Sanatana Dharma

• The name for Hindus religion?

  • Many Hindus prefer to call their religion sanatana dharma 
  • This means eternal truth and doing what is right
• How sanatana dharma helps Hindus

  • Sanatana dharma refers to the duties which link the eternal soul to God , according to ancient scripture 
  • These duties guide every Hindu about the right way to worship and behave in daily life
• What sanatana dharma involves

  • Considering what is wrong about any action 
  • Remembering God in your heart and mind 
  • Learning more about God and dharma from holy scriptures 
  • Trying to reach moksha 
  • Offering worship to God either in the temple or at home 
  • Feeding animals and birds and caring for plants and trees 
  • Showing respect to elders and caring for those in need
• What BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha UK is

  • BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha UK is an example of how one group of Hindus guide their members on right action 
  • The organisation is based at the Neasden Temple in London, but also have a worldwide network of centres and volunteers who spend their lives doing charitable work 
  • Their members live by the Shikshapatri (a book of rules by the group’s founder)
• What the Shikshapatri says members of BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha UK and Hindus should do

  • Only live according to dharma 
  • Never commit murder for any reason 
  • Never eat meat or drink an intoxicating liquor 
  • Be honest in all business dealings 
  • Respect all other deities
• Places where Hindu worship can take place

  • Hindus follow sanatana dharma when they worship in temples or in their homes 
  • Most Hindu homes have a small shrine where offerings can be made 
  • A family deity may be worshipped and grandparents or other relatives who have died can be remembered