Sanatana Dharma - A Discussion Series
A series of posts on understanding our Sanatana Dharma - A way of life
Sanatana Dharma - 6 - Does Sanatana need a name?
Today, in the next edition of our #SanatanaDharma series, let us bow at the holy feet of Kanchi Mahaperiyavar, Jagadguru Sri Sri Sri Chandrasekharendra Saraswati, 68th Acharya of Kanchi Shankara Matha. In a book titled Hindu Dharma, which compiles a lot of his speeches, here’s what Periyavaa had to say about Sanatana Dharma –
“It occurred to me at once why our Dharma has no name, unlike other religions. Many other religions are identified by different names. But when there was only one religion, where is the need to identify it? All religions except ours were founded by individuals. Buddhism, means the religion founded by Gautama Buddha. Jainism was founded by the Jina known as Mahavira. Similarly, Christianity originated with Jesus Christ. Before all these, our Dharma was spread all over the world. There was no other religion to speak of at that time, so there was no need to give it a name. I believe this fact and as I realised it, I felt no need to be ashamed of the fact that our religion had no name in the past. Rather, I felt proud of it.”
What a beautiful thing Maha Periyava had said.
Sarvam Sri Krishnarpanam
Vande Maataram!