An Introduction to Sanātana Hindu Dharma
The word “Hindu Dharma” has originated from Paramaśiva Himself. In the Meru Tantra, one of the sacred texts revealed to Devi Paramaśiva Śakti, Paramaśiva describes,
Translation: In Kaliyuga, by chanting the Pashcimamnaya Mantra for eight, eighty thousand eight times will manifest as power for the Kings to fight five khana, seven maura, and nine saha who will destroy the Hindu Dharma. Oh Devi, the word Hindu literally means whole, those who defeat the evil!
The Merutantra, 33rd Prakasha in Sabdakalpadruma Much before Hindu Dharma was a religion as we cognize it today, “Hindu” was a defining aspect of a person who was keenly intent on destroying evil not just externally but breaking the bondage of maya or delusion. “Hindu” is therefore a quality of a person who recognizes the internal spiritual quest for the experience of Oneness with Paramaśiva, and powerfulness, as a more tangible journey than what we, in the modern day, venture to achieve in our material life.
As a philosophy, as a civilization, and as a lifestyle Hindu Dharma emerged from Paramaśiva. Over time, though it has undergone countless cycles of creation, destruction, revival, and expansion in all directions, it has never died, earning the prefix, “Sanātana” or eternal. It encompasses a pantheon of traditions, lineages, and heritages that are still living today after its origin many thousands of years ago. Sanātana Hindu Dharma was never just one philosophy, one God, or one tradition – which many people claim. It was and is always vast and expanding.