How Sikh Dharma Embodies Sanatan Ideals ~ And How Daily Practice Neutralizes Negative Planetary Effects
In the rich spiritual landscape of India, Sanatan Dharma, the eternal path, is considered the source of all dharmic traditions. Over thousands of years, it has inspired countless movements, philosophies, and practices. Among them, Sikh Dharma stands tall as a relatively young but deeply disciplined path that not only honors core Sanatan values but also enshrines them into clear, actionable daily life rituals.
What makes Sikh Dharma unique is not just its teachings but its active application. Where many traditions have become largely ritualistic or symbolic, Sikhism transforms philosophy into living practice. Interestingly, these daily practices have the power not only to elevate the soul but also to neutralize or reduce the malefic effects of planetary positions, a belief echoed both in spiritual and astrological circles.
Let’s explore how Sikh Dharma reflects the highest ideals of Sanatan Dharma, how Sanatani Hindus can benefit from adopting these practices more consistently, and how these actions can help erase karmic debts and pacify the planets.
Naam Japna ~ Divine Remembrance vs Ritualistic Chanting
In Sikh Dharma, Naam Japna, chanting and meditating in the name of God, is a core practice. Done daily during Amrit Vela (early morning), it aligns the mind with higher consciousness. In Sanatan Dharma, Japa (repetition of divine mantras like “Om Namah Shivaya” or “Hare Rama”) is highly recommended, yet practiced only occasionally or symbolically by many.
“Remembering God daily is like tuning your inner instrument to divine frequency, when you're in tune, no planetary discord can disturb your peace.”
~ Adarsh Singh
Astrological Impact: Chanting divine names raises vibrations, calms the nervous system, and harmonizes the Moon and Mercury, reducing anxiety and emotional instability.
Kirat Karni ~ Righteous Action in Real Life
Sikhism emphasizes Kirat Karni, earning an honest living and doing one’s worldly duties with integrity. This mirrors the Karma Yoga of the Gita: work without attachment. However, many Sanatanis separate spiritual and professional life.
Sikhs bridge that gap, they live spiritually in action. This alignment of dharma with karma automatically pleases planets like Saturn (Shani) and Jupiter (Guru), which reward discipline and ethical living.
“When your daily work becomes your worship, even Saturn bows before your sincerity.” ~ Adarsh Singh
Vand Chakna ~ Sharing as Seva
Sikhism mandates Vand Chakna, sharing one's earnings, food, and time. Langar (community kitchen) is a global example of this in action. Sanatan Dharma equally teaches Daan (charity) and Anna Daan (feeding others), but these are often limited to festivals or rituals.
Regular charity and service balance the negative effects of Rahu and Ketu, the karmic shadow planets, by reducing ego and selfishness.
“Every time you feed a hungry soul, you nourish your destiny.” ~ Adarsh Singh
The Five Ks ~ External Symbols of Inner Discipline
Sikh Dharma prescribes five physical articles (Kesh, Kara, Kanga, Kachera, Kirpan) that symbolize spiritual commitment. Sanatan Dharma also prescribes sacred threads, Rudraksha malas, tilaks, and codes like Brahmacharya.
However, many Sanatanis no longer understand their meaning or apply them consistently. These symbols, when practiced with awareness, strengthen one’s Mars (willpower) and Sun (soul power).
“Spiritual symbols are not decorations, they are declarations of discipline.” ~ Adarsh Singh
Seva ~ Selfless Service Beyond Ritual
Sikhism lives and breathes Seva (selfless service). From sweeping the Gurudwara to helping the needy, Sikhs consider service a form of devotion. Sanatan Dharma honors this too, but mostly as ritualistic or personal.
Regular Seva purifies the karma associated with all planets and accelerates spiritual evolution.
“Seva is silent worship - the kind the cosmos hears the loudest.” ~ Adarsh Singh
Reverence to Scripture ~ Guru Granth Sahib vs Forgotten Vedas
Sikhism reveres the Guru Granth Sahib as the living Guru: read, sing, and meditate upon daily. In Sanatan Dharma, scriptures like the Vedas, Upanishads, and Gita are held in high regard but rarely studied or applied in daily life.
Scriptural study stabilizes Jupiter (wisdom) and Mercury (intellect), ensuring clarity and guidance in life.
“The word of truth is the most accurate horoscope, it tells you how to rise, not just survive.” ~ Adarsh Singh
Abstinence from Intoxicants ~ A Sattvic Command
Sikh Dharma strictly prohibits alcohol, tobacco, and drugs. Sanatan Dharma recommends Sattvic living, yet many Hindus indulge in intoxicants even during religious ceremonies.
Purity of body and mind reduces the influence of Rahu, Ketu, and Moon, preventing depression, delusion, and illusion.
Equality ~ Living the Vedic Truth, Not Colonial Caste
Sikhism stands fiercely for Equality: No caste, No hierarchy. Everyone eats together in Langar and prays shoulder-to-shoulder. Sanatan Dharma originally taught Oneness (Advaita) and Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, but this ideal was corrupted over time.
The rigid caste system as known today is not a Vedic creation. It was manipulated and institutionalized by British (Firangi) rulers during colonization for divide-and-rule policies. What was once a flexible occupational structure became a tool of discrimination.
“Dharma sees no caste, only consciousness. The cosmos responds to energy, not lineage.” ~ Adarsh Singh
By reclaiming true Sanatan principles and living them like the Sikhs do, one can remove the karma behind suffering, reduce planetary afflictions, and live a divinely aligned life.
Sikh Dharma is not just a spiritual path: it is a living expression of Sanatan Dharma’s ideals, turned into actionable, powerful, daily practices. Every Sikh is a walking Yogi, a practicing Karma Yogi, a living Seva-doer, and a divine remembrancer.
Sanatani Hindus can rediscover the power of their own Dharma by reviving these principles not in theory, but in consistent practice. When you align your life with divine discipline, the planets don’t punish, they protect.
“The stars do not decide your fate, your discipline does.”
~ Adarsh Singh
Fri May 2, 2025
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