Root to Rise – Sanatan Relationships Part 4: Parenting, Friendship, and Community Bonds in Sanatan Dharma

 Part 4: Parenting, Friendship, and Community Bonds in Sanatan Dharma

While modern life often compartmentalizes parenting, friendship, and community into separate categories, Sanatan Dharma sees them as sacred expressions of dharma, our purpose and duty in action.

Parenting as Seva (Sacred Service)

In Sanatan Dharma, children are not possessions, they are souls with their own karma, entrusted to us by the divine. Raising them is a form of Seva (selfless service).

  • Putra Dharma: Parents are expected to guide without controlling, to love without attachment.

  • Values over Victories: Teach your children Satya (truth), Ahimsa (non-violence), and Shraddha (faith), not just ambition and achievement.

Shiva as a father to Kartikeya and Ganesha shows balance, giving freedom to explore while remaining rooted in spiritual grounding.

Friendship as Satsang (Company of the Wise)

True friendship in Sanatan Dharma is not about shared interests but shared values.

  • Satsang means the company of those who uplift you.

  • In the Mahabharata, Krishna and Arjuna’s friendship is built on mutual growth and spiritual clarity, not just emotional comfort.

Ask yourself:

  • Does this friendship inspire me to be better?

  • Can we challenge each other without ego?

Friendships rooted in dharma act as mirrors and guides.

Community as Collective Dharma

Your community is your extended Kula (family). Sanatan Dharma emphasizes Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam “the world is one family.”

  • Service to society (Lok Seva) is not charity, it is dharma.

  • From temple volunteering to caring for neighbors, every act becomes sacred when done with Shraddha and Karuna (compassion).

The Ramayana shows this beautifully how a community, from monkeys to sages, came together in purpose and loyalty for the greater good.

Modern Practice of Ancient Wisdom

  • Parenting: Speak to your child’s soul, not just their behavior.

  • Friendship: Seek depth, not drama.

  • Community: Choose service over self-interest.

Sanatan Dharma teaches that relationships are not separate from your spiritual path, they are the path.

Stay rooted. Keep rising. 🌱

© 2025 Anisha Dhungana. All rights reserved.
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