Don’t Just Speak About It, Live It!
By H H Maa Purnananda
As its very name illustrates, “Sanaatan Dharm” is an ever-alive religion. It is eternal, as it expounds upon the Immortal Truth. Various symbolisms introduced herein through which the Highest Truth has been represented, are to suite all the different temperaments of people according to their mental evolution and spiritual awakening. This helps the believers of all ages, irrespective of their cast and creed, in any given time, to cultivate faith in the higher values and to be committed to tame their life accordingly.
Sanaatan Dharm has to be practiced with caution and surely under the guidance of an able Guru. Misinterpretation of the symbolism can lead to utter disaster. Sheer religious practices with indifference towards deep understanding of the symbolism would be like nurturing blind belief.
Today’s youth does not agree to such faith and belief without knowing the purpose and the science behind the rites and rituals that have been practiced through generations as tradition in the families belonging to Sanaatan Dharm. Hence it becomes even more important to know about it, so that one of the most profound and scientific religion that is Sanaatan Dharm is not neglected by those who belong to it since generations.
It is said that “Dharmo Rakshati Rakshitah”, which means “Dharm protects those who protect Dharm”. Therefore, it is the privilege and the responsibility of the up-coming generations to study, learn and practice Sanaatan Dharm sincerely and with steady faith, so that a harmonious, peaceful, progressive and well-protected society can be built up, having a firm foundation of this glorious and profound Dharm.
Let us take the example of “Sreemad Bhagawad Geeta”, which is a small part of the great Epic “Mahabharat”, one of the most popular scriptures of Sanaatan Dharm. It is the tradition since generations in the families belonging to Sanaatan Dharm to chant at good and bad times, the verses of this Holy Text wherein the Divine Lord Himself (here as Sree Krishna) advises Arjun, a chivalrous prince, about his Dharm (duty) as a warrior. Similarly, people coming from all walks of life could get guidance from this Sacred Text, for leading a successful life while sincerely adhering to their own duty (Dharm); rather than going for a vicious, wicked or even violent means to achieve success. The teachings in this Sacred Text direct the reader to lead a purposeful and prosperous life, while meticulously and sincerely fulfilling his duties and responsibilities towards the family and the society, as well as being a positively contributing citizen of the world.
Another example can be taken of “Sreemad Ramayanam”. The central theme of this great Epic revolves around Lord Sree Ram, the epitome of discipline, dedication, courage and humility to name a few of the virtues. Now, at the critical time and moment when the soul is departing from the mortal coil, the believers of Sanaatan Dharm chant the name of Lord Sree Ram with the steady belief that by doing so, the departed soul would peacefully and progressively find its way towards the Divine.
In both the above examples, the Lord as Sree Krishna and Sree Ram are accepted and worshipped wholeheartedly by the believers with unflinching faith from time immemorial. Holding on to such tradition with faith, even though without much knowledge, has been the strength and support for the families practicing Sanaatan Dharm, at the time of crisis as well as during every auspicious and important occasion. Therefore, it is evident that if one studies under the guidance of the Guru, even a bit from the available Scriptures of Sanaatan Dharm, and thereafter practices the same with focus and faith, how much more would he be benefitted in every sphere of life, be it the family, as a student, in the chosen field of work, in social and professional relations and so on. In fact, the true purpose of human life can be fulfilled for sure, smoothly, happily and successfully indeed.
So why deprive yourself of such a great and most important part of your life? And yes, don’t just speak about it, live it! Start learning right away and start practicing without delay!