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What are the core principles and values of Sanatana Dharma?

Sanatana Dharma unfolds as an evergreen tapestry woven from threads of timeless wisdom. At its core lies dharma—righteous living that adapts to every era, like a North Star steering moral choices. Karma, the law of cause and effect, encourages mindful action: sowing compassion today reaps harmony tomorrow. Samsāra, the cycle of birth and rebirth, becomes less of a headache when balanced by the quest for moksha, ultimate liberation from worldly ties.

Ahimsa, non-violence in thought, word and deed, stands tall alongside satya (truthfulness) and brahmacharya (self-restraint). These virtues aren’t dusty relics but thriving ideals—seen in Gandhi’s non-violent freedom movement and today’s environmental activists championing living lightly on the Earth. Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, “the world is one family,” resonates at global summits and in grassroots efforts to bridge cultures, proving that inclusivity isn’t just lip service.

Four aims of life—dharma, artha (prosperity), kama (pleasure) and moksha—offer a balanced roadmap. Rather than a rigid checklist, they form a harmonious quartet guiding career, relationships and spiritual growth. The Bhagavad Gītā’s counsel to act without attachment meshes perfectly with modern mental-wellness trends that stress “flow” and living in the present.

Daily practices like yoga and meditation serve as living laboratories for self-inquiry. From the millions who rolled out their mats on International Yoga Day to popular apps weaving ancient breathing techniques into digital routines, the embrace of these tools shows no signs of slowing down.

Seva, selfless service, sprinkles altruism throughout communities—feeding the hungry, planting trees, empowering women. Festivals such as Diwali and Navratri, brimming with light and dance, remind everyone that joy and devotion can go hand-in-hand.

At its essence, Sanatana Dharma invites a journey inward and outward—combining ethical conduct, spiritual exploration and social responsibility. Like a perennial river, its teachings continue to nourish hearts and societies, proving that this “eternal way of life” is as relevant today as ever.