The terms Hindu, Dharma and Sanatana Dharma are often very vague in the mind of a common Hindu. At times there is an aversion towards the word “Hindu” since it is believed to be given by foreigners. To some the word Hindu includes just about everything accepted in a current social context by the people born in Hindu-sthan. Some think Hinduism is just a way of life and nothing more. Few also claim that Sanatana Dharma is “ever-evolving” – it keeps changing with time and has no principles/values that are defined. This ambiguity is the reason why it is also very easy for propaganda against Hinduism to rise.
If you call yourself a Hindu or someone following Sanatana Dharma or dharma, it would be a good idea to understand what these terms mean as per our ancient sacred tradition rooted in vedas and shastras.
This information, based on discourses of Jagadguru Swami Nischalananda Sawaswatji Maharaj, The Shankaracharya of Puri, shall clear all doubts and help us become confident Hindus. We must know who we are. Then only can we live and protect our glorious identity.
