The Pillars of Sanatan-Dharma are: 

  1. Truthfulness – One must always speak, standup, and side with the truth
  2. Compassion – For all living beings, no violence nor hatred towards anyone
  3. Austerity – Live a simple life and go on pilgrimage to holy places
  4. Cleanliness – Keep the body, home, work area, and public places clean
  5. Charity – Donate to worthy religious organizations and the poor
  6. Spiritual Education – Study the Bhagavad-Gita and other Vedic scriptures

 “The Supreme Personality of Godhead said: Fearlessness; purification of one’s existence; cultivation of spiritual knowledge; charity; self-control; performance of sacrifice; study of the Vedas; austerity; simplicity; nonviolence; truthfulness; freedom from anger; renunciation; tranquility; aversion to faultfinding; compassion for all living entities; freedom from covetousness; gentleness; modesty; steady determination; vigor; forgiveness; fortitude; cleanliness; and freedom from envy and from the passion for honor – these transcendental qualities, O son of Bharata, belong to godly men endowed with divine nature. (Lord Krishna, Bhagavad-Gita 16.1-3)

 “…These four legs of powerful religion are truthfulness, mercy, austerity and charity.” (Srimad-Bhagavatam 12.3.18)

 “Education, charity, penance and truth are said to be the four legs of religion…” (Srimad-Bhagavatam 3.12.41)

“In the age of Satya [truthfulness] your four legs were established by the four principles of austerity, cleanliness, mercy and truthfulness…” (Shrimad-Bhagavatam 1.17.24)

 It can be clearly seen that the pillars of Sanatan-Dharma benefit all living beings, because these themselves will make positive behavioral changes among the followers. The followers will become truthful, be kind to all living beings, and help the poor from any community.