Yet Sanatana Dharma is more than what is commonly regarded as Hinduism. It reflects the spiritual approach of the sages of India and the Himalayan region whatever their outward religion. All the religious traditions of India have at least at times reflected the universality of Sanatana Dharma. The Christians and Muslims of India, particularly a number of Sufis, often reflect Sanatana Dharma in their mystical teachings more so than their own less experiential orthodox traditions.

They demonstrate a greater openness to Truth and seeking for spiritual realization than is characteristic of their religions as a whole. They have their own meditation practices, which are often more typically Hindu in nature and almost unknown in other countries dominated by their religions. This is because Sanatana Dharma can link one to the essence of spirituality, whatever religion one comes from originally.

As a conscious formulation of Sanatana Dharma, Hinduism remains close to its basic principles of universality and eternity. This universality even encompasses partiality. Hinduism holds that it is alright for any one of us to think that our particular religion is the best, or that our teacher is the highest, if such thoughts increase faith and concentration in our inner practices.

But we should recognize the right of others to think the same of their teachings, and not try to impose our point of view upon them. Sanatana Dharma requires that we respect the sacred nature of each individual and his or her own private relationship with Divinity, which it is not for us to judge.

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