SANATANA DHARMA AND THE MODERN WORLD

Isn't the Universal Tradition More Than Hinduism?

The question assumes that Hinduism is a limiting factor for a universal tradition which it does not have to be. Hinduism or Sanatana Dharma does not separate itself off from the universal tradition. It is not seeking an identity apart from or within the universal tradition. It is simply asking us to recognize the universal tradition, so that we don't have to invent names like Hinduism to scale down its formulation.

Hinduism welcomes the search for a universal tradition and the inclusion in it of all spiritual aspiration. But it says that such a tradition must be created through spiritual experience, through following the teachings of Self-realized sages.

It cannot be put together merely on an intellectual level, nor simply built up as an organization. It is not a matter of merely combining all the spiritual traditions of humanity together in the same place or same book but of having the realization of Universal Truth. This only occurs within the individual who himself or herself has transcended all outer seeking. It cannot be accomplished by any group or organization.

If Hinduism is seen in its true light as Sanatana Dharma or the universal tradition, then whoever realizes that Universal Truth is also a true Hindu, regardless of the names and forms of their religious life. Hinduism includes not only the religions of this world but those of the different planes of consciousness up to the Absolute. It is not only the religion of one incarnation of but all our births whether in this world or another. 

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