Sanatana Sanskriti (सनातन संस्कृति): The Eternal Foundation of Human Civilization
Table of Contents
Introduction
The word Sanatana means eternal, without beginning or end (अनादि र अनन्त), and Sanskriti means culture, refinement, and way of life. Together, Sanatana Sanskriti (सनातन संस्कृति) represents the eternal and universal culture of humanity (सम्पूर्ण मानव सभ्यतालाई सही मार्गदर्शन गर्ने, कालातीत, सार्वभौम र चिरस्थायी जीवन प्रणाली), guiding mankind toward truth, harmony, and spiritual evolution.
It is not merely a religion or tradition but a comprehensive science of life (जीवनको विज्ञान), encompassing material, and moral, mental and spiritual dimensions.
Origin and Historical Background
Sanatana Sanskriti (सनातन संस्कृति) originated from the Vedic civilization (वैदिक सभ्यता), the oldest known human culture.
The Vedas, Upanishads, Ramayana, Mahabharata, Bhagavad Gita, and the Purana (वेद, उपनिषद्, रामायण, महाभारत, भगवद्गीता, पुराणहरू र स्मृतिहरू) are its primary scriptures.
The Rigveda, dating back over 10,000 years, is among the earliest known texts of humankind. During this period, life was guided by Satya (truth), Rita (cosmic order), Dharma (righteousness), Karma (action), and Yoga (union).
Thus, Sanatana Sanskriti stands as the oldest and most comprehensive living philosophy (विश्वको सबैभन्दा पुरानो जीवन दर्शन) in human history.
Core Elements of Sanatana Sanskriti
Dharma (Righteous Duty) – धर्म (सदाचार र कर्तव्य)
Dharma in Sanatana Sanskriti does not denote religion; it means universal righteousness and moral duty (सदाचार र कर्तव्यको सार्वभौम सिद्धान्त).
Its foundation lies upon four eternal principles:
Satya (Truth) – सत्य
Ahimsa (Non-violence) – अहिंसा
Shaucha (Purity) – शौच
Daya (Compassion) – दया
-Karma (Law of Cause and Effect) – (कार्य र परिणामको सिद्धान्त)
The Law of Karma (कर्म दर्शन) teaches that every action has a corresponding result.
As the scriptures say:
“यद् भावं तद् भवति” (“Yad Bhavam Tad Bhavati”) – As you think, so you become.
Soul and Rebirth (आत्मा र पुनर्जन्म )
According to Sanatana thought, the Atman (soul) is immortal; the body is temporary.
Death is not an end but a transformation. This understanding gives inner peace and purpose to human life.
Yoga and Meditation (योग र ध्यान)
In Sanatana philosophy, Yoga is not just physical exercise but a union of body, mind, and soul (मन, बुद्धि र आत्माको एकता).
Patanjali defines yoga as –
“योगश्चित्तवृत्तिनिरोधः” (“Yogash Chitta Vritti Nirodhah”) – Yoga is the stilling of the fluctuations of the mind.
Ayurveda (आयुर्वेद)
Ayurveda, the science of life, is an integral part of Sanatana Sanskriti.
It emphasizes harmony between body, mind, and soul.
“स्वस्थस्य स्वास्थ्य रक्षणं, आतुरस्य विकार प्रशमनं च।” (“Swasthasya Swasthya Rakshanam, Aturasya Vikara Prashamanam Cha”) – (सुश्रुतसंहिता)
(The purpose of Ayurveda is to maintain the health of the healthy and cure the diseased.)
Art, Music and Literature (संगीत, नृत्य र कला)
Art, music, and literature are considered pathways to self-realization (संगीत र कला आत्मज्ञानको माध्यम). भरतमुनिको नाट्यशास्त्र, वाल्मीकि र व्यासको काव्य र तानसेन – Bharata Muni’s Natyashastra and the divine compositions of Valmiki, Vyasa, and Tansena exemplify this rich artistic tradition.
संस्कार र जीवनचक्र – Samskara (Rites of Passage)
There are sixteen Samskara (षोडश संस्कार), from conception to cremation, designed to purify and uplift human life through every stage.
They instill discipline, spirituality and social responsibility.
Education and Gurukula System (गुरुकुल र शिक्षा प्रणाली)
The ancient Gurukula system emphasized not only knowledge but character, discipline and self-realization (चरित्र, अनुशासन र आत्म-साक्षात्कार).
Its motto was –
“सा विद्या या विमुक्तये” (“Sa Vidya Ya Vimuktaye”) – True education is that which liberates.
Environmental Philosophy
Sanatana Sanskriti reveres nature as divine.
The Earth is seen as the mother (प्रकृतिमाता) –
माताभूमिः पुत्रोऽहं पृथिव्याः (“Mata Bhumi Putro Aham Prithivyah”) – The Earth is my mother and I am her son.
Worship of rivers, trees, the Sun, and the five elements shows deep ecological awareness.
Philosophical Systems
Sanatana Sanskriti is founded upon the six schools of Eastern philosophy (षड्दर्शन – Shad-Darshana):
Nyaya (Logic) – न्याय
Vaisheshika (Atomism) – वैशेषिक
Samkhya (Cosmic principles) – सांख्य
Yoga (Self-realization) – योग
Purva Mimamsa (Ritual philosophy) – पूर्वमीमांसा
Vedanta (Spiritual realization) – वेदान्त
These systems together form a rational and experiential approach to truth (ज्ञान, तर्क, अनुभव र आत्मानुभूति).
Social and Ethical Framework
Society in Sanatana Sanskriti was organized around the Four Ashrama (stages of life) – चार आश्रम and the Four Varna (social functions) – चार वर्ण ।
Ashrama – आश्रमहरू: Brahmacharya (student), Grihastha (householder), Vanaprastha (retired), Sannyasa (renunciation)
Varna – वर्णहरू: Brahmana, Kshatriya, Vaishya, Shudra
This structure was designed for social order and harmony (कर्तव्य र क्षमता अनुसारको सामाजिक व्यवस्थापन ), not for discrimination but for the fulfillment of duties according to one’s nature and abilities.
Relevance in the Modern World
Even in today’s scientific and digital era, the values of Sanatana Sanskriti –
योग (Yoga)
आयुर्वेद (Ayurveda)
ध्यान (Meditation)
कर्म दर्शन (Karma theory)
सतत जीवनशैली (Sustainable living)
– remain crucial for mental peace, holistic health, and global harmony (मानव स्वास्थ्य, मानसिक शान्ति र सामाजिक सद्भावका आधारस्तम्भ).
The world increasingly recognizes Vedic wisdom as a path toward sustainable and peaceful living.
Conclusion
Sanatana Sanskriti is not a religion bound by geography or time; it is a universal philosophy of life.
Its essence lies in the eternal message –
‘वसुधैव कुटुम्बकम्’ (“Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam”) – “सारा विश्व एक परिवार हो” – The whole world is one family.
Preserving and promoting this timeless culture is essential for the survival of humanity, peace, and the balance of the planet (जीवनको विज्ञान, मानवताको नीति र विश्वशान्तिको मार्ग).
