Vedic Dharma 5th Edition by Arun J. Mehta - HTML preview

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ārjavam.

Bhagavad Gitā XVI:1

4. Fearless (अभयं Abhayam). A truly evolved person is fearless and is able to think clearly, calmly and make good decisions under most difficult circumstances.

5. Purity of thoughts (स वसंशु ध Satv-shamshuddhi). Our thoughts influence our speech and actions. If we remove impurities of the mind (mentioned later), our speech and actions will follow.

6.

Established in the ‘ Yog of knowledge’ ( ानयोग यवि थ त Gnān Yog Vyavasthiti).

Decisions and actions are based on the knowledge about morals & ethics, what is right & wrong (from the scriptures).

7. Charity (दान Dān). People and institutions doing work for the good of the society are supported by generous donations of money and time.

8. Restraint (दम Dama) of all the pleasures derived from the five senses. If this is not practiced, the sensual pleasures will control all our actions and take us away from noble causes.

9. Personal sacrifice (य Yagna). The ‘fire ceremony’ or ritual is performed by a lot of people without understanding the deeper meaning behind it. Desires for personal pleasures, power, prestige, possessions, etc. are given up as a sacrifice in the holy fire for the good of the family, community, country and the world. All our negative tendencies are symbolically destroyed in the sacred fire. This reinforces # 8.

10. Study of scriptures ( वा याय Svādhāy). Regular study of scriptures is necessary for reminding us of our path of spiritual development and to keep us on the right track.

11. Disciplined and sincere effort (तप Tap) is necessary on this difficult journey.

12. Honesty (आजव Ārjav) in all the activities of life. It is related to ‘Integrity’ when your relatives, friends, co-workers, etc. have confidence in you, your work and are able to depend on you.

अ हसा स म् अ ोधः ागः शाि ः अपैशुनम् ।

दया भूतेषु अलोलु ं मादवं ीः अचापलम् ॥१६ :२॥

Ahiṁsā, Satyaam, akrodhah, tyāgah, shāntihi, apaishunam;

Dayā bhuteshu, aloluptvam, mārdavam, hri, achapalam.

Bhagavad Gitā XVI:2

Truth (स यं Satyam) & Non-violence ( Ahiṁsā) have been dealt with before.

13. Without Anger (अ ोध Akrodh) because anger interferes with making ‘Good’ decisions.

Actions undertaken with the feeling of anger may lead to disastrous results. Learn to speak up without anger when it comes to your own self-respect ( ātma sanmān rakshan), your family’s, friend’s or community’s welfare, honor & protection of the country or Dharma.

14. Renunciation ( याग Tyāg) of ‘fruits’ (results) of all activities. Worrying about the results of our actions can make us very anxious and may paralyze us if we are afraid of failure. We have control only over our intentions of an action and how we carry out the job but not the results.

15. Peace of mind (शाि त Shānti) is also necessary for good decisions and behavior.

16. Straight forward nature, truthful & pleasant speech (अपैशुनम ् Apaishunam). Our speech can make or break a relationship. Harm done by a wrong word can last a life time.

17. Love and tenderness towards all living creatures (दया Dayā).

दया धमका मुल है

पाप मुल अ भमान

Compassion is the basis of Dharma

Arrogance (haughtiness) is the root cause of sin (Adharma)

Empathy is the ability to move beyond ourselves, to identify with others, to walk in another's shoes. This quality is important whether you are a doctor, lawyer, politician or a janitor. It will set you apart from many others. It is part of ‘Universal Love’ for all.

18. Refrain from excessive indulgence in activities for personal pleasure ( Aloluptvam).

19. Gentle behavior and modesty ( Mārdavam) in speech and actions towards all.

20. Remorse for any inappropriate actions, speech or thoughts ( Hri).

21. Unnecessary speech and / or movements of the limbs ( Achapalam) are considered a weakness.

तेजः मा धृ तः शौचं अ ोहः न अ तमािनता ।

भवि संपदं दैवीम् अ भजात भारत ॥१६ :३॥

Tejah, kshamā, dhrutihi, shaucham, adhrohah,

na atimānitā;