The fundamental principles of dharma were visualized by the Sages and laid down in 'Vedas'. Hence Veda can be considered to be the root of Dharma. The principles laid down in Vedas help us decide what is right and what is wrong. This analysis of what is right and what is wrong has to be done in each particular case by analyzing particular context with a reference to the fundamental principles. In the episodes of Mahabharata we come across this analysis as explained by Lord Krishna.
Human actions have to be chastened (purified), controlled and guided along proper channels, otherwise it will bring disaster, just like a flooded river. The human tendency to secure a short term advantage in a hurry has to be curbed. A tendency to secure long term advantage may be more lasting and more healthy for the human race. Individual benefits have to be sacrificed for the benefit of human race as a whole. Ideals, principles, laws, customs, codes, habits, actions are to be judged on the intention and consequence. The intention should be pure, born out of love and should be based on the Truth. This will result in everlasting peace.
How are we to decide in any particular case, what is dharma and what is not? First, that which does not inflict pain on you and on others is right i.e. dharma. So we should act in such a way that we give joy to others and in return we get joy in the form of satisfaction.
Two, we should make our thought, word and action (manas, vacha and kaya) to agree in harmony and work together i.e. we must act as we say, say as we feel. We must not cover our thoughts in falsehood, we must not play false to our own conscience and we must not suppress our conscience by embarking on actions that are not approved by it. Frequently doing right things makes it easier. This develops into a habit which in turn grows into conscience. Once we are accustomed to doing right conduct, automatically our actions and thought follow the right path.
Doing right thing and thinking of right thing i.e. Dharma, makes us calm, level-headed, and secure in equanimity. We firmly get the conviction that success or failure, riches or poverty, joy or grief, elation or disappointment are only transitory i.e. not everlasting. Hence we do not get affected by them. We are secured and unmoved. Anything that helps to reach this unruffled stability is Dharma.
In short we can say sensual life is adharma and spiritual life is Dharma. Dharma is that which sustains, saves and sanctifies. We should not have double standards. We should treat others as our own self. Unless we have faith in us we can't have faith in others. We must respect ourselves and others. Treat mankind as one community. The vedas, upanishads and the Upasana section of Sanathana Dharma are the best guides to the path of dharma for mankind. It is the responsibility of every Indian to demonstrate in their lives that Dharma confers peace and happiness so that the whole world gets inspiration to follow the same path.
Human actions have to be chastened (purified), controlled and guided along proper channels, otherwise it will bring disaster, just like a flooded river. The human tendency to secure a short term advantage in a hurry has to be curbed. A tendency to secure long term advantage may be more lasting and more healthy for the human race. Individual benefits have to be sacrificed for the benefit of human race as a whole. Ideals, principles, laws, customs, codes, habits, actions are to be judged on the intention and consequence. The intention should be pure, born out of love and should be based on the Truth. This will result in everlasting peace.
How are we to decide in any particular case, what is dharma and what is not? First, that which does not inflict pain on you and on others is right i.e. dharma. So we should act in such a way that we give joy to others and in return we get joy in the form of satisfaction.
Two, we should make our thought, word and action (manas, vacha and kaya) to agree in harmony and work together i.e. we must act as we say, say as we feel. We must not cover our thoughts in falsehood, we must not play false to our own conscience and we must not suppress our conscience by embarking on actions that are not approved by it. Frequently doing right things makes it easier. This develops into a habit which in turn grows into conscience. Once we are accustomed to doing right conduct, automatically our actions and thought follow the right path.
Doing right thing and thinking of right thing i.e. Dharma, makes us calm, level-headed, and secure in equanimity. We firmly get the conviction that success or failure, riches or poverty, joy or grief, elation or disappointment are only transitory i.e. not everlasting. Hence we do not get affected by them. We are secured and unmoved. Anything that helps to reach this unruffled stability is Dharma.
In short we can say sensual life is adharma and spiritual life is Dharma. Dharma is that which sustains, saves and sanctifies. We should not have double standards. We should treat others as our own self. Unless we have faith in us we can't have faith in others. We must respect ourselves and others. Treat mankind as one community. The vedas, upanishads and the Upasana section of Sanathana Dharma are the best guides to the path of dharma for mankind. It is the responsibility of every Indian to demonstrate in their lives that Dharma confers peace and happiness so that the whole world gets inspiration to follow the same path.
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