Sanatana dharma has no beginning. Nor does it have an end. Its greatness can be established through tarkka sastra, nyaya sastra etc.
Answers to questions like ‘Why do I suffer in life?’ or ‘Why does someone else not suffer?’ are all provided in this dharma. Sanatana dharma emphasises individual discipline. It enjoins us not to hurt anyone through thought, words or deeds, Velukkudi Krishnan said in a discourse.
Different practices
Sanatana dharma has prescribed different practices for each yuga. Those who live in a certain yuga have certain characteristics; in accordance with this, different methods have been prescribed. Thus for the Krita Yuga, dhyana (meditation) was prescribed; for Treta Yuga, yaga (ritualistic sacrifice); for Dwapara Yuga, archana (worship); and for Kali Yuga, nama sankeerthanam (chanting the name of God). So it is wrong to say that Sanatana dharma is rigid. Its flexibility is evident from the fact that it does not push everyone into the same path in order for them to seek liberation. It prescribes to each according to his capacity.
This is true not just of each yuga, but is true for each individual. Not all of us can follow the same path to reach God. That is why Lord Krishna showed us the paths of karma yoga, bhakti yoga, gnana yoga and saranagati, and left the choice to us.
The Purva Kandam and Uttara Kandam are the two divisions of the Vedas. Sage Jaimini is the author of Purva Mimamsa and sage Vyasa of Uttara Mimamsa . The Purva Kandam is known as karma kandam and the Uttara Kandam is known as gnana kandam, because it is concerned with Brahma vicharam. In other words, it talks about the Supreme One.
The Vedas are that which explain truths. They talk about what is right and what is wrong. They are passed on orally. The Rig Veda teaches how to worship. It praises the Supreme One, and gives us mantras for worship.
The Yajur Veda tells us how to perform yagas. The Sama Veda, when recited, destroys one’s sins. The Vedas have three aspects — mantras, practical guidelines on how to conduct yagas, and the potency to destroy sins.
