The word “Dharma” ha s no equivalent word in English. Dharma is described as ‘religion’ in dictionaries but it is much more than that. It takes many English words to describe Dharma.
The word ‘religion’ is commonly used but a religion is a specific system of institutionalized faith or worship. Some people think of religion as performing rituals, visiting temples, celebrating festivals, pilgrimage, etc., but it is much more than that. “Sanātan Dharma” or
“Mānav Dharma” is not a religion because no single Prophet initiated or established it and it’s always evolving - not rigid or stagnant. In India it is labeled as a religion for political reasons. Everything we do in life, including eating and sleeping, are done according to Dharma. Védic Dharma was practiced in India more than 5,000 years ago, long before any of the Prophets were born. During the British Rāj, as part of their policy of divide and rule, religion, caste, and sub-caste were given a lot of importance. Since Hindus were the majority, all other religious groups were given special privileges and even tax breaks. This created a lot of animosity amongst all, weakened India and reduced chances of any resistance movement to succeed against the British. Religious labels became important and
‘Hinduism’ became a religion. Religion has become a very divisive force in the modern world exploiting and intimidating people of ‘other’ religions, creating animosity leading to violence, and even wars.
The Sanskrut word Dharma is derived from the root word ‘ Dhri' , which means to hold together or support for everyone in the society. Dharma is also described as ‘duty’ - one’s duty towards herself, her family, community, country, and the world. Knowledge about Dharma - what is right and wrong - helps us guide through our lives. This knowledge should be taught when a child is very young and not at the end of life, during retirement or when someone is on deathbed. It is too late to know ‘how to lead a life’ when we have gone through most of it.
Dharma is a set of recommendations of many wise men developed over the centuries
on ‘how to live one’s life’ that will hold together and support the whole society.
This noble ‘way of life’ is good for the entire ecosystem
and will bring peace within individuals, communities & countries;
And lead to progress and prosperity of all.
Dharma is the universal code of behavior towards all living creatures and even nonliving things. It is in the best interest of all and includes all the virtues like truth, nobility, justice, nonviolence, compassion, faith, duty, modesty, steadfastness, control over senses, loyalty, honesty, etc. Dharma is also the absence of negative tendencies like selfishness, lust, greed, envy, anger, arrogance, etc. A life according to Dharma is necessary for success in meditation and also for peace and prosperity of the family, community, country and the world. Dharma sustains and supports life in general, and helps to hold the community together.
The word Dharma, at a higher intellectual or philosophical level is that without which we will not be able to exist in peace and prosper. It is the essence of our existence. It is that, force'
without which this world as we know will not be able to survive.
Védic or Sanātana Dharma
Véd-s are considered to be the final highest authority. Dharma that is followed based on Véd-s is called Védic Dharma. It is also called Sanātana (eternal) Dharma. It is like a Constitution or law of a nation ( Samvidhāna संिवधान). The Constitution is for governing a country for its development, prosperity, peace, security and to regulate the activities of all the citizens. The weak need to be protected from the powerful & the rich. Dharma is described as ‘divine, universal constitution’ - a noble path to be followed by all for peace, spiritual progress, prosperity and happiness in this life and even after death in the next life ( Pooner-janma = rebirth) or Moksh (liberation from the cycle of birth & death). It is meant for the wellbeing of all - human beings, animals, plants, earth, water, etc. It also tells us our
‘Purpose’ in life.
Dharma Shāstra (घम शा )
A Shāstra is a systematic exposition of subjects like sciences and scriptures. It covers all aspects of a subject. The root word shās means to teach. The word ‘tra’, in Shāstra means protection ( shāsnāt trāyaté iti Shāstra = the knowledge that protects you from dangers is Shāstra. A Shāstra is a scripture that protects an individual that follows its teachings.. The knowledge which teaches you ‘how to protect yourself from making harmful, bad, or wrong decisions in life’. Or Hitam upanishati iti Shāstra = that which teaches you ‘what is good for you’ - your welfare, well-being, etc. Sanātana Dharma is a Shāstra of this category.
What do we want to achieve by learning about Dharma and practicing it in everyday life?
Dharma teaches us ‘how to live our lives’ so that we all can achieve: यतोऽ ुदयिनः ेयस स धः स धमः ॥ १ . १ . २ ॥
Yato abhyudaya nihshréyasa siddhiḥ sa Dharmaḥ || 1.1.2 ||
Vaisheshika sūtra 1.1.2
Those activities that lead to peace, progress, prosperity
(of all in this Universe)
and supreme, permanent bliss is Dharma.
Who is fit ( Adhikari) to receive this knowledge?
Dharma is for all human beings - without consideration of age, sex, race, religion, etc. Only humans have that capacity to think, understand these concepts and ability to practice them.
This knowledge is very important in modern turbulent times and is universally applicable. If age-appropriate lessons are taught to all school children and these principles are practiced throughout life, the world would be a much better place for everyone.