One of the central tenets of Hinduism, a religion with a diverse array of beliefs, practices, and traditions, is the notion of "Dharma(धर्म)." Rooted deeply within the vast ocean of Hindu sacred texts, Dharma is not just a word but an idea that encapsulates the very essence of existence, moral conduct, and societal order.
Origins and Etymology
The term "Dharma" is derived from the
Sanskrit root “धृ”
(dhṛ) which means "to hold" or "to sustain." At
its core, Dharma embodies that which upholds or sustains the universe, society,
and individual conduct. This foundational notion can be seen across various
Hindu scriptures, each providing its own nuances to the concept.
The Four Pursuits of Life and the Essence of Dharma in “Sanatan Dharma”
Sanatan Dharma, often referred to as Hinduism, is a spiritual and philosophical tradition that encompasses a profound understanding of life's purpose and ethical conduct. Central to this tradition are the four purusharthas, or human pursuits, which guide individuals towards leading a balanced and meaningful life.
Sage Gautama succinctly encapsulates the significance
of Dharma with the statement, यतो
अभ्युदयनिश्रेयस
सिद्धिः स धर्म (Yato
abhyudayanishreyas siddhih sa dharma).This can be translated to mean that
actions leading to both material and spiritual progress are, in fact, Dharma.
The ancient Sage Manu outlines ten characteristics of human
Dharma, which serve as guiding principles for righteous living:
- धृति: (Dhriti: Courage):
Displaying courage and fortitude in the face of challenges.
- क्षमा (Kshama: Forgiveness):
Practicing forgiveness and letting go of animosity towards others.
- दम: (Dama: Self-Control):
Exercising self-control over one's desires and impulses.
- अस्तेयम् (Asteya: Non-Stealing):
Abstaining from dishonesty and theft.
- शौच: (Shaucha: Cleanliness):
Embracing both inner and outer purity.
- इन्द्रियनिग्रहः (Indriya
Nigraha: Control of the Senses): Exerting control over the senses to
avoid unnecessary distractions.
- धीः (Dhi: Intellect):
Cultivating a discerning intellect and wisdom.
- विद्या (Vidya: Knowledge):
Pursuing knowledge and continuous learning.
- सत्य (Satya: Truthfulness):
Practicing truthfulness in thought, word, and action.
- अक्रोधः (Akrodha: Absence
of Anger): Managing and transcending anger.
These ten characteristics encapsulate the essence of Dharma, guiding individuals towards a virtuous and harmonious life.
A fundamental aspect of Dharma is treating others as we wish
to be treated. The principle of श्रूयतां
धर्म सर्वस्वं श्रुत्वा चैव अनुवर्त्यताम्। आत्मनः प्रतिकूलानि, परेषां न समाचरेत् ॥ (Shruyatam Dharma
Sarvasvam, Shrutva Chaiva Anuvartyatam. Atmanah Pratikoolani, Paresham Na
Samacharet) encourages individuals to comprehend the entirety of Dharma and
live by it. It emphasizes refraining from actions towards others that one finds
undesirable for oneself.
In essence, Dharma serves as the moral compass that
navigates human actions and interactions. It aligns individual aspirations with
societal welfare, fostering a sense of responsibility and harmony. By
understanding and embracing Dharma, individuals can lead purposeful lives that
contribute positively to the well-being of themselves, their communities, and
the world at large.
The Deity of Dharma in Hindu Scriptures
Yama, the God of Death: Yama
is not just a deity overseeing the end of life but is also regarded as the lord
of Dharma. He is often referred to as "Dharmaraj," meaning the
"King of Dharma."
Yama is the deity responsible for death, justice, and the ultimate
journey of souls. He is often depicted riding a buffalo with a noose in his
hand, which he uses to collect souls and bring them to the afterlife. Here's a
deeper look into the characterization and significance of Yama:
- Role
in the Afterlife: Yama presides over the realm of the dead, where
souls are judged based on their deeds in the mortal world. Depending on
their karma, souls are either rewarded with a place in heaven (Svarga) or
punished in hell (Naraka).
- Association
with Dharma: Yama is not just the lord of death but also embodies the
principles of Dharma (righteousness). He ensures that justice is meted out
based on one's actions, highlighting the importance of ethical and moral
behavior.
- Twin
Sister, Yami or Yamuna: In the Rigveda, one of the oldest Hindu
scriptures, Yama has a twin sister named Yami (Yamuna). Their
conversations, as presented in the hymns, touch upon themes of mortality
and the mysteries of life and death.
- Yama's
Emissaries: Yama has assistants known as the Yamadutas, who
help him carry out his duties. They are responsible for bringing the souls
of the deceased to Yama's domain for judgment.
- Connection
with Other Cultures: Variants of Yama exist in other Eastern
traditions. For instance, in Buddhism, he is a wrathful god and a guardian
of the teachings, while in Chinese and Japanese mythologies, he plays a
role akin to his Hindu counterpart.
- Compassion
and Wisdom: While often associated with fear due to his role, Yama is
also portrayed as a figure of wisdom. His dialogues, especially the ones
with the wise boy Nachiketa in the Katha Upanishad, reveal deep
philosophical insights about life, death, the nature of the soul, and the
path to immortality.
Yama's significance in Hindu
mythology serves as a reminder of life's transient nature, the inevitability of
death, and the consequences of one's actions. He stands as a symbol of the
inexorable justice that every soul will face at the end of its earthly journey.
Forms of Dharma
"Dharma" is a multifaceted term in Hindu
philosophy and tradition, and it assumes various forms depending on the context
in which it is employed. Here are some of the prominent forms or
interpretations of Dharma:
- स्वधर्म (Svadharma):
This refers to an individual's duty, based on their unique life
circumstances, stage, and profession. It emphasizes the idea that one's
duty is inherently personal and may not be the same as another's. For
instance, a warrior's Svadharma in the Bhagavad Gita is to fight.
- वर्णधर्म (Varnadharma):
This pertains to the duties assigned to different varnas or classes in the
traditional Hindu society. These varnas are Brahmana (priestly class),
Kshatriya (warriors), Vaishya (merchants), and Shudra (servants).
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Brahmana (ब्राह्मण): Traditionally, this class is
associated with scholarly and priestly tasks. Their primary duties involve
teaching, maintaining sacred knowledge, performing rituals, and upholding
righteousness.
Kshatriya (क्षत्रिय): This class is
composed of warriors and rulers. Their responsibilities involve governance,
administration, defense, and upholding justice.
Vaishya (वैश्य): This group is
traditionally associated with commerce, agriculture, and trade. They sustain
the economic backbone of society.
Shudra (शूद्र): Their primary
role is to offer service. Historically, they assisted other classes in their
respective duties.
- आश्रमधर्म (Ashram Dharma):
This relates to the duties associated with the different life stages
(ashramas) in Hinduism: Brahmacharya (student life), Grihastha
(householder), Vanaprastha (retired or hermitage), and Sannyasa
(renunciation).
Brahmacharya (ब्रह्मचर्य): The student
stage, where an individual dedicates time to learning, acquiring knowledge, and
developing character. Celibacy and discipline are emphasized.
Grihastha (गृहस्थ): The householder
phase, where the individual establishes a family, earns a living, and
contributes to society. They also participate in social and religious
ceremonies.
Vanaprastha (वानप्रस्थ): The hermit
or retired stage. Individuals gradually detach from material responsibilities,
handing over duties to the next generation and focusing more on spiritual
practices.
Sannyasa (संन्यास): The
renunciation stage. Here, individuals detach completely from material and
social obligations, dedicating their life wholly to spiritual pursuits.
- साधारण धर्म (Sadharana Dharma): These are universal ethical duties that apply to everyone irrespective of their class, age, gender, or occupation. Examples include non-violence, truthfulness, and non-stealing.
- युगधर्म (Yuga Dharma):
This refers to the varying nature of Dharma across different cosmic epochs
or Yugas. What is considered Dharma in one Yuga might differ in another.
Satya Yuga (सत्य युग): The age of truth
and righteousness. Virtue prevails, and individuals are spiritually advanced.
Treta Yuga (त्रेता युग): Virtue diminishes
slightly, and rituals become more essential. It's the era of the Ramayana.
Dvapara Yuga (द्वापर युग): Morality further
declines, and societal upheavals become more frequent. It's the period of the
Mahabharata and Krishna's guidance on Dharma in the Bhagavad Gita.
Kali Yuga (कलि युग): The age of decline
where unrighteousness prevails, and virtue is at its lowest.
- राजधर्म (Raj Dharma):
This pertains to the duties and responsibilities of kings and rulers,
emphasizing righteous rule, protection of subjects, and justice.
- कुलधर्म (Kul Dharma):
This relates to the traditional practices and duties of a specific family
or lineage.
- जातिधर्म (Jati Dharma):
The duties and responsibilities associated with one's caste or community.
- भूतधर्म (Bhoot Dharma):
This refers to the inherent nature and duties of non-human entities, like
animals and plants. Every entity in the universe has its inherent nature
or duty.
- मनुधर्म (Manu Dharma):
Manudharma originates from the "Manusmriti" or the
"Laws of Manu." It's an ancient legal text that provides
guidelines for righteous living and governance. The Manusmriti details
various laws, duties, and responsibilities for individuals based on their
class, gender, and occupation. It also provides insights into societal
organization, justice, and governance.
While these concepts have
historically played significant roles in guiding societal structures and
personal conduct, it's crucial to understand that modern interpretations and
applications can differ, given the changing socio-cultural dynamics over time.
These forms highlight the diverse applications and interpretations of the concept of Dharma across personal, social, and cosmic dimensions. They serve as guidelines to lead a life in alignment with cosmic order and ethical conduct.
The wheel's depiction, with its spokes, hub, and rim, is rich with symbolism, representing various teachings and principles central to these religions. It is deeply associated with Buddhism due to Buddha's first discourse at the Deer Park in Sarnath, but it also holds importance in Jainism and Hinduism.
Dharma: The Cosmic Law
In the grand tapestry of the universe, everything from the
luminous stars to the tiniest microorganisms follows a natural order. This
inherent and ordered pattern is, in many ways, the Dharma of the universe. Just
as the sun's Dharma is to shine and provide light, and the moon's Dharma is to
influence the tides, everything in the cosmos adheres to its intrinsic nature
and function.
Individual Duties and Righteousness
Moving from the cosmic to the personal, Dharma also
signifies one's duty and the path of righteousness. The Bhagavad Gita,
one of Hinduism's most revered texts, presents a poignant exploration of Dharma.
When Arjuna, the warrior prince, stands in the battlefield hesitant to wage war
against his kin, Lord Krishna elucidates the concept of Dharma. He emphasizes
that Arjuna's Dharma as a warrior is to fight. It is a duty, irrespective of
personal dilemmas, and adhering to it is the righteous path.
Moral Ethics and Social Conduct
Beyond individual duties, Dharma plays a pivotal role in guiding moral ethics and societal conduct. Various texts, like the Manusmriti, delineate the roles and responsibilities of individuals in society. This could range from how a king should rule his subjects to the duties of a householder. For example, a king's Dharma might involve just ruling, protection of his subjects, and ensuring prosperity, while a teacher's Dharma involves imparting knowledge selflessly.
The Subtleties of Dharma
However, it's essential to note that Dharma isn't a rigid,
one-size-fits-all doctrine. The Mahabharata, an epic narrative of the
Kurukshetra War, underlines the subtleness of Dharma with the statement, "Dharma
is subtle." This reflects the idea that what is righteous and just in
one situation might not be the same in another.
Example of Duryodhana
The story of Duryodhana's ascent to heaven at the end of the
Mahabharata war is a complex one, and it touches upon the broader themes of Dharma
(righteousness), karma (action and its consequences), and the nature of
justice.
Duryodhana lived by what he believed to be his Dharma,
without any pretense or hypocrisy. In the Hindu epic Mahabharata, Duryodhana is
often portrayed as the main antagonist, filled with jealousy and pride. He
opposes the Pandavas at every turn and is the principal reason for the
Kurukshetra war. It's said that Duryodhana ascended to heaven because he died a
warrior's death on the battlefield, which is considered honorable in the
Kshatriya tradition. Furthermore, despite his flaws, he was steadfast in his
beliefs and lived by them, even if those beliefs were fueled by pride and jealousy.
When the Pandavas ascend to the Himalayas at the end of the Mahabharata, Yudhishthira, the eldest Pandava, is shocked to see Duryodhana in heaven. Yudhishthira is informed that Duryodhana followed his own perception of Dharma genuinely and without pretense. The Mahabharata suggests that righteousness isn't always black and white. What's considered righteous for one may not be for another.
While Duryodhana committed many misdeeds, he also performed
good deeds in his life, which had their own merits. His friendship with Karna
and his loyalty to those who supported him were notable virtues. Duryodhana’s
friendship with Karna is one of the most celebrated bonds in the Mahabharata.
He accepted Karna when the rest of the Kuru court insulted him for his low
birth. In Karna, Duryodhana found an ally and a friend, and he stood by him
till the end.
The Mahabharata is a tapestry of nuanced characters and
intricate moral dilemmas. The story challenges the black and white notions of
good and evil, suggesting that Dharma is a complex interplay of duty,
righteousness, and individual choices. Duryodhana's character and his eventual
ascent to heaven perfectly encapsulate this complexity, showing that our
judgments of others might not always align with the cosmic sense of justice.
Deities Associated with Dharma in Hindu Sacred Texts
In Hindu Sacred Texts, several deities are associated with the concept of Dharma, either directly or indirectly, symbolizing righteousness, order, and law. Some of the principal deities linked to Dharma include:
- Lord
Shiva: Lord Shiva, in his capacity as the cosmic balancer and
destroyer, plays a role in ensuring that the universe runs according to
Dharma.
- Lord Vishnu: Lord Vishnu, one of the principal deities of Hinduism, is the
preserver and protector of the universe. He ensures that Dharma is maintained
in the world. Whenever Dharma is threatened by chaos or evil, Vishnu
incarnates in various avatars, such as Rama and Krishna, to restore
balance and righteousness.
- Lord
Krishna: As an incarnation of Vishnu, Krishna plays a pivotal role in
upholding Dharma. In the Bhagavad Gita, a part of the Mahabharata, Krishna
explains the nuances of Dharma to the warrior prince Arjuna.
- Lord
Rama: Another avatar of Vishnu, Lord Rama is often hailed as the embodiment
of Dharma. His life, as depicted in the Ramayana, showcases the principles
of righteousness, even in the face of personal sacrifices.
- Dharma
Dev: Dharma is personified as a deity in some texts and traditions. In
the Mahabharata, for instance, Dharma takes the form of a Yaksha to test
his son, Yudhishthira, in the famous Yaksha Prashna episode. Additionally,
in some versions of Hindu cosmology, Dharma is also portrayed as one of
the sons of Brahma, the creator god, and according to Vishnu Puran,is
considered married to thirteen daughters of Daksha.
While these deities play
significant roles in representing or upholding Dharma, the broader concept of
Dharma remains vast and multifaceted, encompassing moral, ethical, and societal
laws that maintain order in the universe and human life.
The provided Sanskrit verse from
the Brihadaranyaka Upanishad beautifully underscores the primacy and
intertwined nature of Dharma and Truth (Satya). Your English rendition
captures the essence of this verse quite elegantly.
धर्मः
तस्माद्धर्मात् परं नास्त्य् अथो अबलीयान् बलीयाँसमाशँसते धर्मेण यथा राज्ञैवम् । यो वै स धर्मः सत्यं वै तत् तस्मात्सत्यं वदन्तमाहुर् धर्मं वदतीति धर्मं वा वदन्तँ सत्यं वदतीत्य् एतद्ध्येवैतदुभयं भवति ।।
(Dharmaḥ tasmaddharmat paraṃ nasty
atho abaliyan baliyaṃsamasaṃsate dharmeṇ yatha rajnaiṣvam. Yo vai sa dharmaḥ
satyaṃ vai tat tasmatsatyaṃ vadan tamahur dharmam vadatiti dharmaṃ va vadantaṃ
satyaṃ vadatity etadhyeva itadubhayaṃ bhavati.)
In this verse, "Nothing is higher than Dharma. Even the weak can overcome the strong with the help of Dharma. Indeed, Dharma is Truth. Therefore, when someone speaks the Truth, they say, 'He speaks Dharma,' and when someone speaks Dharma, they say, 'He speaks the Truth.' For both Dharma and Truth are one and the same."
This philosophy is central to
many Hindu texts, emphasizing the significance of righteous living and the
power of truth in guiding one's life. The reference to the weak overcoming a
king with the force of Dharma showcases how moral righteousness and truth hold
more power than mere physical strength or societal status.
Conclusion
The concept of Dharma, with its myriad interpretations and
layers, offers a compass for navigating the complexities of life. It bridges
the cosmic with the personal, the universal with the particular. In the
ever-evolving journey of life, Dharma serves as a beacon, guiding individuals
towards righteousness, duty, and the greater good. As the world navigates
modern challenges, the timeless wisdom of Dharma offers a reservoir of
insights, urging humanity towards harmony, balance, and ethical living.
Written By: Ritesh Mishra