Many of us often confuse the term “Dharma” with Religion, Traditions and Customs. Religion in truth is practiced by various groups or individuals. It is their particular way of worship whereas Dharma is universal and is applicable to every human being.
Dharma is always equated to Karma (work). The law of Physics states that every “action has a reaction”. This is seen in human beings also, as the saying goes “:as you sow so shall you reap”. Karma (action) determines the type of individual a person is and is rewarded or punished accordingly. Those who believe in re-incarnation state that one’s birth depends on the past birth’s deeds. Scriptures make it amply clear that wrong actions lead to suffering while good actions are victorious. Stories from the Puranas convincingly illustrate this fact. They depict how demons who perform Adharmic deeds (bad karma) are always defeated. Good always wins over evil.
The word Dharma is derived from the root DHR – “that which holds the World.” We can define Dharma as the path of righteousness and of living ones’ life according to the code of conduct as prescribed in the Vedas and described by the Rishis and the learned Sages of the past. Dharma is the moral law combined with spiritual discipline that guides one’s life and enables human beings to be contented, happy and to avoid suffering. It’s practice provides peace, joy, strength and tranquility to the individual. Dharma is also the principle of unity. In Mahabharata Bhishma in his instructions to Yudhishtir says that whatever causes conflict is “Adharma”(anti-dharma) and whatever puts an end to conflict is Dharma.” Thus we understand that any action that helps to unite all and develop universal brotherhood is Dharma and whatever creates disharmony, discord and foments hatred is Adharma.
Other religions such as Christianity, Sikhism, Islam etc. lay great stress on certain aspects of Dharma.
“Manusmriti” written by the ancient sage Manu, prescribes 10 essential rules for the observation of Dharma:
Patience (Dhriti), Forgiveness (Kshama), Piety or self control (Dama), Honesty (Asteya), Sanctity (Sauch), Control of senses (Indriya-nigrah), Reason (Dhi), Knowledge and learning (Vidya), Truth (Satya), absence of Anger (Krodh). He further writes “Non-violence, truth, non-coveting, purity of body and mind, control of senses are the essence of Dharma”. Thus Dharmic laws govern not only the individual but the whole society. When everyone in a society follows the above mentioned principles peace and harmony will prevail.
Ramayana and Gita the famous epics also enumerate these qualities as a Dharmic way of life. In order to move towards salvation (Nirvana) and to make spiritual progress human being should discard all negative thoughts and actions which are Adharmic and live in harmony with nature, following the moral and ethical principles of society.
Dharma is an ordering principle independent of one’s faith or method of worship Religion. It does not confine people into denominations but unites and benefits all.
Dharma provides a sound, fundamental world-view which serves as the basis for an intelligent guide to living. Every individual has the freedom of choice between Dharma and Adharma and is responsible for the consequences of his or her own actions.
