Sanatana Dharma 101 – Essence & Essentials: Chapter 2: Exploring Satya, Faith (Vishwas), Nammakam (Belief) and Fact

This is Chapter 2; For Chapter 1: Click Here

It is always confusing to understand abstract concepts dealt with in various discourses on Sanatana Dharma – and in summary, we end up getting confused further. As I often say, when we do not understand/misinterpret a lesson – we tend to blame the subject when it is not approved by western thought, for example – we find people around us doling out predictions of the future; and when some of these predictions go wrong; we call Astrology is not science – it is not factual etc. Unfortunately, we blame the subject – and in comparison, when as kids, we struggle with a certain subject like mathematics; we blame the teacher not the subject.

Today, we will dwell into understanding few important concepts that form basis to understand Sanatana Dharma – and through this franchise, we will explore few important questions and attempt to answer them.

Unfortunately, our education system of today, is hardwired to believe, and is driven by evidence - and reject any other form of learning. Some of the phrases as students we often encounter – “hence proved”; “LHS=RHS”; burden of proof etc. And the knowledge our ancestors passed on from generation to generation is labelled as ancient/traditional and because it is not documented – lacks evidence.

So let us explore a question – first question I was asked by my Guruvu Garu:

We learnt that there are three states of matter – Solid, Liquid and Gas: What state of matter is fire?

I urge you to spend a minute, and not jump onto Google; and reason an answer, if you may.

The question is to enthuse you to see beyond western scientific dogma – It warrants a detailed answer; and I shall reserve it for another article for later.

To understand various facets of Sanatana Dharma – it is imperative to understand concepts such as Satya, Vishwas (faith), Nammakam (belief), and Fact - each hold distinct meanings yet are deeply interconnected within this tradition of knowledge – to fully fathom how wisdom of Vedic texts, Upanishads, and philosophical teachings reveal a holistic approach to knowledge, belief, and reality.

Let us explore this with an example – we are taught in Schools: Sun rises in the East and we believe it is a fact, unfortunately, it is not completely true. What do I mean? Let’s dissect:

0.      Sun exists – it is a fact; we experience it and we understand it.

1.      Because we are residents of Earth, and that is our plane of sight – relative to our sphere of vision: Sun rises in the East – it is true from the context of Earth; Take Away: Truth has versions and our truth is valid from Earth Perspective and is not necessarily the case elsewhere.

2.      We probably never questioned this; we assume that Earth will remain the same; in relation to Sun and thus our Truth: Sun rises in the East always remain – and this is faith (Vishwas)

3.      Again, we probably never thought about this as well: We go to bed every night, with a firm belief that we will see Sun the next day, rising from the East – that we will get up to breathe fresh air – and this is Nammakam (Belief)

Unfortunately, for every single incident/ episode we experience in our lives – we rarely ask these four questions. Let us delve a little deeper, and in the process connect the dots.

I. Understanding ‘Satya’ in Sanatana Dharma

1. The Concept of ‘Satya’

In Sanatana Dharma, Satya transcends the simple definition of factual correctness. It signifies alignment with cosmic order (Rta) and universal reality. Satya is seen as eternal, unchanging, and inseparable from Dharma (righteous conduct).

I hope, and I am assuming so – each of us is well versed with our Epics: Ramayana and Mahabharata:

Did you explore this question: In Ramayana: we celebrate King Rama as the Maryada Purushottama – our story’s central hero figure; while in Mahabharata: we celebrate Bhagwan Shri Krishna as our story’s central hero figure – but he is not the King in the story – who happens to be Yudhishthira – Dharma Raja – Why so?

This is because one who is anointed as the King, should and shall always pursue Dharma – an example case of "Satya"; if you may. In Sanatana Dharma, Satya is not only about facts but also about integrity, righteousness, and inner purity. Figures like King Rama, known as Maryada Purushottama, are celebrated for their unwavering commitment to Satya - one that is universally true.

For those of you, who seek to read more:  explore “The Mundaka Upanishad (3.1.6)”

 

II. Understanding ‘Vishwas’ (Faith) in Sanatana Dharma

1. Faith as a Foundational Principle

Vishwas (faith) is considered essential for spiritual growth and self-realization in Sanatana Dharma. Unlike belief, which can be blind if you may,  faith (Vishwas) is rooted in experience, trust, and wisdom.

2. The Role of Vishwas in Sanatana Dharma:

                •              Faith in the Guru (Guru Vishwas)

                •              Faith in the Scriptures (Shastra Vishwas)

                •              Faith in Divine Will (Ishwara Vishwas)

Faith can be described as an intuitive force that enables seeker of knowledge to transcend doubt and connect with deeper spiritual wisdom. If you are to achieve something, it begins with having faith in yourself, and how you approach a situation (Swadharma – will explore this at length in another article soon)

Let us explore an example: In Mahabharata – Bhagwan Shri Krishna delivers a profound discourse on dharma, duty, and the nature of reality to his devotee and friend, Arjuna, on the eve of the Kurukshetra war. There was another listener - Sanjaya, who had divine vision, also heard Bhagwan Krishna's teachings and relayed them to Dhritarashtra. While Arjuna, through his faith in his Guru Bhagwan Krishna, understood the essence, and sought permission to seek Moksha – Dhritarashtra felt dejected because he believed Bhagwan Krishna was preventing Arjuna from retiring, and to fulfil his duty as a warrior, by engaging in the Kurukshetra war, which Dhritarashtra expected the Kauravas to win.

Every act/incident is not received by each of us in a similar way; it is influenced by our faith.

 

III. Understanding ‘Nammakam’ (Belief) in Sanatana Dharma

1. Meaning and Origin of ‘Nammakam’

In Telugu and other Indian languages, Nammakam refers to belief — a deep-rooted conviction about spiritual, moral, or worldly matters.

 2. Nammakam in Vedic Tradition

While Nammakam as a term is often regionally understood, it aligns closely with the concept of Shraddha in our Vedic Tradition, which signifies belief built on respect, devotion, and trust.

So Why do we trust that we will see Sun the next day?

It is our respect towards Sun, and we are going to bed at night; believing we will see Sunrise next day. This tradition of respect is showcased in many forms: Morning Prayers; Ratha Saptami; Surya Namaskar etc.

Every element in nature – living and non-living is a bundle of energy (including stone) and our tradition warrants us to respect, worship and nurture the energy – and it shall reciprocate.

Case in Point: Till date, Western Science could not prove that Sun will rise again the next day.

 

IV. Understanding ‘Fact’ in Sanatana Dharma

1. Defining ‘Fact’ in the Dharmic Context

A Fact in Western thought is defined as an observable reality based on evidence that can be proven. In contrast, Sanatana Dharma emphasizes that facts must be interpreted in alignment with cosmic truth (Rta).

2. The Relationship Between Fact and Truth

While facts describe observable reality, they can sometimes be misleading if disconnected from higher plane of observation. Referring back to our example – we observe that sun is rising every day, an observable reality based on evidence but till date, we do not have scientifically conclusive proof.

In extension – Western Science relies on a process of discovery; and just because you are not able to prove an incident scientifically (as per western scientific practices) does not mean it is not true and is traditional dogma. So next time, if you are asked our religious beliefs baffle scientific explanations, so are just hearsay – you should know the answer.

Just because western science is not able to find evidential proof, our faith and shraddha driven knowledge is not be discarded. We should urge western science to struggle hard to explain, what we know is a fact from our traditional knowledge – catch up with our knowledge, if you may.

V. Conclusion

Sanatana Dharma provides a profound framework for understanding truth, faith, belief, and fact. By recognizing the distinctions and connections between these concepts, individuals can cultivate inner clarity, moral strength, and spiritual wisdom. Satya acts as the guiding principle, faith (Vishwas) empowers the seeker, belief (Nammakam) nurtures devotion, and facts provide the foundation for discernment. Together, they create a holistic path to self-realization and universal harmony.

In the words of the Rig Veda (10.190.1):

                “Rtam cha satyam cha abhiddhat tapaso adhyajayata”

            (From cosmic order and truth was born the universe itself.)

By embracing this wisdom, we can live with greater purpose, authenticity, and inner peace. So next time, you want to explore any event, situation and think – explore all the four aspects we discussed – this Jignyasa will help you grow, and is the true method for critical thinking.

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