- Focuses on knowledge of SELF – Know yourself to know GOD
- A unique and distinguishing characteristic of Hinduism is about knowing oneself. In fact, the path to knowing God is by gaining knowledge of Self through a deep process of inquiry and reflection.
- There is no prescriptive one path to know oneself. There are multiple paths, and one is free to choose.
- The relation between oneself and the environment as explained above, and the protection of the same in the context of larger society is where the word “Dharma” comes. Dharma in its simple form is a duty to be performed in a righteous manner. And hence the emphasis on swadharma in different roles an individual is playing. As a family member, as an employee, as a responsible citizen, as a teacher, as a student and so on.
2. Emphasis on Freewill; No Commandments
- Among the millions of species present on this planet, human race – and only humans – has the privilege of free will and ability to make a choice. A significant mention on this aspect is seen across the scriptures in the form of offering knowledge (about rituals, logic, debate, etc.) but finally left to the individual to act on it with their own freewill and choice. It is unique, unlike other religions, that Hinduism does not have any commandments.
- Of course, freewill comes with huge responsibility, discretion (Viveka) and in key decisions impacting societies and organizations must be exercised with utmost care taking a wholistic approach. The best way to exercise freewill is to validate through the lens of Dharma before it is implemented.
3. There are no MANY Gods; There is no ONE God; There is ONLY God…. Invoked in many names, forms…
- The ancient scriptures rarely talked about GOD. But it talked of an Order and the omnipotent and omniscient power as represented by visible things like pancha bhoothas (Earth, water, fire, air, and the sky), planets, stars and the way they are organized or manifested.
- Behind every ritual there is clear justification and logic and hence the different forms of invoking the GOD.
- Being ancient, the concept of GOD significantly evolved and underwent change, but the source scriptures (Moola grandhas) were clear about GOD.
4. The cosmic laws are common for all including GOD
- Cosmic laws of Dharma, Karma, etc are universally and equally applicable irrespective of caste, creed, and class. This unique trait of Hinduism is so inclusive that even personas invoked as GOD are subjected to these laws.
- The mythological (puranic) portrayals of GOD like Rama, Krishna, Siva have gone through their own set of challenges and subjected to the Karmas (Deliberate Actions) committed by them and they have shown how to accept the outcomes (Karma Phala)
5. Very ancient and survived test of times
- The word Sanatana refers to being ancient. There is no traceability to a particular era or date nor propounded by a particular individual.
- The knowledge as derived from four Vedas themselves are unauthored by any individual (Apaurusheyas). They are as heard (Shrutis) when rishis were in deep meditation (Tapas). To this effect, there is nothing before (Na bhooto) and nothing after (Na Bhavishyati) setting utmost standard (Pramana) and benchmark.
- The knowledge has transformed in many forms and content has been manifested significantly.
- The subcontinent went through invasions, arson and rioting, and targeted propaganda against Sanatana Dharma. It continues to happen even now. But the steadfastness, permanence and the resilience demonstrated by Hinduism in comparison to other religions is something unique.
References: 1. Hinduism…Its Uniqueness by Swami Dayananda Saraswati
2. Notes prepared from Classes attended by Joyful Vedanta
3. Reading and Listening to multiple knowledge sources