Hinduism vs. Sanatan

Attribute	Hinduism	Sanatan
Meaning	One of the oldest religions in the world	Another name for Hinduism, meaning eternal or everlasting
Beliefs	Belief in multiple gods and goddesses	Belief in one supreme being, Brahman
Scriptures	Include Vedas, Upanishads, Bhagavad Gita	Include Vedas, Upanishads, Bhagavad Gita
Practices	Yoga, meditation, puja, pilgrimage	Yoga, meditation, puja, pilgrimage
Goal	Attaining moksha (liberation from the cycle of birth and death)	Attaining moksha (liberation from the cycle of birth and death)

Origins

Hinduism is one of the oldest religions in the world, with roots dating back to ancient India. It is a complex belief system that encompasses a wide range of practices, rituals, and philosophies. Sanatan, on the other hand, is a term used to describe the eternal and universal principles that underlie Hinduism. It is often used interchangeably with Hinduism, but some scholars argue that Sanatan represents the essence of Hinduism without the cultural and historical baggage.

Beliefs

Both Hinduism and Sanatan share many core beliefs, such as the concepts of karma, dharma, and reincarnation. These beliefs form the foundation of both religions and guide followers in their daily lives. However, Hinduism is a more diverse and varied religion, with different sects and schools of thought that interpret these beliefs in different ways. Sanatan, on the other hand, is seen as a more pure and unadulterated form of Hinduism that focuses on the timeless truths that are common to all sects.

Practices

Both Hinduism and Sanatan have a wide range of practices and rituals that are meant to help followers connect with the divine and achieve spiritual growth. These practices can include meditation, yoga, prayer, and pilgrimage. Hinduism, being a more diverse religion, has a wider variety of practices depending on the sect or tradition. Sanatan, on the other hand, emphasizes the universal principles that underlie these practices and focuses on the essence of spirituality rather than the specific rituals.

Texts

Both Hinduism and Sanatan have a rich tradition of sacred texts that guide followers in their spiritual journey. The Vedas, Upanishads, Bhagavad Gita, and Ramayana are some of the most important texts in Hinduism. Sanatan, on the other hand, emphasizes the eternal truths that are found in these texts rather than the texts themselves. It focuses on the essence of the teachings rather than the specific words or stories.

Gods and Deities

Hinduism is known for its pantheon of gods and goddesses, each representing different aspects of the divine. These deities are worshipped in temples and homes, and their stories are told in sacred texts and scriptures. Sanatan, on the other hand, focuses on the ultimate reality that underlies all gods and goddesses. It sees these deities as manifestations of the one supreme being and encourages followers to see beyond the forms to the essence of the divine.

Community and Society

Both Hinduism and Sanatan place a strong emphasis on community and society. They both stress the importance of living a moral and ethical life, fulfilling one's duties and responsibilities, and contributing to the welfare of others. Hinduism, being a more diverse religion, has different social customs and practices depending on the region and sect. Sanatan, on the other hand, focuses on the universal principles of righteousness and duty that are common to all sects and traditions.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Hinduism and Sanatan share many similarities in terms of beliefs, practices, and values. However, Hinduism is a more diverse and varied religion with different sects and traditions, while Sanatan is seen as a more pure and universal form of Hinduism that focuses on the timeless truths that underlie all sects. Both religions offer valuable insights into the nature of reality and the path to spiritual enlightenment, and followers of both can benefit from studying and practicing the teachings of these ancient traditions.