. it prioritizes human progress and allows for change.

2. Dharma (Sanatana Dharma):

   However, the 'Dharma' proposed by Sanatana is immutable. It mandates that one must strictly follow the rules laid down by Manusmriti according to their birth, Varna, and caste. Even if a lifestyle dictated by this Dharma is proven wrong or harmful by others, there is no way to change it. This is why Sanatana calls itself 'Eternal' (indestructible). It is institutionalized and protected through religion.

Thiruvalluvar’s Guidance vs. Shastra’s Restriction

Valluvar warns that a life of Aram brings prosperity, while abandoning it leads to ruin (Kural 32). The ultimate fruit of Aram is happiness (Kural 39).

But Sanatana says, "Do what the Shastra prescribes; avoid what it forbids without questioning." How can we accept Sanatana as right without analyzing whether an action causes harm to others? Aram tells us to live without harming others and to change if harm occurs. Sanatana Dharma, however, insists on following its rules even if they cause harm to others.

Why Should We Analyze Manusmriti?

The core of this debate is the conflict between human equality and a social structure based on birth. To understand this conflict, it is vital to directly read and analyze Manusmriti, the primary document of the Sanatana social order.

In this series, we will explore:

• Every Shloka and its direct meaning.

• Its social impact and historical context.

• Its contradictions from the perspective of modern human rights and equality.

Let us discuss openly: What is humane? What is against equality? All seekers of social justice are welcome to this debate.

To be continued…

P.Sekar
Advocate

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

Weariness? Or the Elitist Disdain for Labor?

"My child should not have to endure the same grueling physical toil as I do." — This single sentence has become the anthem of the vast majority of working-class people in India today. From farmers, carpenters, and barbers to masons, sanitation workers, contract factory laborers, noon-meal workers, and domestic help—the list is long.

The dream of every bottom-tier employee, who endures demanding physical labor or the demeaning oppression of superiors, is this: "My descendant must somehow sit in an air-conditioned room, in a 'stress-free' job, as a doctor, an engineer, a government official, or an IT professional."

It is to achieve this 'progress' at any cost that scams like NEET and bribes for government jobs are orchestrated daily. It is not just those without resources or opportunities who use these fraudulent stepping stones.

However, when we analyze this dream through a sociological lens, the selfishness and social cowardice hidden behind it are staggering.

The Lingering Question: Who Will Do the Hard Work?

If everyone moves to 'stress-free' white-collar jobs, who will handle the nation's production? Who will step into the agricultural fields? Who will operate the machinery in factories? Who will provide essential public services, including sanitation? Why have occupations involving physical labor been stripped of their dignity?

A society that does not view labor with respect is at risk of losing its production capacity entirely, turning into a mere consumerist society.

Weariness? Or a 'Motivation' that Neglects Labor?

The thought "let my child at least escape" is not merely physical exhaustion resulting from a day's work. It is a profound Social Weariness caused by this society's systemic neglect of labor.

There is a crucial point to note here: Instead of thinking about why these strenuous labors do not receive proper respect and adequate income in society and fighting against it, a 'fake motivation' of trying to escape through 'shortcuts' is being sold by the education market today.

The Cowardice that Lost the Fighting Spirit

Every individual in this society makes selfish decisions regarding their own descendants.

Even those who vocally criticize caste and class disparities, in practice, view physical labor as demeaning. It is the classic case of "Preaching the Ramayana while demolishing the temple." Even children of the working class are being conditioned to lose their class consciousness and run toward capitalist dreams.

The Cowardice to Fight: Why isn't a carpenter's labor or a sanitation worker's service given a salary and social status equal to that of an IT professional or a government employee? To fight collectively against this system that denies respect to physical labor and against exploitation that denies fair wages is true social justice. To think only "my child should sit in the master's chair" and to pursue that through any means is nothing but collective social cowardice.

Conclusion

Today's education is not a tool to refine a human being; it is merely an 'Exit Ticket' to escape from labor.

Until proper respect and a fair wage are granted to every profession, true equality will not flourish in this society. We all have a moral duty to move away from demeaning labor and restore its value—with due respect and income. Otherwise, the entire society will end up producing a crowd that merely disdains labor.

P.Sekar
Advocate