Sanatan-dharma (Eternal Religion)

Sanatan-dharma means "eternal religion" or "the eternal function of the soul". Sometimes we identify with a particular faith or religion, which is changeable, but our eternal religion remains integral to our real self.

"The English word religion is a little different from sanatana-dharma. Religion conveys the idea of faith, and faith may change. One may have faith in a particular process, and he may change this faith and adopt another, but sanatana-dharma refers to that activity which cannot be changed. For instance, liquidity cannot be taken from water, nor can heat be taken from fire. Similarly, the eternal function of the eternal living entity cannot be taken from the living entity. Sanatana-dharma is eternally integral to the living entity." (Introduction to Bhagavad-gita As It Is, AC Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada.)

Sanatan-dharma refers to activities that pertain to the soul, not to the body. Spiritual culture is recommended for anyone and everyone, whether in the body of a man or a woman, young or old, married or unmarried. In any situation, the natural proclivity of the soul is to serve the Supersoul, the Supreme Personality of Godhead.

"It is not possible for the living entity to be happy without rendering transcendental loving service unto the Supreme Lord." (Introduction to Bhagavad-gita As It Is, AC Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada.)

The Vedic scriptures describe nine different processes of devotional service, as follows:-

"Prahlada Maharaja said: Hearing and chanting about the transcendental holy name, form, qualities, paraphernalia and pastimes of Lord Vishnu, remembering them, serving the lotus feet of the Lord, offering the Lord respectful worship with sixteen types of paraphernalia, offering prayers to the Lord, becoming His servant, considering the Lord one's best friend, and surrendering everything unto Him (in other words, serving Him with the body, mind and words) - these nine processes are accepted as pure devotional service. One who has dedicated his life to the service of Krishna through these nine methods should be understood to be the most learned person, for he has acquired complete knowledge." (Srimad Bhagavatam 7.5.23-4)

The three primary processes of devotional service, ie. hearing, chanting and remembering the holy names and pastimes of the Supreme Lord, can be performed anywhere and everywhere. Together with these, the process of Deity worship is also specially recommended for householders.

"As far as possible, every householder, by the direction of the spiritual master, must install the Deity of Visnu, forms like Radha-Krsna, Laksmi-Narayana or Sita-Rama especially, or any other form of the Lord. Engagement in such worship of the Deity, under the direction of a bona fide spiritual master, will greatly help the householders to purify their very existence and make rapid progress in spiritual knowledge." (Srimad Bhagavatam 2.3.22 Bhaktivedanta purport.)

Any family can make their home into a temple by installing genuine Deities of the Supreme Lord. By offering food, water, flowers, etc. to the Deity and then honouring the remnants as prasad (mercy), the family members become purified in consciousness.

"The devotees of the Lord are released from all kinds of sins because they eat food that is offered first for sacrifice. Others, who prepare food for personal sense enjoyment, verily eat only sin." (Bhagavad-gita 3.13.)

Eating sanctified foodstuffs, serving the Deity and the devotees, reading Vedic scriptures, and hearing and chanting the holy names of the Lord, all of these activities are accessible for householders and their families to facilitate their advancement in pure Krishna consciousness.

"Artwork courtesy of The Bhaktivedanta Book Trust International, Inc.
www.krishna.com. Used with permission."