Generally, when we talk about “Sanatan values,” we mean the beliefs and ideals of Sanatan Dharma, or Hinduism. One of the world’s oldest religions, Sanatan Dharma has a rich intellectual and cultural history. Sanatan itself derives from the word for eternal or everlasting.

The following are some essential Sanatan values:

Dharma, or Moral Obligation: One of the main ideas of Sanatan Dharma is dharma. It speaks of a person’s obligation and moral behavior in a variety of contexts, such as the social, cosmic, and personal spheres.

Karma (Transaction): The notion that every action has repercussions is intimately related to the concept of karma. People are urged to carry out their responsibilities without regard for the outcome and with altruism.

Moksha, or liberation: The ultimate aim of Sanatan Dharma is Moksha. It stands for both unity with the divine and freedom from the cycle of birth and death, or samsara.

Ahimsa, or non-violence: This concept is regarded as a basic value and is the rule of non-violence. It is advised that practitioners refrain from hurting any living thing.

Satya, or truthfulness: The Sanatan Dharma places a great importance on being truthful. It is recommended of practitioners to speak the truth and lead honorable lives.

The term “tapas” (austerity) describes self-control and spiritual austerity. It involves self-control exercises including fasting, meditation, and other self-purification techniques to cleanse the body and mind.

Bhakti: The path of love and devotion to the holy is known as Bhakti. Through rituals, prayers, and other devotional acts, devotees demonstrate their love and dedication to the Supreme.

Scriptures and Vedas: The core of Sanatan Dharma is found in the Upanishads, the Bhagavad Gita, and other sacred writings. They include ceremonial instructions, moral precepts, and philosophical principles for living a good life.

Respect for Nature: Sanatan values encourage harmony with nature and highlight how all living things are interconnected.

Cyclic Nature of Time:  Time is seen as cyclical in the Sanatan Dharma, with phases of creation, preservation, and destruction. The idea of Yugas (ages) is a reflection of this cyclical perspective.

It’s vital to remember that different Hindu sects and schools may have different interpretations of these principles and varying emphasis on them. Furthermore, even though Sanatan Dharma is the official name, the religious tradition is also frequently referred to as “Hinduism” in modern discourse.