4 posts · 28 cards

Sanatana Dharma सनातन धर्म

Self, karma, sacrifice, and devotion: the ideas of a classic textbook in four carousels.

Sanatana Dharma

One reality. Many ways to grow

One reality. Many ways to grow, card 1 of 7
One reality. Many ways to grow, card 2 of 7
One reality. Many ways to grow, card 3 of 7
One reality. Many ways to grow, card 4 of 7
One reality. Many ways to grow, card 5 of 7
One reality. Many ways to grow, card 6 of 7
One reality. Many ways to grow, card 7 of 7
Read as text

What do the self, karma and sacrifice have to do with how we live? Begin with six ideas from Part I of the textbook.

In this carousel:
I. Many names. One reality.
II. How the one becomes many
III. Life as a longer journey
IV. Actions carry consequences
V. Give something of yourself
VI. The body and the deeper self

Metaphysical ideas are presented as the textbook's religious teachings.

Which idea would you like to explore more deeply?

Original English book excerpts + plain-English paraphrases. Reflections are editorial. One selected concept per chapter.

Source: Sanatana Dharma: An Advanced Text Book of Hindu Religion and Ethics, Board of Trustees, Central Hindu College, Benares, 1904.
Quote pages (book/PDF): 38/46; 62/70; 90/98; 108/116; 127/135; 139/147.

Sanatana Dharma

Make daily life more meaningful

Make daily life more meaningful, card 1 of 8
Make daily life more meaningful, card 2 of 8
Make daily life more meaningful, card 3 of 8
Make daily life more meaningful, card 4 of 8
Make daily life more meaningful, card 5 of 8
Make daily life more meaningful, card 6 of 8
Make daily life more meaningful, card 7 of 8
Make daily life more meaningful, card 8 of 8
Read as text

Ritual can invite attention, gratitude and responsibility. Part II explores life ceremonies, ancestors, purity, daily offerings, worship and social duties.

In this carousel:
I. Mark the changes that shape a life
II. Remember those who came before
III. Cleanliness inside and out
IV. Gratitude is a daily practice
V. Give devotion your attention
VI. Different stages. Different duties.
VII. Read caste in its historical setting

Historical context: this section also contains caste hierarchy and purity rules. The cards distinguish the book's viewpoint from contemporary reflections on equal dignity.

Which practice helps you pause and act with intention?

Original English book excerpts + plain-English paraphrases. Reflections are editorial. One selected concept per chapter.

Source: Sanatana Dharma: An Advanced Text Book of Hindu Religion and Ethics, Board of Trustees, Central Hindu College, Benares, 1904.
Quote pages (book/PDF): 170/178; 183/191; 195/203; 198/206; 210/218; 221/229; 238/246.

Sanatana Dharma

What makes a good action?

What makes a good action?, card 1 of 7
What makes a good action?, card 2 of 7
What makes a good action?, card 3 of 7
What makes a good action?, card 4 of 7
What makes a good action?, card 5 of 7
What makes a good action?, card 6 of 7
What makes a good action?, card 7 of 7
Read as text

Good conduct begins with noticing how our choices affect others. These six chapters explore the book's foundations of ethics.

In this carousel:
I. Ethics asks: how should we act?
II. Why care about others?
III. From “only me” towards “all of us”
IV. Does this choice build harmony?
V. Good character grows through duty
VI. Feel deeply. Respond thoughtfully.

These ideas reflect the textbook's religious account of unity and spiritual development.

What helps you make a thoughtful choice when emotions are strong?

Original English book excerpts + plain-English paraphrases. Reflections are editorial. One selected concept per chapter.

Source: Sanatana Dharma: An Advanced Text Book of Hindu Religion and Ethics, Board of Trustees, Central Hindu College, Benares, 1904.
Quote pages (book/PDF): 259/267; 264/272; 276/284; 290/298; 295/303; 308/316.

Sanatana Dharma

Let wisdom show in how you live

Let wisdom show in how you live, card 1 of 6
Let wisdom show in how you live, card 2 of 6
Let wisdom show in how you live, card 3 of 6
Let wisdom show in how you live, card 4 of 6
Let wisdom show in how you live, card 5 of 6
Let wisdom show in how you live, card 6 of 6
Read as text

Wisdom becomes visible in habits and relationships. These final five chapters move from self-discipline to the way we respond to other people.

In this carousel:
VII. Let judgement guide your impulses
VIII. Respect with discernment
IX. Kindness begins before you speak
X. Use your strength to help
XI. Your response can change the tone

“Superiors” and “inferiors” are the book's historical terms. The series explains these through relationships of responsibility, authority and dependence.

Which small change could make your next conversation kinder?

Original English book excerpts + plain-English paraphrases. Reflections are editorial. One selected concept per chapter.

Source: Sanatana Dharma: An Advanced Text Book of Hindu Religion and Ethics, Board of Trustees, Central Hindu College, Benares, 1904.
Quote pages (book/PDF): 315/323; 338/346; 362/370; 380/388; 392/400.