THE SANATAN PRAYER

                                           

THE SANATAN PRAYER

Every Pooja ,Archana, Aarti or Homa done in a Sanatani  family ends with four lines. These lines define the inclusive and lofty   humanism of  Sanatan Dharma. Dharma in English can be understood as a concept that encompasses both religious and moral duties, as well as the principles of the universe and individual's purpose.

“धर्म की जय हो 

अधर्म का नाश हो 

प्राणियों में सद्भावना हो 

विश्व का कल्याण  हो "

(Dharam ki jai ho

Adharam ka naash ho

Praaniyon mein sadh-bhavana ho

Vishav ka kalyaan ho )

" May the travellers on the  

path of righteousness  become victorious , 

Let all  evildoing  vanish from our world ,

May  all living beings live   in goodwill,

May the  world prosper ! "

WHAT  IS  DHARMA  ?

In the text Manusmriti, dharma has been conceptualised as a creation of 'divine power' established on the idea of religion and spirituality for the execution of 'right duties' in all aspects of human life.Dharma is defined in Manusmriti as something that is based on ten solid foundations .

1. Dhrti (patience)

2. Ks’ama (forgiveness)

3. Dhama (self-control)

4. Asteya (non-stealing)

5. Shaoca (cleanliness)

6. Indriyanigraha (control over Indriyas)

7. Dhii (benevolent intellect)

8. Vidya’ (  knowledge)

9. Satyam (benevolent truthfulness )

10. Akrodha (non-anger)

In essence, "dharma" is a multi-faceted concept that encompasses duty, righteousness, virtue, and the principles of the universe. It's not simply a translation of "religion," but rather a broader principle that guides individual actions and the way the world operates.

In Upanishads, the concept of dharma continues as universal principle of law, order, harmony, and truth. It acts as the regulatory moral principle of the Universe.

If Dharma is attached to any object or relation , that too becomes sacred . It can be  Dharam-shala ,Dharam-patni,Dharam-sthaan, Dharam-kshetra ,Dharam braata, and many more .

The last two lines of this four line prayer reveal the all inclusive concept of Sanatan Dharma. Not only human beings but all the  living creatures (humans, birds, animals and all creatures)  are covered in the broader vision of  Sanatan  Dharma and a prayer is made so that they may live in peace, amity and goodwill. A prayer wishing welfare of the entire  world. Not community specific. Not sect specific .And not caste or colour or religion specific . This prayer is made for all Praanis (living creatures)  on this planet. It is certainly lofty and representing high ideals of humanism. The  Santanis say this prayer  everyday in their homes, temples and gatherings .This prayer is the core message of Vedas, Upanishads ,and Bhagvad Gita .

( Avtar Mota )

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