From an interview with Pt. Umadutt Maharaj and Pt. Munivar Agnishwar Maharaj on the podcast, Hindu Upadesh (youtube.com) (Season 1, episode 3)
Dharma, often translated as righteousness, holds a significant place in the Hindu way of life. While the term may not be explicitly used in other religions, the concept of righteousness is emphasised in various faiths. Hinduism, Jainism, Christianity, Sikhism and Islam all recognize the value of dharma and place a special emphasis on morality, duty and righteousness as the means to attain the goal of life. Across religions, the practice of dharma is upheld. In Sanaatan Dharma, we use the term dharma, but in other religions, the concept is encapsulated in different terms. However, the essence of its meaning remains the same: righteousness.
Dharma represents positive virtues and righteousness. It is accorded the foremost rank in scriptures. The practice of dharma is the gateway to moksha, which symbolises freedom from all forms of bondage. Dharma is necessary to attain immortality, infinite blessings, infinite bliss, supreme peace or higher knowledge. The benefits of practising dharma in our lives are manifold. In Sanaatan Dharma, we recognise four primary objectives of human aspirations known as purush artha: dharma, artha (material wealth), kaam (legitimate desires) and moksha (liberation). Dharma is the primary purush artha, the foundational goal, and through its practice, we can hope to achieve the crowning glory of all human endeavours: moksha. Moksha is the ultimate realisation and liberation, the best and highest of all desired things.
When we practise dharma, we experience peace, joy, strength and tranquillity within ourselves. Our lives become disciplined, and our powers and capacities are intensified. We come to realise the underlying, homogeneous essence in all the names and forms of divinity that we worship. We are transmuted by divinity, and our entire nature gets transformed. We merge with the eternal Brahm (the Ultimate Reality) in every direction and within ourselves. Brahm is in everything, both within us and in the world at large.
By practising dharma, we manifest these positive virtues, and ultimately, we attain freedom from bondage. Each day, as we embody and practise these positive virtues, we draw nearer to the realisation of moksha, freedom from everything that binds us in this world.
Now, let’s explore the various classifications of dharma. Dharma encompasses different kinds and can be classified into two main categories: samanya dharma (general or universal dharma) and vishesha dharma (specific or personal dharma).
Samanya dharma encompasses virtues such as contentment, forgiveness, self-restraint, non-stealing, purity, control of the senses, discrimination between right and wrong, spiritual knowledge, truthfulness and absence of anger. It also includes the rules and responsibilities of various castes and orders of life. On the other hand, vishesha dharma refers to specific duties and responsibilities tailored to individuals. Thus, while the essence of dharma remains the same – righteousness – the specific duties and obligations vary based on different aspects and functions of one’s life.
In conclusion, practising dharma is of utmost importance in our lives. It leads us on the path to moksha, offering immeasurable benefits such as peace, joy, strength and transcendence. Dharma is not confined to a singular type; it encompasses various classifications and responsibilities that help us navigate through the diverse aspects of our existence. By embodying righteousness and fulfilling our duties, we can realise the ultimate freedom from bondage and unite with the eternal essence.
