Hindu Dharma: An Eternal Template That Keeps Producing Narendra Modis

Opening Thoughts 

Sri Aurobindo once observed that Bharat is a sacred land, divinely ordained by Brahman as His Karmabhumi for the current Chaturyuga, a cycle of four Yugas—Satyuga, Tretayuga, Dwaparyuga, and Kaliyuga—that represents the eternal, beginningless, and endless nature of the universe, which forms the core essence of Sanatana. 

It is, therefore, no coincidence that this hallowed soil has birthed hundreds of thousands of Mahamanavas (illustrious beings) over the millennia. While historical records preserve the names of many, countless others have left an indelible imprint through their profound contributions to humanity, remaining anonymous even as their legacies endure. 

The intellectual landscape of Bharat is adorned with luminaries across every conceivable discipline: from the epic narratives of Valmiki and Ved Vyas to the poetic mastery of Kalidas; from the linguistic precision of Panini to the foundational yogic philosophy of Patanjali. In the realms of science and logic, the contributions of Aryabhatta, Bhaskaracharya, Varahamihira, and Brahmagupta in mathematics and astronomy, Kanaad in atomic theory, and Sushruta and Charaka in medicine and surgery, remain unparalleled. The spiritual fabric of the nation was further woven by the wisdom of saints such as Thiruvalluvar, Tukaram, Narsinh Mehta, and Meera Bai, among many others. 

The sheer volume of such figures is staggering; their work is not merely academic but a testament to a spiritually advanced consciousness. For instance, the renowned Western scholar L. Bloomfield described Panini’s Ashtadhyayi as "one of the greatest monuments of human intelligence," a sentiment echoed by modern linguists who view it as the ultimate model of grammatical perfection. Beyond the realm of scholars and saints, Bharat’s history is defined by a lineage of extraordinary rulers. 

Over the last three millennia, these leaders—ranging from Chandragupta Maurya and Vikramaditya to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, Maharana Pratap and Rani Ahalyabai Holkar—governed not merely as monarchs, but as practitioners of the Dharmic path. This path represents an unwavering commitment to the core principles of Dharma, balancing administrative excellence with spiritual integrity. Whether it was the maritime prowess of the Cholas, the resilience of the Sisodiya and Ahom dynasties, or the defensive brilliance of leaders like Lachit Borphukan, Martand Varma, and Banda Singh Bahadur, their collective sacrifices preserved the AtmA (soul) of this nation. 

While space precludes a full accounting of their exploits, these figures occupy a "golden throne" in the Itihas (history) of Bharat. We owe our contemporary existence to their fortitude. Had it not been for their defiance against successive invasions, the world might have lost its most profound and all-inclusive philosophy of life, Sanatana Dharma. 

The Core Principles of Dharma and Their Modern Manifestation 

The ethical foundation of Sanatana Dharma is codified in the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, specifically through the ten principles categorized as Yamas (External Restraints) and Niyamas (Internal Observances). These are not merely ancient guidelines but a timeless "ecosystem" that continues to produce spiritually evolved individuals—from the silent ascetics of the Himalayas to dedicated social workers in the material world. Among those who have dedicated their lives to the preservation of Bharatiya Sabhyata (Civilization) and Sanskriti (Culture) are the Pracharaks of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). Living as ordinary civilians yet bound by extraordinary vows of service, they embody a life of total renunciation. 

Narendra Modi is a preeminent example of this tradition. His journey from a full-time Pracharak to the Prime Minister of Bharat serves as a case study in the practical application of the ten principles of Dharma. Let us have a little closer look at these ten principles of Yoga Sutras vis-à-vis the life of Narendra Modi. 

The Yamas (External Restraints) 

1. Ahimsa (Non-violence) In the Vedic tradition, Ahimsa is not merely the absence of physical force. As illustrated in the Bhagavad Gita, Shri Krishna’s exhortation to Arjuna to fight was not a call to violence, but a mandate to protect Dharma from the forces of Adharma. True Ahimsa is the destruction of evil to protect the righteous. In his 23 years of public service, Narendra Modi has demonstrated this by prioritizing national security and the collective good over personal ego or narrow agendas, ensuring that force is only a tool for justice, never for personal gain. 

2. Asteya (Non-stealing) Despite wielding immense authority, Modi lives with the austerity of an ascetic. He has famously maintained a strict separation between his public office and his family, providing them with no state-funded benefits or special status. With personal savings consisting largely of modest fixed deposits accrued over decades, his financial transparency is a testament to the principle of Asteya—taking nothing that is not rightfully his. 

3. Satya (Truthfulness) For a leader, Satya involves more than literal speech; it is a commitment to the "Highest Truth" and national integrity. Much like the nuanced truth spoken by Yudhishthir in the Mahabharata for a greater cause, Modi’s life is an "open book" of devotion to the nation. His personal integrity has granted him the moral authority to represent Bharat on the global stage, dealing with superpowers like the USA and China from a position of parity and truth. 

4. Aparigraha (Non-possession) The principle of detachment is evident in Modi’s lack of material accumulation. Despite two decades in the most exalted offices of power, he remains unattached to the "chair." His public declaration that he could "simply pick up his jhola (bag) and leave" reflects the spirit of a true Parivrajaka (wanderer) who serves without the need for possession. 

5. Brahmacharya (Sense Control and Continence) Often misunderstood as mere celibacy, Brahmacharya—as defined by B.K.S. Iyengar—is the "continence of body, speech, and mind." Modi’s life has been defined by Indriya Nigraha (mastery over the senses). 

    • Physical Discipline: His ability to maintain rigorous 9-day fasts on only lime water during Navratri     (nine nights of sacredness), even while conducting high-level international summits (such as his 2014     visit to the White House), is a feat of extraordinary willpower. 

    • Mental Discipline: His practice of 24-hour solitary meditation following election cycles (at                 Kedarnath or Kanyakumari) showcases a leader who seeks inner stillness amidst the chaos of politics. 

    • Vocal Discipline: Despite decades of personal vitriol from opponents, his restraint and refusal to         respond in kind exemplify the "undying fame and vigor" that Swami Sivananda attributed to the     practice of Brahmacharya. 

The Niyamas (Internal Observances) 

6. Shaucha (Cleanliness): His disciplined yoga practice and the national emphasis on Swachh (clean) Bharat reflect an alignment of internal purity with external order. 

7. Swadhyaya (Self-Study): The depth and range of his oratory—covering science, history, and spirituality—indicate a life of constant learning and intellectual rigor. 

8. Santosha (Contentment): His ability to work 18-hour days with a sense of equanimity stems from the Gita’s message of Nishkama Karma (selfless action)—performing one’s duty to the highest standard without being paralyzed by the outcome. 

9. Ishwar Pranidhan (Surrender to the Divine): His leadership reflects a sense of being an instrument of a higher purpose. By surrendering the fruits of his labor to the nation and the Divine, he operates with a fearlessness that is only possible through total faith. 

10. Tapas (Penance/Austerity): Working without a single day of recreation for over 23 years is the ultimate Tapas. In the post-pandemic era, while global economies falter, Bharat’s robust growth under his focused "penance" of governance stands as a testament to the fruits of diligent effort. 

The world has rarely seen a political figure who so thoroughly bridges the gap between ancient spiritual mandates and modern geopolitical leadership. By embodying the Yoga Sutras in the theater of statecraft, Narendra Modi has not only transformed Bharat but has redefined the global perception of what a "Dharmic leader" can achieve. 

Conclusion: The Eternal Path and the Global Future 

In the final analysis, the resurgence of Bharat on the world stage is not merely a story of economic or geopolitical growth, but a profound restoration of its civilizational AtmA (soul). By rooting modern governance in the timeless ethics of the Yoga Sutras and the selfless tradition of the Rishis, Narendra Modi has demonstrated that ancient wisdom is not an artifact of the past, but a living compass for the future. As Bharat continues to navigate the complexities of the 21st century, it has the potential to reclaim its identity as a Vishwaguru—a global teacher—guided by leaders who view service as Sadhana and the nation as a sacred trust. 

Through the preservation of its millions of manuscripts* and the living example of its Dharmic icons, Bharat ensures that the all-inclusive philosophy of Sanatana Dharma remains an eternal light, offering a path of balance, integrity, and peace to a searching world. 

It is a fundamental tenet of our tradition that greatness is not merely an accident of birth, but a deliberate evolution of the AtmA (soul). 

While Sanatana Dharma acknowledges the Prarabdha (baggage) of past Karmas, it emphatically grants every individual the agency to transcend that baggage through conscious, Dharmic choices. Every human being possesses the latent potential to become a Mahamanava (superhuman) by aligning their life with the core principles of Dharma. 

For many, this transformation is sparked by the anugraha (grace) of a Guru (teacher)—a tradition seen in the lives of Valmiki, Kalidas, Vivekananda etc. as well as the protagonist of this story, Narendra Modi. 

The Guru illuminates the path, while our sacred texts provide the essential "toolkit" to realize one’s lakshya (goal). Narendra Modi stands as a contemporary product of these embodied values. While the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali offer a precise framework, they are part of a vast ocean of wisdom including the Vedas, Upanishads, and Puranas—the very Gangotri (source) of our philosophy. 

Central to this is the Shrimad Bhagavad Gita, a text that offers a profound blueprint for selfless action and leadership. These texts do not impose dogmatic commands; instead, they offer prescriptions. As an "Open Architecture"—a term aptly used by public intellectual Rajiv Malhotra—Sanatana Dharma does not compel one to "believe," but rather invites one to "seek" through a truly democratic adhyatmik (spiritual) process. 

This tradition is anchored in the Rig Vedic invocation: "Aa no bhadraH kratavo yantu vishwataH"—let noble thoughts come to us from every side. 

By internalizing such expansive wisdom, a practitioner moves toward harmony with Prakruti (nature) and, ultimately, liberation. Narendra Modi’s life is a testament to what occurs when a leader follows these prescriptions to the letter, spending his life not in the pursuit of power, but in the service of Bharatiya civilization. 

The "Dharmic ecosystem" has the inherent potential to produce countless such individuals who prioritize the collective good over the self. This is not a new phenomenon but a continuation of a cycle that has existed since time immemorial. As we look toward a global future, the necessity of this Hindu perspective becomes clear. 

To echo the sentiments of the great historian Arnold Toynbee: 

"It is already becoming clear that a chapter which had a Western beginning will have to have an Indian ending if it is not to end in self-destruction of the human race... the only way of salvation is the ancient Hindu way." 

Ultimately, the resurgence of Bharat is more than a political event; it is a civilizational restoration. By grounding modern leadership in the timeless ethics of the Rishis, we preserve a profound, all-inclusive philosophy of life. We are indebted to the sacrifices of the past, and through the application of Sanatana values today, we secure a future where humanity can finally grow together as a single, harmonious family.

Glossary of Terms 

• Ahimsa: (Sanskrit: अहिंसा) The principle of non-violence or non-harming towards all living beings, encompassing thoughts, words, and actions. In a broader Dharmic context, it can also refer to acting with righteousness to protect Dharma, even if it involves conflict. 

• Adharma: (Sanskrit: अधर्म) The opposite of Dharma; unrighteousness, injustice, or actions contrary to moral and cosmic order. 

• Aparigraha: (Sanskrit: अपरिग्रह) Non-possession or non-covetousness; limiting one's possessions to what is necessary, fostering detachment from material wealth. 

• Asteya: (Sanskrit: अस्तेय) Non-stealing; refraining from taking anything that is not freely given or rightfully one's own. 

• Bharat / Bharatiya: (Sanskrit: भारत / भारतीय) "Bharat" is the traditional name for India, often imbued with cultural and spiritual significance. "Bharatiya" refers to something or someone pertaining to Bharat/India. 

• Brahmacharya: (Sanskrit: ब्रह्मचर्य) A complex concept meaning conduct leading to Brahman. Commonly understood as celibacy or sexual restraint, it more broadly refers to the control of all senses (Indriya Nigraha), leading to self-discipline and spiritual focus. 

• Brahman: (Sanskrit: ब्रह्मन्) The ultimate reality, the absolute truth, the supreme cosmic spirit as per Hindu darshan (philosophy); the universal consciousness. 

• Chaturyuga: (Sanskrit: चतुर्युग) A cycle of four Yugas (ages) in Hindu cosmology: Satya Yuga, Treta Yuga, Dwapara Yuga, and Kali Yuga. This cycle repeats eternally. 

• Dharma: (Sanskrit: धर्म) A foundational concept in Hinduism, referring to one's righteous conduct, moral duties, cosmic law, and the path that upholds harmony and order. It is often translated as "righteousness," "duty," or "virtue." 

• Dharmic Path: The way of life aligned with the principles of Dharma. 

• Darshan: (Sanskrit: दर्शन) A philosophical viewpoint or school of thought; often used to mean "seeing" or "vision," implying a deeper insight into truth. 

• Gita / Shrimad Bhagavad Gita: (Sanskrit: भगवद्गीता) A 700-verse Hindu shastra (scripture) that is part of the Hindu epic Mahabharata. It presents a dialogue between Paramatma/Bhagwan (Supreme Being) Krishna and Arjuna, covering philosophical insights on Dharma, Karma, Yoga, and liberation. 

• Guru: (Sanskrit: गुरु) A spiritual teacher, mentor, or guide who imparts knowledge and wisdom. • Indriya Nigraha: (Sanskrit: इन्द्रिय निग्रह) Control or mastery over the senses. 

• Ishwar Pranidhan: (Sanskrit: ईश्वर प्रणिधान) Surrender to Ishwar (God/the Divine); devotion and dedication of one's actions and fruits to a higher power. 

• Itihas: (Sanskrit: इतिहास) Literally "thus it happened"; refers to historical narratives, epics, and traditional accounts, particularly the Ramayana and Mahabharata. 

• Karma / Karmafala: (Sanskrit: कर्म / कर्मफल) "Karma" refers to action, deed, or work. The law of Karma states that every action (mental or physical) has a corresponding reaction. "Karmafala" refers to the fruits or results of these actions. 

• Karmabhumi: (Sanskrit: कर्मभूमि) A land or place where one performs actions (karma) and reaps their consequences; often refers to a place considered destined for significant actions or spiritual endeavors. 

• Lakshya: (Sanskrit: लक्ष्य) Goal, objective, aim, or target. 

• Mahamanava: (Sanskrit: महामानव) Literally "great human being"; refers to highly illustrious, spiritually evolved, or extraordinarily accomplished individuals. 

• Mantra: (Sanskrit: मन्त्र) A sacred utterance, sound, or word (or group of words) believed to have spiritual or psychological power, used in meditation or prayer. 

• Niyamas: (Sanskrit: नियम) The second limb of Patanjali's Yoga Sutras, referring to internal observances or positive duties towards oneself. 

• Paramatma: (Sanskrit: परमात्मा) The Supreme AtmA (Soul), the Universal Self, or God, often interchangeable with Brahman. 

• Prakruti: (Sanskrit: प्रकृति) Nature, matter, or the primordial material substance from which the universe evolves. 

• Pracharak: (Hindi: प्रचारक) An RSS (Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh) volunteer who dedicates their life entirely to the organization's work, living simply and often remaining unmarried. 

• Puranas: (Sanskrit: पुराण) A genre of Hindu dharmic texts, typically narrative works about the history of the universe from creation to destruction, genealogies of kings, heroes, sages, and divine Beings, and descriptions of Hindu cosmology, philosophy, and geography. 

• Rishis: (Sanskrit: ऋषि) Ancient sages or seers, revered for their profound wisdom and spiritual insights, often credited with composing the Vedic hymns. 

• Sanatana / Sanatana Dharma: (Sanskrit: सनातन धर्म) Literally "the eternal law" or "the eternal way of righteousness." It is the indigenous name for Hindu dharma, emphasizing its timeless and universal principles. 

• Santosha: (Sanskrit: सन्तोष) Contentment, satisfaction; cultivating inner peace and acceptance. 

• Satya: (Sanskrit: सत्य) Truthfulness; speaking and living in accordance with truth. 

• Sauch / Shaucha: (Sanskrit: शौच) Cleanliness, purity; encompassing both external physical cleanliness and internal mental/emotional purity. 

• Shloka: (Sanskrit: श्लोक) A common form of verse used in Sanskrit poetry, often used for hymns, prayers, or philosophical statements. 

• Swayamsevak: (Hindi: स्वयंसेवक) A volunteer, especially in the context of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). 

• Swadhyaya: (Sanskrit: स्वाध्याय) Self-study, self-reflection, and the study of sacred texts. 

• Tapas: (Sanskrit: तपस्) Penance, austerity, self-discipline, or intense focus and effort towards a goal, often spiritual. 

• Upanishads: (Sanskrit: उपनिषद्) A collection of ancient philosophical texts that form the theoretical basis for the Hindu dharma. They are the concluding part of the Vedas. 

• Vedas: (Sanskrit: वेद) The most ancient and foundational shastra (scriptures) of Hindu dharma, comprising hymns, philosophical treatises, and ritualistic texts. 

• Vishwaguru: (Sanskrit: विश्वगुरु) "World Teacher"; a title suggesting a nation or individual that provides spiritual and intellectual guidance to the world. 

• Yamas: (Sanskrit: यम) The first limb of Patanjali's Yoga Sutras, referring to ethical restraints or moral disciplines governing one's interaction with the world. 

• Yuga: (Sanskrit: युग) An epoch or era in Hindu cosmology. 

Udit Shah 

Udit56@gmail.com 

12 June 2024 

* https://all-about-sanskrit.blogspot.com/2016/03/bibek-debroy-speaks-at-unesco-about.html