The truth has many roots, yet one trunk and many branches.

 

The Tree of Truth: An Introduction to Sanatana Dharma

In the silent depths of meditation, where distractions fade and pure awareness unfolds, a profound vision of Truth arises—not as a solitary concept, but as a living, dynamic presence. I see it as a tree: a sturdy trunk drawing sustenance from numerous hidden roots, expressing itself through branches that diverge yet remain unified in their origins. In this realization, I formed a simple yet profound quotation:

"Truth has many branches, yet one trunk with many roots."
While seemingly simple, it embodies the multifaceted yet cohesive core of Truth as perceived via Sanatana Dharma, the eternal path.

The tree is a metaphor for truth.

In the metaphorical tree, the roots represent diverse means of realization—experience, observation, scripture (śruti and smṛti), rational inquiry, devotion (bhakti), karma (action), and yogic discipline. Each root delves into different strata of human existence—body, mind, intellect, and soul- drawing nourishment from life’s experiences and spiritual practices. The trunk is the universal Truth—unchanging, eternal (Satya), the central axis that supports all. From this trunk spring the branches, the varied expressions of many Truths-religions, philosophies, traditions, and personal understandings. Though these branches may seem separate, each carries the lifeblood of one trunk, rooted in the same soil of consciousness.

Sanatana Dharma and the Purality of Truth

The Sanatana Dharma does not confine truth to a single dogma or doctrine. Instead, it embraces an inclusive view: "Ekam sat vipra bahudha vadanti" — Truth is One, which the wise call by many names (Rig Veda 1.164.46). This Vedic declaration aligns seamlessly with the tree metaphor. While many Hindus may follow Shiva, Vishnu, Shakti, or even the formless Brahman, all are ultimately expressions of the same eternal reality. Each philosophical path—Advaita, Dvaita, Vishishtadvaita, and others—branches out of the same trunk of Truth, providing seekers with options suitable for their temperament, yet all leading back to the root of unity.

This plurality is not a contradiction; rather, it is complementary. The Truth manifests itself in numerous ways to fulfill mankind's diverse consciousness, just as a tree needs its branches to show its full splendor. The diversity of beliefs, practices, and interpretations in Sanatana Dharma is not a deviation from Truth, but rather a necessary manifestation to make the eternal accessible to the temporal.

Truth and Non-Duality: The Silent Core

In my meditative insight, I observed that non-duality (advaita) could not be conclusively established at the empirical level, but the idea of a singular core supporting multiple expressions emerged. This is deeply resonant with the Upanishadic view of Brahman, one without a second, as the unmanifest trunk, while the manifest world is its branches. Deep contemplation or Samadhi dissolves the distinctions between the mind and the world. What remains is the silent, still trunk, the absolute Truth, not its branches.

Yet, in practical life (vyāvahārika satya), duality prevails. The leaves, flowers, and fruits represent the rich tapestry of culture, ethics, relationships, science, and ritual. Sanatana Dharma masterfully unites these dimensions: absolute and relative, formless and manifest. It paves the way for Truth to be realized, embodied, and experienced at every stage of human growth.

Truth is eternal growth

The tree metaphor also suggests something essential: Truth is not static. Our understanding of truth changes as we grow, change, and respond to our environment. This dynamic is central to Sanatana Dharma. It recognizes that Dharma evolves, not in its core, but in its application. The eternal (Sanatana) is not rigid; it flows through time while untouched by it. This ability to adapt without losing its roots has allowed Sanatana Dharma to survive and remain relevant across millennia.

Live by the truth.

To walk the path of Sanatana Dharma is to nurture the roots of discipline, devotion, and discrimination; to live by the trunk of steadfast principles such as Satya (truth), Ahimsa (non-violence), and Dharma (righteousness); and to bloom through the branches of creativity, service, and self-realization. Unity in diversity is the goal of this path, not conformity.

My realization—'Truth has many branches yet one trunk with many roots'—is more than a poetic reflection; it is a profound philosophical truth. It resonates with the very essence of Sanatana Dharma, where unity and diversity flow and where Truth is not merely to be understood intellectually, but to be lived and experienced as a dynamic, ever-present reality."