Gita Saar | What is Dharma (Righteousness)?

What is Dharma (Righteousness)?

Dharma has many definitions. But the definition of the modern world is different. Nowadays, religion (Hinduism, Islam, Buddhism, Christianity etc) is considered a Dharma. This is not completely correct. Because, opposite of Dharma is Adharma (unrighteousness). And we do not call that non-religion or anti-religion. It makes sense that at present we cannot speak religion as Dharma (righteousness).

Now the question arises, what is Dharma then?

चातुर्वर्ण्यं मया सृष्टं गुणकर्मविभागश: |

तस्य कर्तारमपि मां विद्ध्यकर्तारमव्ययम् || 4.13||

The four categories of occupations were created by me according to people’s qualities and activities. Although I am the creator of this system, but consider me beyond this system, as non-doer and eternal.

Let's understand it this way. God created human and created varnas to determine his/her duties. And all the rules and deeds that came under that Varna were called the Dharma of that Varna. Whatever varna God has created is always suitable for the progress of any nation or community in the world. And who performs the rules and deeds prescribed according to his varna with complete devotion, diligence, restraint and devotion, makes his human life meaningful and attains salvation.

Because when you complete your Dharma without fault. So it emits peace in you. This is the biggest aspiration of human. If you don't think so let's do an experiment

Do this experiment after leaving your 5 minutes.

So now all you have to do is that, whatever you are doing in your life right now, the most important. Think about it and ask,

Why are you doing this? And what will happen with this?

Whatever answer you get, ask yourself again with "Why to do it, why you want it or what will it gain to you?".

And repeat this action until you are unable to answer it yourself. Or your answers are finished. When you successfully finish this action, whatever is your final answer, that is the goal of human life. And that is what you want.

You may find it surprising that your final answer will be "peace or peace of mind". Which means nothing but salvation. And this is the ultimate goal that humans have to achieve. And God gave varna and Dharma to humans as a means to achieve this goal.

Now the question arises that what are those Varn(characters)? And how are they determined?

Varn(characters): God has determined four varnas

1. Brahmin
2. Kshatriya
3. Vaishya
4. Shudra

Determination: The above four varnas are never determined according to the person's birth but are determined by his qualities and deeds (Karma).

The above characters never mean that someone is inferior to someone or that they are not able to achieve their ultimate goal. All of them can attain salvation by following the prescribed according to their varna.

Now the question arises that how relevant is this system in modern life?

According to my understanding, I consider this system completely relevant. Let's understand this as such.

To understand this, let's look at some of today's business categories.

1. Brahmin: Scientists, Teachers, Doctors etc.
2. Kshatriya: Soldier, Police etc.
3. Vaishya: Businessman, Farmers, Artist etc.
4. Shudra: Workers, workforce, etc. and all those who support the above 3 varnas in fulfilling their jobs.

Now you will understand this. That nowhere in the Varna speaks of high or low. And this is not proved even by your birth. But the human problem is that he wants my son or daughter to become a doctor if I am a doctor. We do not pay attention to his/her qualities and deeds. And try to insert them into another character childishly. Which always gives rise to unrest and inferiority in their life and hinders them to follow their character in the best way. Due to which neither they themselves are able to achieve the goal nor they are beneficial in the progress of the nation.

Varna (characters) and can easily achieve the ultimate goal. Which will be helpful in his own development and also in the progress of the nation.

But the limited understanding and thinking of human being gives a wrong interpretation of Dharma (religion) and converts the varna into a caste. And causes dissatisfaction in a human being and the entire nation. Due to which no one can achieve their goal.

And if we notice, these four varnas are capable of taking any nation to its highest level. If everyone is following their Dharma.

Summary: The above means that if we have to achieve human and nation's development and ultimate goal, then we should choose the right character and master it by keeping in mind its merits and deeds. And everyone should help others in this.  One should not consider low, high.  If this happens, then all the people of that society will be of the highest order, irrespective of their varna.  This system will eliminate casteism completely and will also develop equanimity.

 But this responsibility is the highest of the mother, father and teachers.  That is why these three are called the form of God.  Because these three lay the foundation of any society and nation. This is  Dharma (Righteousness).

I have tried to understand Dharma (religion) according to my level of intelligence and understanding.

I am not saying above is the ultimate definition of Dharma but would request all of you to pay attention to what has happened above and if you do not agree then give your arguments in comments.

हिन्दी में पढ़ने के लिए, यहाँ क्लिक करें।

By- Vineet Kumar Saraswat