Sanātana Dharma, meaning The Eternal Law, refers to the timeless spiritual wisdom that underlies the Hindu tradition. Its revealed source is the Rig Veda, regarded as the oldest known spiritual scripture.
The Vedas are not “books” in the ordinary sense, nor are they the work of human authors. They are described as nitya (eternal) and anādi (without beginning). According to the tradition, they were revealed to ancient sages (Ṛṣis) during deep meditation. For this reason, the Vedas are said to be apauruṣeya — not of human origin.
The Vedic teachings address the nature of the individual soul, the structure of the universe, and the Ultimate Reality that underlies all existence. They form the spiritual foundation upon which later teachings, including Vedānta, are built.
For many centuries, this wisdom was preserved through a precise oral tradition, passed carefully from teacher to disciple without alteration.
The sage Vyasa later organised the revelation into four collections:
- Rigveda
- Yajurveda
- Samaveda
- Atharvaveda
Together, they form the enduring scriptural basis of Sanātana Dharma — a tradition that points not merely to belief, but to Self-knowledge.