About Dharma and Religion - Part II

Vedic religion (Hindu) is broadly classified into two types namely Saamaanya Dharma and Vishesh Dharma. Saamaanya dharma deals with non-violence, truthfulness, cleanliness, control of senses, non-acquisitiveness, devotion to God, trust in parents and love in all creatures whereas Vishesh dharma is according to the Varnashrama. But basically, we can classify all our acts as Dharma and Adharma. Dharma can be 1) Individual 2) family 3) Village 4) Country

1. Individual Dharma – This includes worship of God, performing one’s duties without fail, showing respect and behaving with obedience to elders and parents, performing one’s duty without hurting or harming others. It is advised to keep mum, if telling the truth is going to harm to others. Diverting the mind when we get angry and thereby reducing our anger. Following a strict timetable of the things that we wish to do during the day. While taking decisions in important matters, consulting the elders and experienced persons. Being helpful to at least someone during the day by speech or action or even by thought. These are considered as Dharma to be followed by an individual.
2. Family Dharma – The following are considered as Family Dharma.
1. Interacting with each other with love, affection, respect and with attitude of adjusting to maintain harmony.
2. Bringing up the children with good habits and thoughts from very early age.
3. Adjusting our own habits in such a way that they are a model or lessons to our children. This involves a personal discipline of the highest order to be followed by elders - in speech, in action, in behavior, in eating habits and in dress code etc. 
4. Managing our expenses according to our income. Keeping household in peace, comfort and united. Avoiding unnecessary expenses and living a simple life. 
5. Finally to keep the unity among the members of the family, indulging in the worship of the Lord as stated in scriptures. 
3. Village Dharma – Keeping unity among the people of the village; working together for all affairs in village like function; keeping the surrounding clean; participating in the household ceremonies and helping each other. In the process, the village must become a model for the people who visit the village. These are considered as Village Dharma.
4. Dharma for the country as a whole – All the people working with single mindedness at the time of disaster, calamities, war etc; unity and love for the country rather than the caste, religion or region; exposing and punishing those who indulge in anti-social activities or against the interest or freedom of the country or those who act against the interest of the economy and sovereignty of the country.
   These are considered as the dharma for the Country.

Finally we conclude that all acts that give Satvik results will give Satvik benefits whereas Rajasik and Tamasik acts will give Rajasik and Tamasik benefits. Hence it is essential to follow Satvik Dharma in all walks of life. Besides these there are other Dharmas as per the seasons like summer, winter and rainy days. E.g. Annadana during famine, giving water during water scarcity, helping the poor, rendering medical help when required.