From a podcast, Dharma Upadesh, with Pt. Umadutt Maharaj, Spiritual Leader, SWAHA Bhakti Jyoti Mandali and Pt. Agnishwar Munivar Maharaj
Is there a sole authority on dharma? And if so, who or what is the source?
In the last verse of the Bhagavad Gita, chapter 16, verse 24, Shree Krishna Bhagavan tells us that the scripture alone is your guide in determining what should be done, and what should not be done. Therefore, the sole authority on all that we do in dharma, on all the principles of Sanaatan Dharma, is based on our religious scriptures.
In Hinduism, there are the Vedas, the Srutis, the Shastras and several other scriptures as well as the guiding conduct of the ancient Holy ones, who act according to the injunction of those scriptures. In fact, the Vedas are considered the ultimate authority. We cannot know the truth about dharma through any source or any other knowledge other than the scriptures. Reasoning, whatever we think or feel, cannot be the sole authority in any matter of dharma. In order for us to really understand dharma, we must also have the advice of the holy ones and gurus. They have already traversed the path and can pass on their knowledge to us.
Are there different duties for different individuals?
The meaning of the word, dharma, always remains the same, righteousness. However, based on the principle of dharma, our duties may differ depending on the various stages of life. In Hinduism there are four stages: Brahmacharya, Grihasta, Vanaprastha and Sanyaas.
The Brahmachari, or student, stage is normally between birth to 25 years. The Grihasta, or householder, stage usually lasts from 25 to 50 or 60 years, or so. The Vanaprastha stage lasts from 60, 65 to 70, 75 years. Then, the final stage of life is the Sanyaas or renounced stage. It is important to understand that every individual’s life should be based around righteousness and dutifulness. However, based on the stage of life that we are in, or one’s gender, the duties in life are adjusted to suit. Thus, different duties are prescribed to each individual at various points in life.
For example, the duties of a woman can be different from the duties of a man; the duties of married people are different from the duties of single people; the duties of children are different from the duties of parents, and so forth. Based on who we are and the positions we hold in society, our duties are adjusted, but the basis of righteousness remains the same.
How can we look at our duties of our life with reference to the scriptures?
Every scripture speaks of the principles by which we must live our lives. Ramaayan speaks of the principles of human life. Ramaayan katha teaches us about the type of love that should exist in relationships: between father and son, between brothers, among the married, the love and worship of the deities and one’s relationship with the immortal soul. There is always a scriptural authority to guide us as we traverse the corridors of life.
