what is sanatana dharma

Sanatana Dharma is a Sanskrit term that can be translated as "eternal religion" or "eternal law". It is an alternative name for Hinduism used in Sanskrit and other Indian languages alongside the more common Hindu Dharma. Sanatana Dharma refers to the "eternal" or absolute set of duties or religiously ordained practices incumbent upon all Hindus, regardless of class, caste, or sect. These duties include virtues such as honesty, purity, goodwill, mercy, patience, forbearance, self-restraint, generosity, and asceticism. According to the notion of Sanatana Dharma, the eternal and intrinsic inclination of the living entity (atman) is to perform seva (service) . Sanatana Dharma is a way of life that is transcendental and refers to universal and axiomatic laws that are beyond our temporary belief systems. It is not about telling people what to believe, but rather about instigating a spirit of profound inquiry. The term Sanatana Dharma has been used to signify Hinduism as a religion, distinct from other religions, and has become a synonym for the "eternal" truth and teachings of Hinduism.