Hindu Phrases every Sanatani should know!
If you call yourself Hindu/Sanatani, or are at least curious about Sanatan Dharma, then here are core cultural phrases you MUST know.
✏️ 1) Aham Brahmasmi - अहं ब्रह्मास्मि
Found in the Brihadaranyaka Upanishad, it means “I am the Brahman” - the individual soul (atman) is identical to the Absolute Highest Reality (Brahman). The Shaiva version of it is “Shivoham” - I am Shiva. And when you need to remind someone of this, we say “Tat Tvam Asi” - You Are That which is Infinite & Eternal.
✏️ 2) Sarve Bhavantu Sukhinah - सर्वे भवन्तु सुखिनः
It is the starting of the Vedic invocation, which says that May All Beings be happy, prosperous, healthy & free from sorrow. How pookie is our culture?
✏️ 3) Purna Madah, Purna Midam - पूर्णमदः पूर्णमिदं
Coming from the Isha Upanishad, it says “That is Whole, This is Whole.” The rest of the mantra basically explains that the universe is perfect, self-sufficient & infinite, even if we take anything from it. We’re inherently complete & divine.
✏️ 4) Yato Dharmastato Jaya - यतो धर्मस्ततो जयः
Found multiple times in the Mahabharata, this means that where there is Truth & Justice, there will always be Victory.
✏️ 5) Dharmo Rakshati Rakshitah - धर्मो रक्षति रक्षितः
Again found in the Mahabharata & also Manusmriti, it confirms that those who strive to protect Dharma will always find Dharma standing behind them & protecting them in one form or another.
✏️ 6) Ekam Sat Vipra Bahudha Vadanti - एकं सत् विप्रा बहुधा वदन्ति
Originating from the Rig Veda, this mantra reminds us that the Truth is One but the wise know & speak of it by many different names, basically validating the different ways of thought we all have.
✏️ 7) Annadata Sukhi Bhava - अन्नदाता सुखी भव
This is said before or mostly after meals thanking the farmers & producers for the food that we just ate.
Food is holy in Hinduism so before meals, in Maharashtra, we also say “Vadanikavala Gheta” with the same spirit of thanking God, equating the food directly with the Divine.
✏️ 8) Yad Bhavam Tad Bhavati - यद् भावं तद् भवति
This is the affirmation that as you think, you will become; basically, you manifest your own thoughts, so Dharma had manifestation science & neurolinguistic programming embedded in our teachings before it became a thing.
9) Satyam Vada, Dharmam Chara - सत्यं वद, धर्मं चर
Speak the truth & live righteously. Found in the Taittiriya Upanishad, this was the pep talk gurus gave to their students who were embarking on their household lives after completing studies.
This is closely related to Satyameva Jayate (May Truth always be victorious!) because our culture places huge emphasis on truth & justice.
10) Janani Janmabhumischa Svargadapi Gariyasi - जननी जन्मभूमिश्च स्वर्गादपि गरीयसी
This is from the Valmiki Ramayanam, meaning "Mother and Motherland are superior even to heaven". It signifies that the bond with one's mother and birthplace is greater than any paradise.
Which other shlokas, verses, sayings, mantras, terms, quotes or phrases have I missed in this part?
Comment them below & I’ll feature them in part 2.