Introduction 

Why do we do what we do? We can only practice Sanatana Dharma and share it with others confidently, if we have clarity. We do this for Duhkha Nivṛtti (aversion of sorrow), and Sukha Prāpti (pursuit of joy). But these don’t ensure peace – peace doesn’t come by instinct, it requires intention. 

“Hindu” is not a sanskrit word – it has a geographical context. It doesn’t tell us how we live. Sanatana Dharma describes our unchanging responsibility, not based on a context. This responsibility is to be independently joyous. It is not prescriptive, but it does provide guidance to be responsible. Every moment requires us to be intentional and disciplined. Discipline makes us stronger and more free. 

Those who found that peace, we study their experience through words (scriptures). Shastra is our manual for this life which tells us how to live and what to do / what not to do. It is filled with virtues and ideals that will help us find our way to peace. 

We don’t worship idols but ideals – each form stands for these ideals that we will be inspired to live by. 

The vision is Sanatana Dharma.

The mission is Self development – transforming values to virtues through study and discipline.

We reach these goals by being dedicated to satsanga, seva, sadhana – the culmination of this is to serve all. 

Question 1

What are some practical ways to give up doership as a parent?

Sumanji’s Response

By giving up doership, we give us deservership as well. When we are intentional, we feel that we are the caretaker of this child, not that “I made this child who they are”. All relationships are entrusted to us for us to be independently joyous.

1. Feel that you are an instrument, this is a responsibility you’ve been given. Our part is only the effort, not the result. 
2. When it goes well, say thank you instead of taking credit for it. 
3. When it doesn’t go well, don’t feel judgemental or guilty or ashamed. There is no such thing as a mistake if we are constantly learning from every experience. 

Resources – > Time -> Relationships are the greatest stressors in our lives. 

Question 2

How do we balance doership and accountability?

Sumanji’s  Response

Letting go of doership is not letting go of doing. Doing is required as the Law of Karma; not doing is not possible. Letting go of doership is understanding that our joy does not come from the result but comes from the quality of the effort, do be absorbed in the doing (body and mind) so that the doing, the doer and the done dissolve into one. 

Letting go of doership requires the most effort; it helps us raise our purpose of why we are doing, and therefore our performance will also grow. Letting go of doership is not complacency, its freedom – it doesn’t compromise our presence in the doing. 

Doership -> Deservership -> Feeling of control -> Expectations 

Being focused on doership leads to being anxious in the present while doing our work. The result is never in our hands – this illusion is because of subscribing to doership and deservership. Knowing that we gave our best gives us peace. 

Question 3

When we say Sanatana Dharma has no do’s and don’ts, how do we explain yamas and niyamas?

Sumanji’s Response

As one climbs the rungs of the self-development ladder, one has to begin to reduce the quantity of thoughts and improve the quality of thoughts. This requires us to follow certain practices which helps us feel more integrated. This makes us more receptive to knowledge that is more subtle as we become more quiet.  Sanatana Dharma always meets us where we are. 

Reflection Adventure of the Week: Write your answer to what is Hinduism in two sentences.