Sanatana Dharma 101 – Essence & Essentials: Chapter 1 Introduction

 Prelude

Over the course of last month, I got various emails and DMs (527 in number, to be precise) asking me to write on Sanatana Dharma, explaining it to a beginner - a sort of introduction guide to explain to modern-day kids, understanding the essentials and essence in simple language. On a side note, my earlier articles were well received and read widely over - Thank you !

With this background, I wanted to attempt explaining Sanatana Dharma (and it is not Hinduism, will do an article later dwelling on this topic). This series, Sanatana Dharma 101: Essence & Essentials, divided into 10 articles, is written based on my knowledge, research, and personal understanding of Sanatana Dharma. My intent is to present its core principles in a simple and accessible manner, especially for beginners and children.

While I strive for accuracy and depth, I do not claim to be the sole expert on this vast and timeless tradition. Sanatana Dharma is an ocean of wisdom with countless interpretations, and I encourage readers to explore further, question, and seek their own understanding.

This is a humble effort to share what I have learned, and may not fully encompass the depth of knowledge we are dealing with, and I welcome discussions, insights, and perspectives that enrich our collective journey in discovering the eternal truth.

Chapter 1: Introduction

Sanatana Dharma, often called the eternal way of life, is not just a religion but a philosophy that guides humanity toward truth, righteousness, and harmony with the universe. Unlike fixed doctrines, it is a vast, living tradition that embraces change while holding onto timeless wisdom.

The term Sanatana means “eternal,” and Dharma refers to the natural order, duty, and righteous path. It is not about blind faith but about seeking truth through knowledge, experience, and self-realization. The core principles of Sanatana Dharma are compassion, respect for all living beings, self-discipline, and the pursuit of spiritual wisdom.

It does not have a single founder or a fixed scripture but is built upon the Vedas, Upanishads, Ramayana, Mahabharata, Bhagavad Gita, and many other sacred texts. These texts do not impose rigid beliefs but offer guidance to understand life, the universe, and our purpose.

This series will explore the essence and essentials of Sanatana Dharma in simple terms—helping beginners, especially children, grasp its fundamental teachings. From concepts like karma, dharma, and moksha to understanding Hindu deities, festivals, and rituals, we will embark on a journey to uncover the eternal wisdom of this profound tradition. Explaining Life & Satisfaction to a Beginner.

Before we use complex words, and indulge in jargon, for someone new to this wisdom, I shall try to use simple analogies and relatable examples to introduce Sanatana Dharma, make them understand. Let’s break it down step by step in an easy and practical way –  I shall address some basic questions first, let’s begin:

1. What is Life?

(A) Life is Like a Movie

• Imagine you are watching a movie.

• Sometimes it’s happy, sometimes it’s sad, sometimes thrilling, sometimes boring.

• But you are not the movie—you are the one watching it.

Similarly, life is like a movie, but you are the witness (Atman).

• If you get too attached to the movie, you feel pain when bad things happen.

• But if you remember that you are only watching, you enjoy it without suffering.

 

(B) Life is Like a Journey

• Imagine you are on a long road trip.

• You pass through beautiful places and tough roads.

• But your goal is not to stay in one place forever, you keep moving.

Lesson: Don’t hold on to things. Enjoy the journey, but don’t get stuck at a place.

2. Why Do People Feel Unsatisfied?

(A) The Monkey Mind – The Cup with a Hole

• Imagine a monkey constantly jumping from one tree to another—that’s how our mind works.

• It keeps thinking, “I want this, I want that.”

• But even when it gets what it wants, it starts craving something else.

Example:

• A child wants a toy → He gets it → After 2 days, he wants a new one.

• A man wants a car → He buys it → After a year, he wants a better one.

This is like pouring water into a cup with a hole—no matter how much you pour, it will never be full.

 

Lesson: Real satisfaction comes not from getting more, but from fixing the hole (controlling desires).

3. Where Does True Satisfaction Come From?

(A) The Secret of the Ocean

• A small wave in the ocean keeps worrying:

• “I am so small!”

• “What if I disappear?”

• But it forgets that it is part of the vast ocean itself!

 

Lesson:

• You are not just this small body and mind, you are part of something vast & infinite (Atman)

• Once you realize this, all fears and desires disappear.

 

4. How to Be Satisfied in Life?

(A) Be Like the Sun, Not Like a Candle

• A candle always fears the wind because it is small.

• But the sun never worries because its light is infinite.

 

(B) Shift From “I Want” to “I Have”

• Instead of thinking about what you don’t have, focus on what you already have.

• A rich man with millions but always wanting more is poorer than a simple man who is content.

Example:

• You breathe thousands of times a day, but do you ever say “Thank you” for each breath?

• Satisfaction comes when we stop chasing and start appreciating.

Lesson:

• If your happiness depends on small things (money, status, opinions of others), you will always fear losing them.

• But if you realize your true nature (Atman), nothing can shake you.

5. Simple Daily Practices for Satisfaction ?

1. Morning Gratitude - Live the Day

• Every morning, say 3 things you are grateful for. You have a fresh start and a whole day to live for.

• This trains your mind to focus on what you have, not what you lack.

 

2. Live in the Present (Like a Child)

• Watch a small child playing—he doesn’t worry about the future, he enjoys every moment.

• The more you live in the present, the more satisfied you feel.

 

3. Detach from Outcomes (Bhagavad Gita Wisdom)

• Do your duty, but don’t expect a fixed result.

• Life is like planting a seed—do your best, but let nature take its course.

 

Lesson:

Satisfaction is not about having more—it is about needing less

I urge you to dwell on these thoughts, to begin with. And you may read the next chapter in my next article, to know/learn more