Home Feature The nature of real dharma

The nature of real dharma

1660
0
SHARE

By ACHARYA BALKRISHNA

Sects (so called religions) are meant for protecting dharma (virtues that are to be inculcated). Hence, communalism; not communites, is harmful. Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, Islam, Sikhism and Christianity are sects and not religion as they are called. In fact, dharma refers to the omnipresent, perennial and obvious essence, such as ahims (non-violence), satya (truth), aparigraha (not to collect
possesions beyond need), love, service, brother-hood, compassion and other such virtues which transform life in all aspects. Yoga refers to the means by which one is able to adopt and finally absorb himself in dharma. Based on karana-karya-abheda-siddhanta (the theory proclaiming that cause and effect are undistinguished), it can be concluded that Yoga means dharma and dharma means Yoga:
Yogacittavttinirodhah.
Tad duh
svarupeavasthanam.
(Yogasutra-1.2-3)
Truth which is universal and scientific is regarded as omnipresent dharma. Beliefs which are not scientific and universal are not dharma, rather are the misconceptions in the name of dharma. We shall
pledge to follow the path of dharma, and not to be decieved by the blind beliefs. We must take vow neither to commercialise dharma nor to pollute one’s own karmas (actions) .
Dharma is more functional in nature than being symbolical. Developing the true essence of dharma in one’s conduct is the prime objective behind the practice of religious symbols such as keeping ikha (small tuft of hair on head), wearing janeu (the sacred thread) and others. So called religions which only
preach symbolism and do not emphasize on conduct, creat misconceptions and blind-beliefs in the name of dharma. Mahari Manu in his treatise called ‘Manusmti’ has regarded dhairya (patience), kma (benevolence), samyama (restraint of mind), asteya (non-stealing), ucita (maintaining cleanliness of body and mind), indriya-nigraha (control over the senses), viveka (knowledge), vidya (true wisdom), satya (truth) and akrodha (abstinence from anger) as the ten characteristics of dharma:

Dhtih kma damoasteyam
aucamind- riyanigrah.
Dhrvidya satyam- krodho
daakam dharmalakanam.
(Manusmti-6.15)
The incorporation of the above ten attributes of dharma leads one to become a true and complete theist. We don’t believe in changing anybody’s dharma. Leading one’s life with the most virtuous qualities, such as ahims (non-violence), satya (truth), prema (love), karun (compassion), seva (selfless-
service), samyama (restraint of mind) and sadacara (sound conduct), and these virtues are pivotal components of every dharma. Hence, it is not possible to bring change in dharma of a person. Dharma is the conjunction of all those virtues that can be incorporated in one’s living. Visiting any hermitage, temple, mosque, church or gurudvara (the worshipping place of sikhs) does not refer to dharma. In fact, dharma refers to all those rules, regulations and values which, when practiced, one can bring pleasure, peace and prosperity in family, society, nation and the entire globe. Dharma means discharging one’s actions and responsibilities with utmost devotion. We do not consider it wise to force anyone to alter
anybody’s religion by establishing schools, colleges or hospitals, because the lives of many persons have been transformed by the noble practice of Yoga without changing their cast, creed and culture. They have achieved wellness. Those who were on the verge of death have regained their lives.
‘Patajali yogpha mission’ has never motivated or coerced anyone to alter their caste or religion at any point of time.
Always remember- Dharma
(property,nature) and jati (class
of birth as given by the almighty)
can never be altered.
Do not aspire but perform righteous actions to achieve moka (liberation) and svarga (heaven). A great positive change is required in the political and religious perspective of the country. People in politics take pride in calling themselves secular (dharma-nirapeka = indifferent to dharma), but in reality they forget that no one can, at any given time be devoid of dharma . The word secularism stands neither to insult nor to encourage unruliness among the people practicing different religions or spiritual faiths, to humiliate the majority and thereby deceive people by projecting oneself as the greatest well-wisher or advocate of the minority too is not secularism. In fact, the word secularism appears meaningless from the linguistic point of view, as every person, object or thing has its own dharma (property, nature), and thus can never be devoid of it. It is an irony to call the external forms of worship and oblations etc. as dharma. Misconceptions, hypocrisy, hatred and proselytization (altering one’s religion) are made synonymous with dharma in today’s modern world. If we look at our history: some two thousand years ago from now, we won’t find any hermitage, mosque or church at that time. There was neither purana,
quran or bible around two thousand years from now, nor Ýrimadbhagvad gita five thousand years ago, nor any evidence of ‘Ramayana’ ten lakh years ago. Does it mean that dharma did not exist earlier? The history of vedic sanatana- saÃskti (the culture of our sis)
dates back to millions of years from now, at that time holy saints and sages regarded the ethical moral values and performance of righteous actions of life as dharma. We have forgotten the virtues of non violence, truth, equanimity, satisfaction and global harmony and have considered the exertal symbolistic karma-kandas (religious ritual practices) as dharma. The word proselytization is as meaningless as the word secularism. Dharma means truth, non-violence, sacrifice, love, harmony, tolerance, selfless-service and generosity, hence the word proselytization is irrelevant. If it has no relationtionship with any of the moral values, then why go for it. To be more precise, which are inculcated unintentionally but naturally are called dharma. Dharma propels us to adopt the path of paramartha (the highest goal) instead of svartha (selfishness); then why reservation and racism in the name of dharma. Conspiracies and debates are hindrances in the growth of any country. Dividing society in the name of religion and community is deteriorating and devastating for national unity and integration. Conjunction of virtues, such as non-violence, truth and others, that are approved by all the communities, philosophies, cultures and traditions and can be incorporated in practical life are together termed as dharma. One should establish his identity in the society through his actions, and not by any caste, doctrine, religion or community. Doubting the wisdom of ptapuruas (benign awakened personalities) and is
shall ultimately prove to be meaningless and pathetic.
The explanation of dharma offered by the dharmagurus,
mullahs, moulavis, pastors (so called masters of various
communities) are all misconceptions and deceptions
in the name of dharma. Selfishness, impatience,
persistence, ignorance and egoism of these so called
spiritual masters, never allow one to percieve the exact truth.

Hence, the nuisance of dharma, Truth and holiness are to be searched irrespective of anydesires.

(Extracted from “Divine Transformation: Building Blocks for Enlightened Life, Ideal Nation and Peaceful
World”.)