REFLECTIONS ON "DHARMA"

                                                             

The word DHARMA is interpreted in different ways by different people. It has various meanings and does not mean duty pertaining to a single individual. It is an eternal concept common for all everywhere. It can be named as a body of principles that are fundamental to social stability as well as the progress of the individual member of society. Dharma includes a few duties, regulations and obligations over one's words actions and conduct. Elders and the youth have mutual obligations between themselves. It is interesting to note that according to DHARMA even war has to be waged on certain rules of decency and humanity! The Vedas and the Upanishads glorify DHARMA vociferously. The Taittiriya Upanishad instructs the young student leaving his Gurukulavasa, to follow certain rules as he starts his journey in life. The first mandate is to speak the truth and follow DHARMA. “ Satyam vada DHARMAM Chara” These two are considered as the cardinal principles for a successful and peaceful life. The Ramayana describes the hero, Sri Rama, as the very embodiment of DHARMA. “ Ramo vigrahavan dharmaha.” It is because of the dharmic rule that the reign of Rama is called “Rama Rajya.” Principles of DHARMA cannot be changed according to the whims and fancies of individuals. “ It is like a mother to be accepted and not like a wife, whom you can choose or discard. DHARMA is the' maryada or boundary, the limit that intelligence lays down for the passions, emotions, impulses of man. It is the task for the priests to explain their importance and application to daily life” explains Bhagawan Sri Sri Satya Sai Baba in his Divine discourses. (SSS Vol V1)

The principles propounded by the Vedas and the Upanishads handed down to us from time Immemorial is called SANTANA DHARMA. The Bhagavadgita is the final authority on the DHARMA and how it should be followed. Everything in the universe has it’s DHARMA or obligation. Movement is the Dharma of water even as burning is the Dharma of fire. Attraction is the Dharma of the magnet. The Solar system is another illustration of how the planets revolve around the Sun in their individual orbits. Plants and  birds and Trees carry out their specific Dharma irrespective of the lapse of time. Unfortunately it is Man who has  slipped and is heading downwards. The wisdom and experience of our ancestors embodied in the Sastras is neglected and new rules and principles are being followed!

What is DHARMA? To preach what you practice, doing as you say it has to be done, practice in lives, aim virtuously, earn piously, ' live in the fear of God, live for reaching God' is DHARMA. Baba describes what Dharma is beautifully in his Dharmavahini discourse—” DHARMA is characterized by holiness, peace, truth and fortitude. DHRMAA is Yoga, union, merger; it is Satya (truth), its attributes are justice, sense control, sense of honor, love, dignity, goodness, meditation, sympathy, Non violence; Such is DHARMA that persists through the ages. It leads one on to universal love and unity.”  The “ Purusharthas” – the aim of humanity on Earth give pride of place to DHARMA. Among the four namely DHARMA, Artha, Kama, and Moksha, DHARMA occupies the first and preeminent place! All thoughts and actions should be righteous. It is through dharmic or righteous ways man should earn Artha or money. Kama or desire is not only for what you wish but for Moksha or emancipation—escape from the cycle of birth and death. Thus the bedrock of human existence is DHARMA!

The sustenance of mankind is DHARMA itself. It includes the three unities viz the unity of thought, word and deed. Dharmic acts are those that exhibit these triple unities. Unlike other rules and regulations that change according to time and place SANTANA DHARMA is changeless and constant. DHARMA is the dynamic force that binds society together by prescribing duties and functions for one and all. This triple unity of thought, word and deed is otherwise called “ Trikarana Suddhi.” Why is DHARMA neglected and ignored many times? It is because of the snare of ego and false values. Adharma happens because of an attempt to satisfy lower desire. Like a thief at night, desire overtakes man silently and stealthily! Man should be alert for ever against temptations!

DHARMA is for practice, not for mere learning and knowledge. It is a code of morals and the experience of our ancient sages. It is a discipline that checks the mind and the senses.  DHARMA can be classified into four divisions. The first is called “ Vyakthi Dharma”. It has controls and checks affecting the individual. Restrictions and rules prevent the person from going astray.  The second is “ Sahaja Dharma” that controls the nature of man. It educates him on his real nature and his obligation to the society at large. The third is “Ashrama dharma” where controls are exerted affecting each stage of life like the celibate, grihastha or the house holder and the ascetic or sanyasi. The fourth division is “Varna Dharma” that details the duties of the limbs of the community like the Brahmana, kshatriya Vaisya and Sudra. Kruta Yuga was Dharma Yuga. DHARMA delined in Treta Yuga and stood on three legs! In Dwapara Yuga it declined further and stood on two legs, shaky and unstable. It is to buttress declining Dharma that the Lord took avatar as Krishna and killed a number of demons who tormented mankind. We are now in Kali Yuga where DHARMA stands on one leg, extremely unstable and likely to fall at any time! Adharma and all its ramifications are in full sweep in the present world and only another avatar is expected to save the world! It is said to be that of the advent of Kalki!  Let us try to follow DHARMA as far as possible and be true to ourselves and our fore fathers who followed Sanathana DHARMA!