Introduction: Balance in Sanatana Dharma
Sanatana Dharma, also known as Hinduism, is one of the oldest and most diverse religions in the world. It encompasses a vast range of philosophical, ethical, cultural, and spiritual traditions that have evolved over thousands of years. One of the core principles of Sanatana Dharma is the concept of balance, which is reflected in various aspects of its teachings, practices, and worldview.
Balance, in Sanatana Dharma, is not a static or rigid state of being, but a dynamic and flexible process of harmonizing the opposing forces that exist in the universe and within oneself. Balance is not about achieving strict equality or uniformity, but about maintaining a healthy equilibrium that fosters growth, well-being, and harmony. Balance is not about avoiding or suppressing the negative aspects of life, but about embracing and transcending them through wisdom, compassion, and action.
The Philosophical Foundation of Balance
The concept of balance in Sanatana Dharma is rooted in its philosophical framework, which is based on the recognition of the inherent duality of existence. According to Sanatana Dharma, the ultimate reality, or Brahman, is beyond all dualities and distinctions, and is the source of all creation. However, the phenomenal world, or Maya, is a manifestation of Brahman’s creative power, and is characterized by the interplay of positive and negative forces, such as light and darkness, pleasure and pain, good and evil, order and chaos, etc.
These forces are not independent or antagonistic, but complementary and interdependent. They are the expressions of the two fundamental aspects of Brahman, namely Shakti and Shiva. Shakti is the feminine principle of energy, dynamism, and creativity, while Shiva is the masculine principle of consciousness, stability, and transcendence. Together, they form the cosmic couple that sustains the universe and its diversity.
Sanatana Dharma does not view these forces as absolute or fixed, but as relative and fluid. They are constantly changing and influencing each other, creating a dynamic balance that allows the universe to exist and evolve. Sanatana Dharma also does not judge these forces as good or bad, but as necessary and inevitable. They are the natural consequences of the law of karma, which governs the cause and effect of actions and reactions. Sanatana Dharma teaches us to accept and understand these forces, and to foster a thoughtful and nuanced contemplation of their implications and consequences.
Sanatana Dharma also acknowledges that life is a complex interplay of opposing forces, and that true harmony arises from the equilibrium maintained between these forces. Balance, in Sanatana Dharma, is not a passive or complacent state of being, but an active and conscious process of adjusting and adapting to the changing circumstances and challenges of life.
Balance is not a predetermined or predetermined outcome, but a result of the choices and actions that we make in response to the situations and opportunities that we encounter. Balance is not a final or ultimate goal, but a means to achieve the higher purpose of life, which is to realize our true nature and attain liberation from the cycle of birth and death.
Balance vs. Equality: A Comparative Analysis
Balance and equality are two concepts that are often used interchangeably or confused with each other, especially in the modern context of social justice and human rights. However, they are not synonymous or equivalent, and have different meanings and implications within the context of Sanatana Dharma.
Equality, in general, refers to the state or condition of being equal or identical in some respect, such as value, status, rights, opportunities, etc. Equality implies a sense of uniformity or sameness, and often involves a comparison or measurement of the differences or disparities between individuals or groups. Equality also implies a norm or standard that is used to determine or enforce the equality, and often involves a redistribution or allocation of resources or benefits to achieve or maintain the equality.
Balance, on the other hand, refers to the state or condition of being in harmony or proportion in some respect, such as weight, force, influence, etc. Balance implies a sense of diversity or variety, and often involves a recognition or appreciation of the differences or complementarities between individuals or groups. Balance also implies a natural or organic order that is derived from or aligned with the inherent nature or essence of the individuals or groups, and often involves a contribution or participation of resources or benefits to create or sustain the balance.
In Sanatana Dharma, balance is preferred over equality, as it is more consistent with the philosophical framework and worldview of Sanatana Dharma. Balance is more conducive to the realization of the diversity and unity of existence, and to the attainment of the ultimate goal of liberation. Balance is more respectful of the individuality and autonomy of each being, and to the law of karma that governs their actions and reactions. Balance is more adaptive and flexible to the changing and challenging circumstances of life, and to the dynamic and creative nature of the universe.
Equality, on the other hand, is often seen as a superficial or artificial construct that is imposed or enforced by external or human-made authorities, such as laws, policies, institutions, etc. Equality is often based on a limited or biased perspective that ignores or overlooks the deeper or broader aspects of existence, and that may conflict with the higher purpose of life. Equality is often rigid and inflexible to the diversity and complexity of life, and to the natural and organic order of the universe.
This is not to say that equality is irrelevant or undesirable in Sanatana Dharma, or that balance is incompatible or inconsistent with equality. Sanatana Dharma does not deny or reject the value or importance of equality, especially in the context of human dignity and rights. Sanatana Dharma also does not oppose or resist the efforts or movements that seek to promote or protect equality, especially in the context of social justice and human welfare. However, Sanatana Dharma also does not endorse or advocate an exclusive or excessive focus on equality, especially at the expense of balance. Sanatana Dharma also does not accept or tolerate the misuse or abuse of equality, especially for the sake of selfish or harmful interests.
Sanatana Dharma, therefore, offers a balanced and holistic approach to the concept of equality, and suggests a way to integrate it with the concept of balance. Sanatana Dharma recognizes that equality is a relative and contextual concept, and that it may vary or change depending on the situation or perspective. Sanatana Dharma also acknowledges that equality is a means and not an end, and that it may serve or support the higher goal of balance. Sanatana Dharma, therefore, encourages us to seek equality with discernment and discretion, and to use it with wisdom and compassion.
Navigating Life’s Complexities Through Sanatana Dharma
Sanatana Dharma, as we have seen, emphasizes the concept of balance as a key principle and practice of its teachings and worldview. Sanatana Dharma also encourages us to apply the concept of balance to various dimensions of our lives, such as the physical, mental, emotional, social, and spiritual aspects. Sanatana Dharma provides us with various tools and techniques to help us achieve and maintain balance in these dimensions, and to navigate the complexities and challenges that we face in our lives.
One of the most important and comprehensive tools that Sanatana Dharma offers us is the concept of Dharma, which can be loosely translated as duty, righteousness, or law. Dharma, in Sanatana Dharma, is the moral and ethical code that guides us to live in harmony with ourselves, with others, and with the universe. Dharma is derived from the eternal and universal order that governs the creation and operation of the universe, and that reflects the nature and purpose of each being. Dharma is also determined by the specific and individual roles and responsibilities that each being has in relation to their stage and station of life, and that reflect their abilities and aspirations.
Dharma, therefore, is not a fixed or rigid set of rules or regulations, but a flexible and adaptable framework of principles and values. Dharma is not a one-size-fits-all or a one-time-for-all formula, but a customized and contextualized approach. Dharma is not a blind or dogmatic obedience, but a conscious and rational choice. Dharma, therefore, enables us to seek balance in our lives, by helping us to align our actions and decisions with our true nature and higher purpose, and by helping us to harmonize our interests and needs with those of others and the universe.
Another important and complementary tool that Sanatana Dharma offers us is the concept of Yoga, which can be loosely translated as union, discipline, or technique. Yoga, in Sanatana Dharma, is the practical and experiential method that helps us to achieve balance in our physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual dimensions, and to ultimately realize our true identity and connection with Brahman, the supreme reality. Yoga is based on the understanding and mastery of the various aspects and functions of our body, mind, and consciousness, and their alignment and integration with the universal energy and intelligence.
Yoga, therefore, is not a mere physical exercise or a mental relaxation, but a holistic and transformative process of self-development and self-realization. Yoga is not a single or uniform practice, but a diverse and multifaceted system of practices and paths. Yoga is not a rigid or dogmatic prescription, but a flexible and adaptable recommendation. Yoga, therefore, enables us to seek balance in our lives, by helping us to cultivate and enhance our physical health, mental clarity, emotional stability, and spiritual awareness, and by helping us to overcome and transcend our limitations and attachments.
Sanatana Dharma, thus, offers us a comprehensive and holistic approach to the concept of balance, and provides us with various tools and techniques to help us apply it to our lives. Sanatana Dharma also encourages us to embrace the challenges and opportunities presented by the coexistence of positive and negative aspects in the universe and within ourselves, and to use them as catalysts for our growth and evolution. Sanatana Dharma also teaches us to adopt a balanced and nuanced thought process, that guides us to make informed and responsible choices that contribute to our overall well-being and harmony.
The Cosmic Dance of Shiva as an Illustration
One of the most powerful and profound illustrations of the concept of balance in Sanatana Dharma is the cosmic dance of Shiva, the supreme deity of Sanatana Dharma. Shiva, as we have seen, is the masculine principle of consciousness, stability, and transcendence, and the counterpart of Shakti, the feminine principle of energy, dynamism, and creativity. Shiva is also the lord of destruction, who dissolves the universe at the end of each cycle of creation and preservation, and who liberates the souls from the bondage of Maya.
Shiva’s cosmic dance, also known as Nataraja, is a symbolic representation of the rhythm of creation, preservation, and destruction, and the balance of the opposing forces that sustain the universe and its diversity. Shiva’s cosmic dance is depicted in various forms of art and sculpture, such as the famous bronze statue of Nataraja, which is considered a masterpiece of Indian culture and spirituality.
The statue of Nataraja depicts Shiva dancing in a circle of flames, which represents the cosmic fire that consumes and regenerates the universe. Shiva has four arms, each holding a different symbol or gesture. His upper right hand holds a drum, which represents the sound of creation and the origin of the universe.
His upper left hand holds a flame, which represents the fire of destruction and the dissolution of the universe. His lower right hand is in the gesture of blessing, which represents the grace of preservation and the protection of the universe. His lower left hand is in the gesture of pointing to his raised left foot, which represents the refuge of liberation and the transcendence of the universe.
Shiva’s dance also portrays the balance of the positive and negative aspects of existence, and the harmony of the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual dimensions of life. Shiva’s right leg is planted on the ground, which represents the stability and solidity of the physical world. Shiva’s left leg is raised in the air, which represents the flexibility and fluidity of the spiritual world. Shiva’s face is calm and serene, which represents the peace and joy of the mental and emotional world. Shiva’s hair is flying in the wind, which represents the movement and change of the dynamic and creative world.
Shiva’s cosmic dance, therefore, embodies the essence of balance, and portrays equilibrium as a dynamic process where opposing forces are harmonized and integrated. Shiva’s cosmic dance also inspires us to seek balance in our lives, and to participate in the cosmic rhythm of creation, preservation, and destruction. Shiva’s cosmic dance also invites us to realize our true identity and connection with Brahman, the supreme reality, and to attain liberation from the cycle of birth and death.
Wisdom from Noble Writers and Thinkers
Sanatana Dharma, as we have seen, is a rich and diverse tradition that has produced many noble writers and thinkers who have contributed to the development and dissemination of its teachings and worldview. These writers and thinkers have expressed and explored the concept of balance in Sanatana Dharma, and have offered valuable insights and guidance for us to apply it to our lives.
One of the most influential and revered writers and thinkers of Sanatana Dharma is Vyasa, who is considered the author of the Vedas, the Upanishads, the Mahabharata, and the Puranas, among other works. Vyasa is also regarded as an incarnation of Vishnu, the preserver and protector of the universe, and one of the three main deities of Sanatana Dharma, along with Brahma and Shiva. Vyasa is credited with compiling and organizing the vast and diverse body of knowledge and wisdom of Sanatana Dharma, and making it accessible and relevant for the people of different times and places.
Vyasa’s most famous and celebrated work is the Mahabharata, which is an epic poem that narrates the story of the Kurukshetra war, a conflict between two branches of a royal family, the Pandavas and the Kauravas, over the throne of Hastinapura, the capital of the ancient kingdom of Bharata. The Mahabharata is not only a historical and literary masterpiece, but also a philosophical and spiritual treasure, as it contains the Bhagavad Gita, which is the essence of Sanatana Dharma, and the source of inspiration and guidance for millions of people across the world.
The Bhagavad Gita, which means the Song of God, is a dialogue between Krishna, the supreme personality of Godhead, and Arjuna, the leader of the Pandavas and a great warrior, on the eve of the Kurukshetra war. Arjuna is faced with a dilemma, as he has to fight against his own relatives, friends, and teachers, who have sided with the Kauravas, who are the unjust and oppressive rulers of Hastinapura.
Arjuna is confused and conflicted, as he does not want to kill his own kin, but he also does not want to abandon his duty and righteousness. He turns to Krishna for advice and guidance, and Krishna reveals to him the secrets of Sanatana Dharma, and teaches him how to perform his duty without attachment to the results, and how to attain balance and liberation in his life.
The Bhagavad Gita, therefore, is a profound and practical exposition of the concept of balance in Sanatana Dharma, and emphasizes the concept of performing duties without attachment to results as a philosophy rooted in maintaining balance amidst life’s dualities. The Bhagavad Gita also teaches us how to balance our physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual dimensions, and how to achieve harmony with ourselves, with others, and with the universe. The Bhagavad Gita also inspires us to seek balance in our lives, and to follow the example of Arjuna, who overcame his doubts and fears, and fought for the cause of justice and righteousness, with the guidance and grace of Krishna.
Another influential and revered writer and thinker of Sanatana Dharma is Adi Shankara, who is considered the founder of the Advaita Vedanta school of philosophy, which is one of the six orthodox schools of Sanatana Dharma. Advaita Vedanta, which means non-dualism, is the philosophy that asserts that there is only one reality, Brahman, and that everything else is an illusion, Maya. Adi Shankara is also regarded as a reformer and a revivalist of Sanatana Dharma, as he traveled across India, and debated and defeated various scholars and sects that opposed or deviated from the teachings of Sanatana Dharma.
Adi Shankara’s most famous and influential work is the Vivekachudamani, which means the Crest Jewel of Discrimination, which is a treatise that explains and elaborates the principles and practices of Advaita Vedanta, and guides the seekers of truth and liberation to the realization of their true identity and connection with Brahman, the supreme reality. The Vivekachudamani is not only a philosophical and metaphysical work, but also a practical and ethical work, as it provides various instructions and advice for the seekers of truth and liberation, such as the qualifications, the methods, the obstacles, and the results of the spiritual path.
The Vivekachudamani, therefore, is a profound and practical exposition of the concept of balance in Sanatana Dharma, and emphasizes the concept of discrimination between the real and the unreal, and the detachment from the illusory and the impermanent, as a philosophy rooted in maintaining balance amidst life’s dualities. The Vivekachudamani also teaches us how to balance our physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual dimensions, and how to achieve harmony with ourselves, with others, and with the universe. The Vivekachudamani also inspires us to seek balance in our lives, and to follow the example of Adi Shankara, who dedicated his life to the propagation and preservation of Sanatana Dharma, and to the enlightenment and liberation of the souls.
Examining Balance and Equality in Sacred Texts
Sanatana Dharma, as we have seen, is a vast and diverse tradition that has produced many sacred texts that contain the knowledge and wisdom of Sanatana Dharma. These sacred texts include the Vedas, the Upanishads, the Mahabharata, the Ramayana, and the Shiva Purana, among others. These sacred texts are not only authoritative and revered sources of Sanatana Dharma, but also literary and cultural treasures, as they narrate the stories and teachings of Sanatana Dharma in various forms and styles.
These sacred texts also reflect and illustrate the concept of balance in Sanatana Dharma, and show how it is applied and manifested in various contexts and situations. These sacred texts also reveal and demonstrate the concept of equality in Sanatana Dharma, and show how it is perceived and practiced in relation to the concept of balance. In this section, we will explore some examples of balance and equality in these sacred texts, and analyze how they are emphasized or superseded in each of these texts.
Vedas
The Vedas are the oldest and most sacred texts of Sanatana Dharma, and are considered the source and foundation of all other texts and traditions of Sanatana Dharma. The Vedas are composed of four collections of hymns, rituals, and philosophies, namely the Rig Veda, the Sama Veda, the Yajur Veda, and the Atharva Veda. The Vedas are believed to be revealed by Brahman, the supreme reality, to the ancient sages, who transmitted them orally for generations, before they were written down in Sanskrit around 1500 BCE.
The Vedas, as the name suggests, which means knowledge, contain the knowledge of various aspects of existence, such as the nature and origin of the universe, the gods and goddesses, the human and animal life, the social and moral order, the spiritual and material goals, etc. The Vedas also prescribe the rituals and sacrifices that are to be performed by the priests and the people, to maintain the balance and harmony between the human and the divine realms, and to obtain the blessings and benefits from the gods and goddesses.
The Vedas, therefore, emphasize the concept of balance, as they reflect the recognition and appreciation of the diversity and complexity of existence, and the interdependence and interaction of the various forces and elements that constitute and sustain the universe. The Vedas also teach the concept of balance, as they guide the people to live in harmony with themselves, with others, and with the universe, by following the principles and practices of Dharma, which is the moral and ethical code that governs the conduct and behavior of the people.
The Vedas, however, do not emphasize the concept of equality, as they reflect the hierarchy and differentiation of the society and the cosmos, and the allocation and distribution of the roles and responsibilities, rights and duties, privileges and obligations, among the various classes and categories of beings. The Vedas also do not teach the concept of equality, as they prescribe the rituals and sacrifices that are to be performed by the priests and the people, to appease and propitiate the gods and goddesses, who are seen as superior and powerful, and who grant or withhold the favors and rewards, according to the merit and demerit of the people.
The Vedas, therefore, supersede the concept of equality, as they are based on the assumption and acceptance of the inequality and diversity of existence, and the necessity and inevitability of the inequality and diversity of the society and the cosmos. The Vedas, however, do not deny or reject the concept of equality, as they also acknowledge and affirm the unity and identity of existence, and the potential and possibility of the unity and identity of the society and the cosmos. The Vedas, therefore, offer a balanced and holistic perspective on the concept of equality, and suggest a way to integrate it with the concept of balance.
Upanishads
The Upanishads are the philosophical and mystical texts of Sanatana Dharma, and are considered the culmination and essence of the Vedas. The Upanishads are composed of various dialogues and discourses between the sages and the seekers, who explore and expound the nature and origin of the self, the world, and the supreme reality. The Upanishads are believed to be composed between 800 and 500 BCE, and are classified into two categories, namely the principal Upanishads, which are 13 in number, and the minor Upanishads, which are more than 200 in number.
The Upanishads, as the name suggests, which means sitting near, contain the knowledge of the highest and deepest truths, which are revealed by the sages to the seekers, who sit near them and listen to them with reverence and devotion. The Upanishads also prescribe the methods and techniques of meditation and contemplation, which are to be practiced by the seekers, to realize and experience the ultimate reality, which is Brahman, the supreme reality, who is also the self, the Atman, of all beings.
The Upanishads, therefore, emphasize the concept of balance, as they reflect the recognition and realization of the unity and identity of existence, and the harmony and integration of the self, the world, and the supreme reality. The Upanishads also teach the concept of balance, as they guide the seekers to live in harmony with themselves, with others, and with the universe, by following the principles and practices of Dharma, which is the moral and ethical code that governs the conduct and behavior of the seekers.
The Upanishads, however, do not emphasize the concept of equality, as they reflect the transcendence and liberation of the self, the world, and the supreme reality, from the duality and diversity of existence, and the illusion and impermanence of Maya, the phenomenal world. The Upanishads also do not teach the concept of equality, as they prescribe the methods and techniques of meditation and contemplation, which are to be practiced by the seekers, to attain the state of Nirvana, the blissful and peaceful state of being, where all distinctions and differences are dissolved and resolved.
The Upanishads, therefore, supersede the concept of equality, as they are based on the assumption and acceptance of the non-duality and non-diversity of existence, and the possibility and inevitability of the non-duality and non-diversity of the self, the world, and the supreme reality. The Upanishads, however, do not deny or reject the concept of equality, as they also acknowledge and affirm the diversity and complexity of existence, and the potential and possibility of the diversity and complexity of the self, the world, and the supreme reality. The Upanishads, therefore, offer a balanced and holistic perspective on the concept of equality, and suggest a way to integrate it with the concept of balance.
Mahabharata
The Mahabharata is the epic poem that narrates the story of the Kurukshetra war, a conflict between two branches of a royal family, the Pandavas and the Kauravas, over the throne of Hastinapura, the capital of the ancient kingdom of Bharata. The Mahabharata is also a historical and literary masterpiece, as it contains various stories and teachings of Sanatana Dharma, and is considered the longest poem in the world, with over 74,000 verses. The Mahabharata is believed to be composed by Vyasa, the sage and author of the Vedas and the Upanishads, between 400 and 300 BCE.
The Mahabharata, as the name suggests, which means the great story of Bharata, contains the story of the descendants of Bharata, the legendary king and ancestor of the Pandavas and the Kauravas. The Mahabharata also contains the story of the gods and goddesses, the sages and the demons, the heroes and the villains, the friends and the foes, who are involved or affected by the Kurukshetra war, and who influence or determine its outcome.
The Mahabharata also contains the story of the human and the divine, the moral and the immoral, the righteous and the unrighteous, the duty and the desire, the action and the consequence, the war and the peace, the life and the death, the bondage and the liberation, that are depicted and contrasted in the Kurukshetra war, and that reflect and illustrate the essence and the purpose of Sanatana Dharma.
The Mahabharata, therefore, emphasizes the concept of balance, as it reflects the recognition and realization of the diversity and complexity of existence, and the interdependence and interaction of the various forces and elements that constitute and sustain the universe. The Mahabharata also teaches the concept of balance, as it guides the people to live in harmony with themselves, with others, and with the universe, by following the principles and practices of Dharma, which is the moral and ethical code that governs the conduct and behavior of the people.
The Mahabharata, however, does not emphasize the concept of equality, as it reflects the hierarchy and differentiation of the society and the cosmos, and the allocation and distribution of the roles and responsibilities, rights and duties, privileges and obligations, among the various classes and categories of beings. The Mahabharata also does not teach the concept of equality, as it depicts the conflicts and wars that are caused or fueled by the greed and envy, the pride and arrogance, the injustice and oppression, the violence and cruelty, that arise or result from the inequality and diversity of the society and the cosmos.
The Mahabharata, therefore, supersede the concept of equality, as they are based on the assumption and acceptance of the inequality and diversity of existence, and the necessity and inevitability of the inequality and diversity of the society and the cosmos. The Mahabharata, however, do not deny or reject the concept of equality, as they also acknowledge and affirm the unity and identity of existence, and the potential and possibility of the unity and identity of the society and the cosmos. The Mahabharata, therefore, offer a balanced and holistic perspective on the concept of equality, and suggest a way to integrate it with the concept of balance.
Ramayana
The Ramayana is the epic poem that narrates the story of Rama, the prince and king of Ayodhya, and his wife Sita, the princess and queen of Mithila, who are the incarnations of Vishnu and Lakshmi, the preserver and protector of the universe, and the goddess of wealth and prosperity, respectively. The Ramayana is also a historical and literary masterpiece, as it contains various stories and teachings of Sanatana Dharma, and is considered the second longest poem in the world, with over 24,000 verses. The Ramayana is believed to be composed by Valmiki, the sage and poet, between 500 and 100 BCE.
The Ramayana, as the name suggests, which means the journey of Rama, contains the story of the life and adventures of Rama, who is the ideal and exemplary man, and the hero and leader of the people. The Ramayana also contains the story of the gods and goddesses, the sages and the demons, the friends and the foes, who are involved or affected by the events and actions of Rama, and who influence or determine his destiny.
The Ramayana also contains the story of the human and the divine, the moral and the immoral, the righteous and the unrighteous, the duty and the desire, the action and the consequence, the war and the peace, the life and the death, the bondage and the liberation, that are depicted and contrasted in the life and adventures of Rama, and that reflect and illustrate the essence and the purpose of Sanatana Dharma.
The Ramayana, therefore, emphasizes the concept of balance, as it reflects the recognition and realization of the diversity and complexity of existence, and the interdependence and interaction of the various forces and elements that constitute and sustain the universe. The Ramayana also teaches the concept of balance, as it guides the people to live in harmony with themselves, with others, and with the universe, by following the principles and practices of Dharma, which is the moral and ethical code that governs the conduct and behavior of the people.
The Ramayana, however, does not emphasize the concept of equality, as it reflects the hierarchy and differentiation of the society and the cosmos, and the allocation and distribution of the roles and responsibilities, rights and duties, privileges and obligations, among the various classes and categories of beings. The Ramayana also does not teach the concept of equality, as it depicts the conflicts and wars that are caused or fueled by the greed and envy, the pride and arrogance, the injustice and oppression, the violence and cruelty, that arise or result from the inequality and diversity of the society and the cosmos.
The Ramayana, therefore, supersede the concept of equality, as they are based on the assumption and acceptance of the inequality and diversity of existence, and the necessity and inevitability of the inequality and diversity of the society and the cosmos. The Ramayana, however, do not deny or reject the concept of equality, as they also acknowledge and affirm the unity and identity of existence, and the potential and possibility of the unity and identity of the society and the cosmos. The Ramayana, therefore, offer a balanced and holistic perspective on the concept of equality, and suggest a way to integrate it with the concept of balance.
Shiva Purana
The Shiva Purana is one of the eighteen major Puranas, which are the ancient and sacred texts of Sanatana Dharma that narrate the stories and teachings of the gods and goddesses, the sages and the demons, the heroes and the villains, and the creation and destruction of the universe. The Shiva Purana is dedicated to Shiva, the supreme deity of Sanatana Dharma, and his consort Parvati, the goddess of power and beauty, and their various forms and manifestations, such as Ganesha, the elephant-headed god of wisdom and success, and Kartikeya, the six-headed god of war and valor.
The Shiva Purana is believed to be composed between 400 and 1000 CE, and is divided into six sections, namely the Vidyesvara Samhita, the Rudra Samhita, the Shatarudra Samhita, the Koti Rudra Samhita, the Uma Samhita, and the Kailasa Samhita.
The Shiva Purana, as the name suggests, which means the ancient story of Shiva, contains the story of the origin and evolution of Shiva, who is the source and end of all creation, and the lord and master of all beings. The Shiva Purana also contains the story of the various aspects and attributes of Shiva, such as his names, forms, symbols, attributes, powers, weapons, abodes, etc.
The Shiva Purana also contains the story of the various deeds and adventures of Shiva, such as his battles with the demons, his blessings and boons to the devotees, his marriages and children, his dances and sports, etc. The Shiva Purana also contains the story of the human and the divine, the moral and the immoral, the righteous and the unrighteous, the duty and the desire, the action and the consequence, the war and the peace, the life and the death, the bondage and the liberation, that are depicted and contrasted in the stories and teachings of Shiva, and that reflect and illustrate the essence and the purpose of Sanatana Dharma.
The Shiva Purana, therefore, emphasizes the concept of balance, as it reflects the recognition and realization of the diversity and complexity of existence, and the interdependence and interaction of the various forces and elements that constitute and sustain the universe. The Shiva Purana also teaches the concept of balance, as it guides the people to live in harmony with themselves, with others, and with the universe, by following the principles and practices of Dharma, which is the moral and ethical code that governs the conduct and behavior of the people.
The Shiva Purana, however, does not emphasize the concept of equality, as it reflects the hierarchy and differentiation of the society and the cosmos, and the allocation and distribution of the roles and responsibilities, rights and duties, privileges and obligations, among the various classes and categories of beings. The Shiva Purana also does not teach the concept of equality, as it depicts the conflicts and wars that are caused or fueled by the greed and envy, the pride and arrogance, the injustice and oppression, the violence and cruelty, that arise or result from the inequality and diversity of the society and the cosmos.
The Shiva Purana, therefore, supersede the concept of equality, as they are based on the assumption and acceptance of the inequality and diversity of existence, and the necessity and inevitability of the inequality and diversity of the society and the cosmos. The Shiva Purana, however, do not deny or reject the concept of equality, as they also acknowledge and affirm the unity and identity of existence, and the potential and possibility of the unity and identity of the society and the cosmos. The Shiva Purana, therefore, offer a balanced and holistic perspective on the concept of equality, and suggest a way to integrate it with the concept of balance.
Conclusion
In this article, we have explored the concept of balance in Sanatana Dharma, and how it can help us navigate the complexities and challenges of life. We have seen that balance, in Sanatana Dharma, is a dynamic and flexible process of harmonizing the opposing forces that exist in the universe and within ourselves. We have also seen that balance, in Sanatana Dharma, is not about achieving strict equality or uniformity, but about maintaining a healthy equilibrium that fosters growth, well-being, and harmony.
We have also examined the philosophical foundation of balance, and compared it with the concept of equality. We have seen that balance, in Sanatana Dharma, is preferred over equality, as it is more consistent with the philosophical framework and worldview of Sanatana Dharma. We have also seen that equality, in Sanatana Dharma, is not irrelevant or undesirable, but is a relative and contextual concept, that can be integrated with the concept of balance.
We have also explored how Sanatana Dharma encourages us to seek balance in various dimensions of our lives, such as the physical, mental, emotional, social, and spiritual aspects. We have seen that Sanatana Dharma provides us with various tools and techniques to help us achieve and maintain balance in these dimensions, such as the concept of Dharma, the concept of Yoga, and the concept of meditation and contemplation.
We have also illustrated the concept of balance with the metaphorical dance of Shiva, the supreme deity of Sanatana Dharma. We have seen that Shiva’s cosmic dance embodies the essence of balance, and portrays equilibrium as a dynamic process where opposing forces are harmonized and integrated. We have also seen that Shiva’s cosmic dance inspires us to seek balance in our lives, and to participate in the cosmic rhythm of creation, preservation, and destruction.
We have also drawn wisdom from the noble writers and thinkers of Sanatana Dharma, such as Vyasa, the author of the Mahabharata and the Bhagavad Gita, and Adi Shankara, the founder of the Advaita Vedanta school of philosophy. We have seen that these writers and thinkers have expressed and explored the concept of balance in Sanatana Dharma, and have offered valuable insights and guidance for us to apply it to our lives.
We have also analyzed the examples of balance and equality in the sacred texts of Sanatana Dharma, such as the Vedas, the Upanishads, the Mahabharata, the Ramayana, and the Shiva Purana. We have seen that these sacred texts reflect and illustrate the concept of balance in Sanatana Dharma, and show how it is applied and manifested in various contexts and situations. We have also seen that these sacred texts reveal and demonstrate the concept of equality in Sanatana Dharma, and show how it is perceived and practiced in relation to the concept of balance.
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