Sanatana Dharma, an ancient spiritual tradition that emphasizes self-realization, teaches that people are Divin Divine Souls, not merely human beings. They assist in discovering the ultimate meaning of existence by asking themselves, "Who am I?" and comprehending ideas like Tat Twam Asi and Neti Neti.
Are age-old spiritual practices still applicable in the modern world, or are they outdated, useless, and out of style? How can we incorporate these customs into our contemporary lives to lead happy, peaceful lives?
Over the years, one thing has remained constant. Everyone aspires to happiness. Though the world has altered significantly, our ultimate goal has not changed.
Regarding life and death, nothing has altered either. The body is created and ultimately ends. According to old traditions, Karma has something to do with both birth and death. We are forced to live a life of morality, ethics, virtues, and good values by the Law of Karma since, in the absence of positive Karma, we shall suffer. According to age-old customs and knowledge, Dharma is connected to our Karma. We have strayed from the path since Dharma is not given much attention in today's world.
Dharma (righteousness), Artha (prosperity), Kama (pleasures and wants), and Moksha (escape from the cycle of death) are listed as the Purushartha, or the goal of life. Even though we still discuss moksha today, we are unaware of its actual meaning. We are all consumed with Kama and yearn for Artha. We have desires and we want money, but we no longer prioritize Moksha. The Brahmacharya, Grihastha, Vanaprastha, and Sanyas are the four Ashrams of life that were mentioned in the old spiritual traditions.
We have to change, progress from one phase to the next. A Gurukul was where young children would study; this custom has since been abandoned. We now attend contemporary schools. In the past, a person would enter Grihastha after receiving Brahmacharya, get married, and have a family. However, one would withdraw from the corporeal world and enter the Vanaprastha stage after becoming fifty. This would entail giving up on material things, quitting home chores, and concentrating on spiritual activities.
Finally, one would commit Sanyas, or fully devoting oneself to discovering the meaning of existence, to Moksha. However, in the modern world, we first learn before earning. This is on par with the Brahmacharya and Artha stages. We also adhere to Grihastha. But in the modern world, we grow, learn, earn, die, burn, and then come back. Back then, we used to learn and make money. Back then, we would turn and desire for the Divine, for the reason we were here.
“In the end, what's the point of all this? The goal of life, according to ancient spiritual traditions, is to come to terms with "Who am I and why am I here?" Asi Tat Twam Asi, Neti Neti: You are not your thoughts or your body. That is who you are. The Divine Soul is who you are.”
The old spiritual traditions used to teach us that this world is actually Mithya, or Jagat Mithya, and that Maya is just an illusion. Brahman was Brahman Satya, the all-pervading Supreme Power. This implied that the one Divine is manifested throughout the entire universe. God is within us. Brahmasmi Aham. Asi Tat Twam. Shivoham. Spiritual traditions have always pushed us to acknowledge our humanity. The Divine Soul is who we are.
Regretfully, not many people in today's world succeed in achieving this objective. In actuality, we are unaware that this is what life is all about.We equate happiness with success. We consider purpose to be achievement. That level of satisfaction and fulfillment eludes us. Consequently, even though life was simpler and there were less joys in the past, man had fewer cravings and passions, making modern man significantly less happy than he was in the past.
Man is running like crazy these days. Man gets trapped in a maze while competing to become an ace. Man lived graciously in the past. Thus, we should slow down if we wish to adhere to these antiquated spiritual practices. Our original concept, Sanatana Dharma, is not a religion; rather, it is a way of life. If we return to it and slow down, we will be able to realize who we are and live a peaceful, joyful existence. Self-realization is the first step toward God-realization, which unites us with the Divine.
Of fact, modern man appears to be adhering to some spiritual traditions and practices. Yoga, for example. But yoga is more than just poses, or physical exercises, and breathing exercises, or pranayama. Although there are many different types of yoga studios nowadays, they genuinely have very little to do with the fundamental intent and meaning of yoga. The term "Yuj" (yoga) means "to be in union with God." We can only achieve life's ultimate goal when we practice yoga and live as authentic Yogis.
Through Dhyana Yoga (meditation), Bhakti Yoga (devotion), Karma Yoga (activity), Gyana Yoga (education), and Prema Yoga (the Yoga of Divine Manifestation), one can be in yoga and always be in touch with the Divine.
Another ancient practice that is necessary to transcend the mind and enter the state of Consciousness is meditation. We can become aware of the truth when we are in the condition of consciousness. However, meditation is not about heading into a forest and taking a cross-legged seat beneath a tree. The goal of meditation is to quiet the mind. It can be done at any time of day, when we know no one will be bothering us, while seated comfortably in our homes or even at our places of employment.
Spiritual traditions are intended to lead us, to rescue us from the ignorance of ignorance, and to assist us in living in the truth's light, in harmony, happiness, and joy. They guide us toward life's ultimate goal.
