Santana Dharma & Varnashrama Dharma
Religious Studies: KS3, topic 2.2.14
Santana Dharma & Varnashrama Dharma
Dharma
- Dharma means cosmic order or the right way of living.
- Hindus believe that creation exists to uphold dharma.
- Dharma keeps the universe balanced and life in harmony.
- All living things are part of this order and must follow their dharma.
Brahman
- Dharma teaches Hindus to live with purpose, honesty, and kindness.
- It links individual actions to the harmony of the whole universe.
- When everyone follows their dharma, life flows in peace.
- Dharma is not only about rules.
- It is about doing what is right in every moment.
- By following dharma, Hindus move closer to understanding Brahman, the ultimate truth.
Sanatana Dharma
- Sanatana Dharma means the eternal way or universal duty.
- It guides people to live with truth, compassion, self-discipline, and devotion.
- These values are the same for everyone.
- Following Sanatana Dharma brings justice, peace, kindness and harmony.
Varnashrama Dharma
- Varnashrama Dharma means a person’s individual duty, based on their varna and ashrama.
- Varna is a person’s role in society, such as teaching, protecting, trading, or serving.
- Ashrama is a person’s life stage, such as student, householder, pensioner, or spiritual seeker.
- Together, these guide how each person can live ethically and responsibly.
- Everyone has a special part to play in keeping dharma and balance in the world.
Test yourself on Santana Dharma & Varnashrama Dharma
What is the purpose of creation in Hindu belief?
What does the word dharma mean?
What is the ultimate goal of all beings in Hindu Dharma?
Which of these best describes Sanatana Dharma?
What is correct about dharma?