Dharma, Sanatan Dharma meaning, Rules & Scriptures

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Dharma is an integral part of every individual’s life, whether we recognize it or not. This post discusses Dharma, Sanatana Dharma meaning, scriptures and rules

Meaning of Dharma, Sanatan Dharma

Historically in Hinduism, Dharma, meant an order, a set of rules, rituals and ethics covering all aspects of a Man’s life. This order, would guide him on his choices, between the ‘beneficial’ options (the Shreyas) and the ‘pleasurable’ ones (the Preyas).

The Brihadaranyaka Upanishad says ‘There is nothing higher than Dharma. That which is the Dharma is the Truth.’

As per the Atharvaveda, ‘The world is known to have sustained only because of Dharma’

Sanatan means eternal or timeless and Sanatan Dharma means a Universal Code of Ethics irrespective of caste or creed.

Sanatana Dharma is what we follow in modern times, a code of conduct established more on ethics than on rituals. It means the yardstick, that if used, assures Man, of harmony within himself, his family, his society, his country and the world at large.

Hence, such Dharmic choices may not be pleasurable but are certainly beneficial, in the long run. Universally appreciated virtues like honesty, non- injury to living beings, purity, goodwill, mercy, patience, forbearance, self-restraint, generosity refer to Sanatana Dharma.

Sanatan Dharma rules in the Upanishads:

Chandogya recommends the Five -fold virtues of Tapas (ascetism), Dana (Charity), Arjava (straightforwardness), Ahimsa (non-injury to living beings), Satya-Vacana (Truthfulness) – same as the famous ‘Satyamev Jayate‘ tenet in the Mundaka Upanishad.

The Brihadaranyaka Upanishad exhorts the need of the three cardinal virtues, Temperance, Daya (compassion for living beings) and Dana (Charity)

The Kaṭhopanisad urges to refrain from practising evil, and outlines serenity and concentration as key attributes of the seeker of the Divine Self.

Rigveda says , “Speak truthfully, Act truthfully’ Also, ‘Righteousness and truth can rise by the kindling practise) of self-discipline

What does the Bhagavad Gita say about Sanatan Dharma Rules?

Yadaa yadaa hi dharmasya glaanir bhavati bhaarata; Abhyutthaanam adharmasya tadaatmaanam srijaamyaham (The Gita, Chapter 4, Verse 7)

Meaning: An assurance that whenever there is a decline of righteouness (Dharma), God will manifest himself to save the day

In Chapter 12 and in Chapter 16 of the Gita, Dharma (righteousness) and the qualities of being Dharmic is very clearly defined.

Abhayam sattwasamshuddhih jnaanayogavyavasthitih; Daanam damashcha yajnashcha swaadhyaayastapa aarjavam (The Gita Chapter 16, Verse 1)

Meaning : Courage, Purity of heart, Charity (benevolence), Self -control (control of senses), Study of Scriptures, Austerity, Straightforwardness and steady in Yoga and knowledge (seeking).

Ahimsaa satyamakrodhas tyaagah shaantirapaishunam; Dayaa bhooteshvaloluptwam maardavam hreerachaapalam (The Gita Chapter 16, Verse 2)

Meaning: Non-Violence, Truth, Peacefulness, Compassion, Renunciation, Gentleness, Modesty and absence of greed, slyness, fickleness, or anger

Tejah kshamaa dhritih shauchamadroho naatimaanitaa; Bhavanti sampadam daiveem abhijaatasya bhaarata,The Gita Chapter 16, Verse 3)

Meaning : (Spiritual) vigour, forgiveness, fortitude, purity, and absence of hatred or arrogance(pride)

‘Adweshtaa sarvabhootaanaam maitrah karuna eva cha; Nirmamo nirahankaarah samaduhkhasukhah kshamee’ (The Gita Chapter 12 , Verse 13)

Meaning: (Dharmic is) The one who hates no one, is friendly, forgiving and compassionate to all, is free from attachment and egotism, is balanced in pleasure and pain.

‘Santushtah satatam yogee yataatmaa dridhanishchayah; Mayyarpitamanobuddhiryo madbhaktah sa me priyah’ (The Gita Chapter 12, Verse 14)

Meaning : One is who always content, devoted, self-controlled, steady and firmly committed to righteousness, dedicating his mental and intellectual endevours towards my path is dear to me.

Yasmaannodwijate loko lokaannodwijate cha yah; Harshaamarshabhayodwegairmukto yah sa cha me priyah (The Gita Chapter 12, Verse 15)

Meaning : The one who neither agitates the world nor gets agitated by it, one who is not slave to joy, envy, fear, anxiety or even joy, he is dear to me.

Anapekshah shuchirdaksha udaaseeno gatavyathah; Sarvaarambhaparityaagee yo madbhaktah sa me priyah (The Gita Chapter 12, Verse 16)

Meaning : The one who who is pure and excels and yet is detached from wants, concerns and troubles, the one who renounces the fruit of all projects, he is dear to me.

Yona hrishyati na dweshti na shochati na kaangkshati; Shubhaashubhaparityaagee bhaktimaan yah sa me priyah (The Gita Chapter 12, Verse 17)

Meaning : The one who is devoted and balanced, who doesn’t go overboard in celebration (when he wins), hatred (when someone wrongs him), grief(when he loses dearly) or desires, the one who has given up not only evil but also the fruits of the good deeds performed, that one is dear to me.

Samah shatrau cha mitre cha tathaa maanaapamaanayoh; Sheetoshnasukhaduhkheshu samah sangavivarjitah. (The Gita Chapter 12, Verse 18)

Meaning : The one who is the same with friends and foes, stoic and detached in (any situation); in honour or dishonour, in cold or heat, in pleasure or pain (that one is dear to me)

Tulyanindaastutirmaunee santushto yena kenachit: Aniketah sthiramatir bhaktimaan me priyo narah (The Gita Chapter 12, Verse 19)

Meaning : To the one who is balanced while being criticized or being praised, the one who is silent, always content, detached, steady and devoted, that one is dear to Me.

Read here, about Bhagavad Gita advice on ethical decision making,

Clearly, Sanatana dharma is not just an esoteric concept within the sphere of a specific religion. It is an idea that assumes an active force and seeps into our work, our habits, our emotions, our relationships, our aspirations, our achievements, transforming the very fabric of our life.

These very values echo in almost every culture of the world.

Here the Greek philosopher Aristotle’s words are apt ‘It is our choice of good or evil that decides our character and not our opinion of good or evil.’

Or the legendary Confucius’ wise words ‘Don’t do unto others that you don’t want done unto you.’

Back to Dharma, its core elements run on a similar strain in Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism and Sikhism owing to their common parentage.

Even, the fact that the National Flag carries a Dharma-chakra proves how reverent the concept of Dharma is to Indians.

Firstly, in Buddhism, Dharma, is a set of Buddha’s ethical teachings relating to the existential law and order of the Universe. We know them as the ‘Four Noble Truths’ dukka(suffering), samudaya(origin) nirodha (ending) magga (path) and the Noble Eightfold Path (right view, right resolve, right speech, right conduct, right livelihood, right effort, right mindfulness, and right samadhi)

Secondly, Dharma in Jainism refers to the Tirthankara’s teachings on the prescribed duties and ethics through a set of 10 virtues viz forbearance, modesty, straightforwardness, purity, truthfulness, self-restraint, austerity, renunciation, non-attachment, and celibacy

Thirdly, Dharma in Sikhism means the right way of life, moral duties and proper religious duty.

Here’s more on Sanatan Dharma rules of Hinduism:

‘Hindu Dharma is like a boundless ocean teeming with priceless jewels, the deeper you dive the more treasures you find!’ Mahatma Gandhi

In Hinduism, Dharma is one of the four key components of Purushartha, or a Man’s aims in life are:

Dharma (right conduct)
Artha (wealth and economic pursuits)
Kama (love, pleasure, artistic life)
Moksha (liberation of the spirit)

Of these, the supreme goal is Moksha, only attained by a few. Of the rest, Dharma is the highest priority, next Artha and finally Kama.

Kama(pleasure), as the main life-goal, is considered inferior.

This thought is reiterated many time across the sublime philosophies of the world.

for instance, Aristotle said, ‘It is the nature of desire not to be satisfied and most men live only for the gratification of it’

while Epictetus added ‘It is the nature of the wise to resist pleasures, but the foolish to be a slave to them.’

In India, Apart from the Bhagavad Gita and Ramayana, the key Sanatan Dharma scriptures are :

The Shrutis. the scriptures that have been passed on orally from one generation to another (The Rigveda, Yajurveda, Samaveda and Atharvaveda)

The Smritis- a set of authored Hindu texts eg : the Dharmasutras, Dharmashatras , Arthashastra, the Puranas, the Kavya
Also the the Acara (conduct of the wise and the learned- gurus/rishis) were considered live scriptures of Sanatana Dharma

However, remember that the Dharmic philosophy of love, forgiveness and compassion should be qualified by rationality, justice, and responsibility. We wouldn’t want pardoned criminals, running amok out to wreck havoc in the world, do we?

Hence the concept of ‘Atmatusti’ was later on added as a source of Dharma. This meant qualifying Dharmic decisions with what felt right to our soul and conscience.

For instance, the assumption that kindness meant giving in to the unreasonable demands of a stubborn child. A vigilant mother, abstaining from spoiling the child by practicing firmness and discipline would be practicing the right Dharma, after applying the test of Atmatusti.

Now for an overview of Dharma/ Sanatan Dharma as per Shruti/Smruti Scriptures

Ancient education revolving around the Vedas, were supplemented with Vedangas- six further fields of study.

Shiksa: enunciations of Vedas
Chandas: the discipline on poetic meters
Vyakarna: grammatical rules
Nirukta: explanation of difficult words
Jyotisha: astrology, astronomy
Kalpa: rites, rituals, duties and rules of personal conduct.

Of these, the Kalpa-Sutras, were split into:

Shrauta Sutra: rules for all rituals
Shulba Sutra: geometry of areas of rituals
Grihya Sutra: rules for domestic rites
Dharma Sutra: rules of conduct

Further, of these, the Dharma Sutras (Sutras being aphorisms/condensed text format) were considered the key Sanatana Dharma scriptures and rules (though many rules have been completely redundant for hundreds of centuries now)

Gautama Dharma Sutra (600-200 BCE)
Baudhayana Dharma Sutra (800-600 BCE)
Apasthamba Dharma Sutra (450-350 BCE)
Vashista Dharma Sutra (300 BCE- 100 CE)

Dharma Shastras (shlokas composed in poetic form), mostly derived from the Dharma Sutras, the most famous dharma scriptures and rules being from compositions like

Manusmriti (200- 300 CE)
Yajnavalkya Smritia (400- 500 CE)
Naradasmriti (500 -600 CE)
Vishnusmriti (700 CE)

Dharmashastras/ Dharmasutras, also covered ashrama and varna dharma along with Sanatan Dharma rules

Sanatan Dharma

As already discussed earlier, the word ‘Sanatan’ means eternal or timeless and ‘Sanatan Dharma’ means a Universal Code of Ethics. Sanatan Dharma refers to the right way of living for harmony inside and outside one’s world, irrespective of caste, creed or religion. This is what we will elaborate, further on.

Ashrama Dharma

This institution is hardly prevalent in modern times. But back then, a Hindu’s life was divided into four phases. The strict set of rules and laws related to each phase was called Ashrama Dharma. These four phases/ ashramas were:

Bhramacharya: Student life, away from home, at the Gurukul
Grihastashram: Householder’s life when he earns, marries, procreates, serves the society etc.
Vanaprasthasharam: Forest dweller’s life after having severed the emotional/material attachments of a householder.
Sanyashram : The final phase of life where the individual immerses himself in meditative Samadhi for liberation (Moksha)

Varna Dharma

Again, almost extinct in today’s modern society, caste identity was a way of life back then. This was highly oppressive on the lower castes particularly from the later Vedic period on. It had a strict rules and regulations for each of the four castes, Brahmins, Kshatriyas, Vaishnavas and Shudras.

The original idea behind Varna was flexible division of labour (Swadharma) so as to form a self sufficient society (as in Greece and many world societies) But much-abused it morphed into an ugly form later.

Coming back to the key topic, Sanatan Dharma,

Why Sanatan Dharma? Why is it deemed universal?

Sanatan Dharma springs from the Upanishad philosophy of ‘Tat Tvam Asi’ meaning “Thou art That.’

The Upanishads teach that there is Divine within each of us and that we are part of an interconnected Supreme. What goes around comes around. So by that philosophy, it is imperative that we co-exist with a spirit of cooperation. Ill-will can be detrimental to our own welfare as it can boomerang back to us.

Ramayana and Mahabharata are full of examples of Sanatan Dharma and personal morality . They exemplify how to prioritise the greater good over ones whims, fancies and desires.

The plot in these epics flow through a series of situations presented to the key characters who then draw upon their ethical values to make ‘Dharmic’ or ‘Adharmic’ choices. These epics conclude with the triumph of good over the bad, while advocating the righteous path- Dharmic for favourable end-results.

So, what are ‘Adharmic’ Choices?

Adharmic choices are ones that are ruled by the needs/ desires/ impulses of self, overriding everything else. Such choices are considered to be selfish, addictive and indulgent with detrimental long-term consequences. They are reckoned as shortcuts that provide temporary satisfaction before the endless cravings return again. Ones giving in to such choices are considered to be at a low level of spiritual evolution. Eg : Kaikeyi in Ramayana and Duryodhana in Mahabharata.

And, what are ‘Dharmic’ Choices?

Dharmic choices can be explained in the same vein as Immanuel Kant famous saying ‘Do the right thing because it is right.’

So, Dharmic choices are the principle-based ethical choices which initially feel bitter to handle. In a way, they are a sacrifice of our individual petty selves for universal synergy. The path, also known as the altruistic or the benevolent road, is actually hard to tread.

But over the long term, as these decisions start bearing fruit and the spiritual evolution accelerates, one realizes that such choices are the best.

Next, we list a summary of the values encompassing Sanatan Dharma.

Top Sanatan Dharma Rules for enrichment of life

In Taittiriyopanisad, the Acharya shares with his graduating students this verse that best summarises it:

‘Satyam vada, dharmam chara, swadhyaayaan ma pramadah.

Satyanna pramaditavyam, dharmanna pramaditavyam,

kushalanna pramaditavyam, bhutyai na pramaditavyam,

swadhyaya-pravachanaabhyaanna pramaditavyam’

This Sanskrit exhortation maybe summarised as follows:

Speak the truth, do not swerve from it
Practise Dharma, do not swerve from it
Do not neglect study and teaching (of theology/ philosophy)
Not to neglect welfare and prosperity

The Upanishads place great emphasis on Truth as the primary virtue of Dharma/ Sanatan Dharma. A few quotes from these are :

The ‘Satyamev Jayate...’ hymn from the Mundaka Upanisad that says ‘Truth stand invincible and not falsehood; the road to the Gods is paved by truth alone…”

The Satapatha Brahmaṇa says ‘let a man speak nothing but truth’.

The famous Pavaman mantra from Brihadaranyaka Upanishad says ‘from falsehood lead me to truth, from darkness lead me to light, from death lead me to immortality’.

The many composers of the Dharma Sutras and Dharma Shastras have beautifully enumerated the intricacies of the moral code one can live by:

Finally the set of Sanatan Dharma rules propounded in scriptures of the Vedas, Upanishads, Puranas, Bhagavad Gita, Ramayana, Mahabharata and Dharmic scriptures like Apasthamba Sutra, Vashista Sutra, Patanjali’s Yoga Sutra, Manusmriti and even Vatsayana.

For ease of presentation, the Sanatan Dharma rules have been split as per vice or virtue into

1. Yamas (Rules for Restraints of vices)

2. Niyamas (Rules for adherence of virtues)

Under the three broad groups of Dharma relating to :

1. The Body

2. The Words (written, spoken)

3. The Mind

Sanatan Dharma rules and Scriptures relating to the body : Yamas : Restraint of Vices of Body/Actions

Sanatan Dharma Rule 1. Do not be violent

Ahimsa meaning non- violence has been recognized as one of the first of the preparatory stages of Raja Yoga as prescribed by Patanjali. Apasthamba exhorts the virtues of gentleness for Dharma.

While a householder is prohibited from causing physical harm to humans or animals, ascetics are advised to be utmost careful not to kill even smaller animals like insects.

Mahatma Gandhi said, ‘True nonviolence demands endless vigilance over one’ entire way of life because it includes words, thoughts as well as actions.”

The famous saying ‘Ahimsa Paramo Dharma’ is however qualified. It doesnt apply incase of war,self-defence and criminal law.

Sanatan Dharma Rule 2. Do not over eat

One must eat only at designated times, not in between meals and only when hungry. Eating just for the sake of happiness is termed Rajasic (overstimulating) or simply existing to eat is termed Tamasic(lethargy inducing). Manusmriti and Apasthambha Sutra have both emphasized this.

Food occupies a holy place in Sanatan Dharma. Hence, It is advised to be consumed with gratitude and after offerring it with prayers to God. This act is called ‘Yadna Karma’.

Sattvic and seasonal food that is freshly prepared nourishes not only the body but also the life energies. It goes without saying that vegetarianism is preferred and any kind of animal cruelty is considered detrimental to the evolution of the soul.

Food sustains life hence it is ‘Purna-Brahma’. Food itself is God, ‘Annam Brahma’.

Modern Research shows the positive mind-body effects of following these dietary habits.

Sanatan Dharma Rule 3. Do not resort to Theft/Dishonesty

Asteya or Achourya means not just the Dharmic quality of non-stealing, but also not having the intention to steal another’s property/ thing of value (acastrapurvaka) by thought, action or speech. This has been specified by Patanjali, Manusmriti, Apasthamba sutra and Vatsyayana.

Modern Research has even shown how Adharmic lying and cheating can lead to negative health outcomes through elevated heart rate, blood pressure, increased cortisol reactivity, depletion of executive control regions of the brain and high levels of testestorone.

Sanatan Dharma Rule No 4. Do not indulge in Infidelity

Chastity (Brahmacharya) is one of the key Dharmic Niyamas proposed by Patnajali. Also called pratisiddha maithuna, infidelity as a vice was strongly advocated against by Manu as well as Vatsayana

According to the scriptures , abstinence is essential for converting a human\’s Retas (sexual energy) into Tejas (spiritual energy). When abstained, this energy turns around and rises up in his spine thereby activating the key chakras associated.

Modern Research has identifies multiple long term ill- effects of infidelity like depression, low self esteem, constant guilt and other problems.

Sanatan Dharma Rules And Scriptures Relating To The Body; Niyamas: Rules for the body/ actions

Sanatan Dharma Rule 5.Be generous in actions

Dana or Charity is a core Dharmic virtue to be diligently practised as per Apasthambha.

Mahabharata qualifies the various acts of charity insisting on only Sattvic charity.
- Sattvik, donations made to at the right time, right place to a deserving person; without expecting anything in return : the true Sanatan Dharma
- Rajasic, ego-driven donations made with the objective of returns, name, fame etc ; or made contemptuously.
- Tamasic donations are the one made at the wrong time, wrong place to undeserving people.

The Puranas say that charity made at the cost of providing for the basic needs of one’s own family, is improper.

Charity is classified under various heads like Anna dana(food), Bhudana (land), Godhana (land), Gyandana (education), Aushaddana (medical care), Abhayadana (protection/asylum).

Medical research further proves that charity in the right spirit can give long term happiness

Sanatan Dharma Rule No 6. Be helpful

According to Vatsayana, ‘paritrana’ – providing relief to the distresses was a key Dharmic virtue to be cultivated.

As Seneca said, ‘Wherever there is a human being, there is an opportunity for kindness.’

And John Stuart Mill added, ‘Bad men need nothing more to compass their end, than that good men should look on and do nothing’

Sanatan Dharma Rule no 7. Be service minded

Paricarana , Service to others was a key Dharmic virtue as identified by Vatsayana

Mahatma Gandhi’s words speaks volumes for the virtue of Social Service, ‘The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.’

In the current context, Volunteering for Community service has been accepted as highly beneficial for ones emotional and social well being

Sanatan Dharma Rule No 8. Maintain physical hygiene of the body

Shaucha (cleanliness) of the body in a Dharmic way means :

externally by performing daily ablutions, keeping surroundings clean, eating clean food
internally by purifying the body through asanas and pranayam.

Sanatana Dharma Rules and Scriptures: Dharma of words (spoken/ written) : Yamas : Restraint of Vices of Words

Sanatan Dharma Rule No.9. Avoid sarcasm

Parusa (caustic/ sarcastic talk) is Adharmic said Vatsayana.

Sarcasm is hostility disguised as humour. Derived from Greek word, the word sarcasm literally means ‘tearing at the flesh‘ ! These barbs have deeply negative effects on the recipients.

Infact it is a lot like bullying and generally used to vent feelings of insecurity, latent anger and social awkwardness.

Sanatan Dharma Rule No. 10. Avoid absurd talk

Asambaddha (absurd talk) is another Adharmic vice as per Vatsayana

Plato described absurdity as poor reasoning. Vatsayana means that a conscientious person should not indulge in unrestrained, unchecked verbiage. One must use common sense and proper reasoning in the discussions and arguments.

Sanatan Dharma Rule No. 11. Do not defame and make slanderous remarks on others

Sucana (calumny/slander) was one of the key Adharmic vices identified and denounced by all Dharmic writers; Vatsayana, Manu, Apasthambha and Vasistha

Even the Catholic church and other faiths across the world abhor lying about a person and spreading damaging rumours about that person. While many faiths have qualified slandering as a sin, laws have also been framed to punish offenders.

Sanatana Dharma Rule No.12. Do not project what you are not.

Hypocrisy is a type of deceitful behavior that though disliked, is a common offence many indulge in. Peer/ Societal pressures can push people into putting up a false front or een participating in many unethical activities simply ‘to belong’

The effects of this Adharmic vice as identified by Vatsayana can lead to getting labelled as less trustworthy, less likeable and less morally upright.

Sanatana Dharma Rules And Scriptures: Dharma Of Words (Spoken/ Written); Niyamas: Rules with Words

Sanatana Dharma Rule No 13. Be truthful (This has been covered earlier in the post.)

Satya (Truth) is the singularly most insisted upon virtue in Sanatan Dharma. The Divine Buddha, THe Divine Upanishads all recommend Right speech, and everyone from Patanjali to Manu to Apasthamba to Vatsayana and Vasishta insist upon it.

Mahatma Gandhi lived by the practise of Satya. According to him, ‘Truth can never be wrong even if no one hears it’

Sanatana Dharma Rule No. 14. Have harmonious, good intentions always

Hitavacana- means speaking with good intentions, harmoniously : another part of Divine Buddha- Dharma\’s, Right Speech tenet

Communicating with positive intentions while keeping others interests in mind, can spin magic in relationships. Read in detail, as to how…

Sanatana Dharma Rule No 15. Talk gently, kindly

Priyavacana means gentle and kind speech, a true blue Sanatan Dharma attribute.

Most of us prefer kindness to harsh abrasive speech, but thats exactly how the lingo is today. Talking gently/kindly is out and rash sarcastic quips are in.

Harsh, rude speech not only ruins relationships by reducing the mutual trust factor. Studies show that abrasive communication can reduces people\’s cooperation and also their cognitive functions and their creativity, in general.

Sanatana Dharma Rules and Scriptures : Dharma of the mind ; Yamas : Restraint of Vices of the Mind

‘The happiness of your life depends upon the quality of your thoughts’- Marcus Aurelius

Refrain from Impure thoughts and maintain Mental purity

Patanjali, Manu, Vatsayana, Apasthambha and Vasishta unanimously insisted that Santan Dharma cannot become a way of life with an impure mind and resultant toxic emotions.

Research has given us enough validation of the fact that negative emotions wreck havoc on the mind-body of the originator.

The longer we are stuck with these toxic feelings, the higher is our body’s production of stress hormone- cortisol which damages our defense system and cognitive abilities. Persistently being in this mood can lead to myriad diseases that decrease our wellness and life-span.

The following negative thought patterns are to be guarded against:

Sanatana Dharma Rule No.16: Avoid Malice

One had to stay guarded against Paradroha or feelings of ill- will /enmity towards others, said Manu and Vatsayana. This Adharmic tendecy could easily wipe out the good done unto others.

(removing impure thoughts such as arrogance or jealousy or pride) Patanjali. Manu

Sanatana Dharma Rule No.17. Avoid Covetting for others possessions

Patanjali, Apasthambha, Vatsayana and most religious leaders on the Earth insisted that paradravyabhipsa (covetousness) could fog judgement and lead men astray. It eventually leads to efforts to get the desired objects by ‘hook or crook’.

Sanatana Dharma Rule No. 18: Avoid Anger/ Rage

A very destructive emotion, both repressed anger as well as explosive rage can cause a host of problems like heart disease, blood pressure problems, headaches, nausea, depression, anxiety etc . Its no wonder all the ancient Dharmic philosophers advised to keep a check on it.

Sanatana Dharma rule No 19: Avoid Envy

Jealousy at other’s good fortune can be a major cause for depression, anxiety and unhappiness. It can blur reality making it difficult to appreciate the gifts one has. Not exactly a mindset for rooting higher ideals.

Sanatana Dharma Rule No. 20. Avoid Egotism/ Arrogance

An inflated ego might simply look harmless or silly at the start. But can cause uncalled for misery in relationships and workplace. This negative mindset that the old Dharmic philosphers abhorred is today recognized as Narcissistic Personality Disorder.

Sanatana Dharma Rule No 21: Avoid Accepting gifts from others

Aparigraha is a key Yama for Raja Yoga as per Patanjali. Aparigraha means not taking more than what is needed, not accumulating nor accepting/expecting gifts from others. The anxiety that attachment to materialism brings becomes an impediment for reaching perfect knowledge, perfect Dharma.

Sanatana Dharma Rules And Scriptures; Dharma Of The Mind; Niyamas : Rules for the Mind

Sanatana Dharma Rule No 22: Practise Self control

Bhagawad Gita is full of verses which empasize the importance of Self control. Read all about Self control, Will power and ways to develop it, along with the relevant Bhagwad Gita teachings.

A key component of mind control is to meditate to keep the mind free from desires: the state of Asprha as mentioned in Gautama Dharma Shastra and Vatsayana.

Patanjali and Manu also advocted contentment in one’s means instead of hankering after this and that. Being content with who we are and what we have, can fill us with peace and joy,

‘The secret to happiness is not found in seeking more, but in developing the capacity to enjoy less.’ –Socrates

Sanatana Dharma Rule No 23: Practise Forgiveness

‘The weak can never forgive. Forgiveness is an attribute of the strong.’- Mahatma Gandhi

Indians have a long history of patience and forgiveness. To know more about the dilemmas of the cosmopolitan Hindu, read here and to know about the basic reference guide for a cosmopolitan Hindu read here

Sanatana Dharma Rule No 24. Maintain Tranquility

Being tranquil/calm gives you a greater sense of power over your life. It gives you higher creativity and intuition. Practising yoga, mindfulness, pranayam etc can all alleviate anxiety and help you fall in line with grace and true Sanatan Dharma.

Sanatana Dharma Rule No 25. Be compassionate

Daya means a general attitude of compassion towards others, whether related or not. It is easier to downplay other’s pain while we are busy tending to ours. But with empathy we can only gain. A compassionate attitude benefits us with lower stress, higher happiness, greater co-operation and immense goodwill and is hence insisted upon as a Dharmic virtue to be cultivated.

Sanatana Dharma Rule No 26: Keep faith in Universal grace, Supreme teacher and Self

Nastikya- denial in existence of morality and religiosity, makes our foundations shaky. On the other hand a positive Sraddha- a Dharmic belief in Universal grace and in the power of goodness in life can reward us with just that! A heap of good!

Grace has the power to turbo charge your intentions. Things will move for you not against you as you draw power from the cosmic abundance.

As per Patanjali, one must also dedicate good actions to the teacher so as to achieve perfection of concentration.

Sanatana Dharma Rule No 27: Meditate

Patanjali strongly urged Yoga aspirants to spend time in meditation and quiet reflection, irrespective of the circumstances around us.

Today Meditation has become a power prescription with all kinds of mind/body illnesses. Some of the proven scientific benefits of meditation such as lower ‘stress-anxiety-depression’, higher ‘concentration-memory-attention’ span and overall better emotional-physical health have made it a popular therapy.

Sanatana Dharma Rule No. 28: Pursue wisdom

As per Patanjali and Manu, Svadhyaya : Self study of theology, scriptures, relevant knowledge is a life-long Dharmic virtue. Reading up and assimilating wisdom enumerated by the wise should be pursued till the very end so as to accelerate self evolution.

Finally as Plato said ‘Good Actions give strength to us and Inspire Good actions in others.’ So, with Sanatan Dharma, the world can be a better place if each of us do our bit. Lets do it

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