SANATAN DHARMA
1. Context
DMK leader Udhayanidhi Stalin equated Sanatan Dharma to "mosquitoes, dengue, malaria, and corona". His statement was met with outrage from BJP leaders, who described it as an attack on "our religion". Stalin later clarified that he was not referring to Hinduism as a whole, but to the "corrupt practices" that are often associated with it.
2. Etymology and Roots of Sanatan Dharma
- The term "Sanatan Dharma" originates from Sanskrit and can be translated in various ways, including "eternal religion," "eternal law," "unshakeable, venerable order," or "ancient and continuing guideline."
- Surprisingly, the word "sanatan" does not appear in the Vedas, the ancient sacred texts of Hinduism.
- The use of the term "sanatan" began in the Bhagavad Gita, where it refers to the knowledge of the eternal soul.
- Sanatan Dharma can be seen as encompassing religions that believe in the soul's eternal nature and the concept of rebirth.
- While Sanatan Dharma is most commonly associated with Hinduism, it is also used by Jains and Buddhists, who share the belief in rebirth.
- However, it is not applied to religions like Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, which do not endorse the concept of reincarnation.
3. Sanatan Dharma in the 19th Century
- In more recent times, especially since the late 19th century, Sanatan Dharma has been used to symbolize Hinduism as a distinct religion, emphasizing a certain unity within Hinduism without specifying its exact nature.
- During the late 19th century, the term gained popularity as various organizations, or sabhas, emerged to promote Sanatan Dharma.
- In this period, Sanatan Dharma was often associated with Hindu orthodoxy, seen as a reaction to reform movements led by missionaries and groups like the Brahmo Samaj and Arya Samaj.
- Pandit Shraddha Ram in Punjab and Pandit Din Dayal Sharma played key roles in defending traditional Hindu practices against reformist movements.
- Organizations like the 'Sanatan Dharm Sabha' and 'Bharat Dharma Mahamandal' aimed to promote Sanatan Dharma during this era.
- The term "Sanatan Dharma" became synonymous with opposition to reformist concerns, rather than a specific religious doctrine.
- The orthodox Hindus of the late 19th century often identified themselves as "sanatan dharmis" in contrast to the followers of Arya Samaj and other reformist groups.
4. Conclusion
- The term "Sanatan Dharma" has a complex and contested history. It has been used to refer to a wide range of religious beliefs and practices, and its meaning has changed over time.
- In the late 19th century, it came to be used as a signifier of Hindu orthodoxy, and this meaning is still prevalent today.
- However, it is important to remember that Sanatan Dharma is not a monolithic tradition, and there is a great deal of diversity within it.
|
For Prelims: Sanatan Dharma, Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, Bhagavad Gita, Vedas, Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Brahmo Samaj, Arya Samaj, Pandit Shraddha Ram, Pandit Din Dayal Sharma, 'Sanatan Dharm Sabha', 'Bharat Dharma Mahamandal'
For Mains:
1. Critically analyze the concept of Sanatan Dharma as a unifying symbol within Hinduism. How has it contributed to a sense of religious identity, and what challenges does it pose in understanding the diverse religious traditions within Hinduism? (250 Words)
|
|
Previous Year Questions
1. Which one of the following is correctly matched? (UPPSC Combined State Exam 2022)
A. Radhaswami Satsang - Lahore
B. Bharat Dharma Mahamandal - Delhi
C. Sanatan Dharma Rakshini Sabha - Calcutta
D. Deva Samaj - Banaras
Answer: C
2. Which one of the following pairs does not form part of the six systems of Indian Philosophy? (UPSC 2014)
A. Mimamsa and Vedanta
B. Nyaya and Vaisheshika
C. Lokayata and Kapalika
D. Sankhya and Yoga
Answer: C
3. With reference to the history of philosophical thought in India, consider the following statements regarding Sankhya school: (UPSC 2013)
1. Sankhya does not accept the theory of rebirth or transmigration of the soul.
2. Sankhya holds that it is self-knowledge that leads to liberation and not any exterior influence or agent.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A. 1 only B. 2 only C. Both 1 and 2 D. Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: 2
4. Which one of the following describes best the concept of Nirvana in Buddhism?
A. The extinction of the flame of desire
B. The complete annihilation of self
C. A state of bliss and rest
D. A mental stage beyond all comprehension
Answer: A
5. With reference to Indian history, who among the following is a future Buddha, yet to come to save the world? (UPSC 2018)
A. Avalokiteshvara
B. Lokesvara
C. Maitreya
D. Padmapani
Answer: C 6. With reference to the religious history of India, consider the following statements: (UPSC 2016)
Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 2 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: B
7. Lord Buddha’s image is sometimes shown with the hand gesture called ‘Bhumisparsha Mudra’. It symbolizes (2012) (a) Buddha’s calling of the Earth to watch over Mara and to prevent Mara from disturbing his meditation
(b) Buddha’s calling of the Earth to witness his purity and chastity despite the temptations of Mara
(c) Buddha’s reminder to his followers that they all arise from the Earth and finally dissolve into the Earth, and thus this life is transitory
(d) Both the statements (a) and (b) are correct in this context
Answer: B 8. Geeta is (REET 2011)
A. Veda B. Independent epic C. a part of Ramayana D. a part of Mahahbharata
Answer: D
9. Which one of the following is main teaching of Gita? (CGPSC 2017)
A. Karma yoga B. Gyan yoga C. Bhakti yoga D. Nishkama Karma yoga D. Asparsha yoga
Answer: D
10. With reference to the religious practices in India, the "Sthanakvasi" sect belongs to (UPSC 2018)
A. Buddhism B. Jainism C. Vaishnavism D. Shaivism
Answer: B
11. With reference to the religious history of India, consider the following statements: (UPSC 2020)
1. Sthaviravadins belong to Mahayana Buddhism.
2. Lokottaravadin sect was an offshoot of Mahasanghika sect of Buddhism.
3. The deification of Buddha by Mahasanghikas fostered the Mahayana Buddhism.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A. 1 and 2 only B. 2 and 3 only C. 3 only D. 1, 2 and 3
Answer: B
12. Prophet Muhammad founded the faith of Islam in the ______ century. (SSC CGL 2021)
A. Sixth B. Seventh C. Ninth D. Eighth
Answer: B
13. Which of the following statements is/are correct regarding Brahmo Samaj? (UPSC 2012)
1. It opposed idolatry.
2. It denied the need for a priestly class for interpreting religious texts.
3. It popularized the doctrine that the Vedas are infallible.
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
A. 1 only B. 1 and 2 only C. 3 only D. 1, 2 and 3
Answer: B
14. Which of the following statements about the Arya Samaj which emerged in the late 19th century are correct? (UPSC CAPF 2019)
1. Had a very strong support base amongst the trading castes
2. Introduced 'shuddhi' or mass purification
3. The moderates in the Arya Samaj were headed by Hand Raj and Lajpat Rai and set up a chain of Dayanand Anglo-Vedic colleges
4. The Arya Samaj had fewer members than the Brahmo Samaj
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
A. 1 and 2 only B. 1, 2 and 3 C. 3 and 4 only D. 1, 3 and 4
Answer: B
15. Who among the following founded the Dharma Sabha? (UPSC CAPF 2021)
A. Krishna Mohan Banerjee
B. Keshab Chandra Sen
C. Radhakanta Deb
D. Akshay Kumar Datta
Answer: C
|
Source: The Indian Express
