The world needs a proper understanding of the word ‘dharma’; don’t confuse dharma with religion or rituals, says AJIT KUMAR BISHNOI
What is this dharmaIJ I looked at a very authentic Sanskrit dictionary. Not surprisingly, there are several meanings of this word, and together they constitute what dharma actually is. The first requirement is behaviour according to bona fide scriptures, which give details of instructions given by God. Essentially, dharma is what God expects us to do. This will include doing duties according to time, place and circumstances; purity; equality; justice, which includes impartiality, what is justified, is proper, and is lawful; good character; and moral values, which motivate one to be good, for doing good deeds.
Confusion comes when we go to English dictionaries. They define dharma as truth or law which affects the whole universe. The closest word for dharma in English is righteousness, which is defined as morally right and good. As you can see, when we compare these definitions to what actual dharma is, we are only touching a part of it.
This is not as bad as when we confuse dharma with religion, which is often done. The word religion is defined as one of the systems of faith that are based on the belief in the existence of particular god or gods. This is acceptable as long as these systems of faith lead to one God, ie encourage people to choose the way they wish to develop faith in God. The other definition is what causes major damage. It states: “The belief in the existence of god or gods, and the activities that are connected with the worship of them.” The second definition is the one which separates people in the name of religion because it puts emphasis on activities which are done in different religions, and we know what these activities are — rituals.
To be more specific, I am quoting the definition of the word ‘ritual’. “It is a series of actions that are always performed in the same way, especially as part of a religious ceremony.” This is where dharma gets totally distorted. Different sects believe in the supremacy of their rituals, whereas dharma, as described earlier, is supreme.
If it was not so, lord Krishna would not have emphatically declared in the Bhagavad Gita that whenever there is decline in dharma and there is ascendency of adharma, I incarnate myself. (4.7) Again, he states, “For the welfare of good people, for the punishment of the wicked and for the re-establishment of dharma, I incarnate in different yugas.” (4.8)
Because upholding dharma (read actual dharma) is very important for us human beings. Without dharma being the basis of our activities and behaviour, we descend to the level of animals. How else can you explain killing of others in the name of religionIJ Terrorism has taken the refuge of such distorted religions and is causing havoc in the world.
If we want peace in the world, we have to go to the original concept of dharma, otherwise mankind will always be divided in the name of religion, read rituals. Therefore, it is important that we understand what dharma actually is and try to follow that in its true spirit.
Just to make a point, even if truthfulness comes in the way of dharma that has to be given up. Don’t mothers routinely tell lies in order to placate their children for their own goodIJ Dharma is superior to even mercy because dharma justifies violence in order to punish the wicked, for example a murderer. The world needs a proper understanding of this word dharma otherwise we will be doing adharma, which is punishable. I welcome your comments.
Bishnoi is a spiritual writer and can be reached at spiritual@ajitbishnoi.com