Where is dharma re worldwide perverse events ?

[raksankar]

I have a very basic and perhaps a wrong question...Forgive me for raising such a question.

We hear all kinds of plainly perverse things happening in this world and these are getting reported everyday in daily newspapers and television channels. Where is dharma in this context ?

Jaya Jaya Shankara
Ra K Sankar

[Kanchi Periva]

Dharma is all about one's own behavior and not about what happens in the outside world.

If each one of us take a vow to stick to the principles of dharma and conduct our lives as ordained in our dharma sastras come what may, we would be setting up some role models for others to follow.

Instead of making it a point to compulsorily read so much of nonsense that appears in the newspapers everyday morning, we can take a promise to ensure we chant Rama nama or the Vishnu Sahasranamam every morning. It is a matter of shame that amidst so many of us Hindus, there are people who compulsorily read the papers every morning, but do not do any sort of pooja because they simply do not have the time.

In fact, in one of the question-answers exchanged in the Yaksha Prasna of Mahabharata between the Yaksha and Yudhistira, Dharma is defined to be "control of the mind". In one of His discourses, Periva has ordered us to look forward in the path of Bhakti & Gnaanam and try our best to attain greater heights. He says that out of the efforts of one crore people, even if one is able to attain the glory, that would be good enough for the entire one crore to catch upon and attain salvation.

Hence, let us focus more internally on doing our own Dharmas first. Am not saying be unmindful of the society, but rather feel sorry for what is happening around and understand that we are all indirectly a reason for such things - as we do not do our duties enshrined in the vedas and have let down our dharma, the entire society is taking the toll.

Let us take this opportunity to reflect upon ourselves, our conduct and get back to the best practices which have been handed over by our Rishis, for the betterment of society as a whole.

[vaanand70]

Dear Friend,

I am sorry but the question itself has to be rephrased. Dharma cannot be found outside. It is within us. There will always be violators of Dharma. You will be surprised to know that Dharma is being adhered by millions and millions and all the violations were always there. In fact it is followed more and better these days than during puranic days. You may find my statement contradictory, but if you verify the facts and compare it with present you will agree. There is no point talking about Varnashrama Dharma. It has changed and there is no point brooding over it. Many did not understand it properly and it was twisted to benefit the mighty. Following texts or preaching God may seem like Dharma. Moreover, there may be other ideas like Desha Bhakthi, Guru Bhakthi, Gnanam, Bhakthi towards God, following padhdhathis and the likes. But as far as i could define is 'that which supports the society. that act which ensures welfare of common man is Dharma'. It may be any act. Irrespective whether it is good, bad or ugly, if it ensures the welfare of common man and supports the society, it is Dharma. So if a person decides that the common man is being benefited and the work he does today even if there is no recognition or appreciation or support would benefit the people of tomorrow he is treading the Dharmic path. The person who does so has to have all qualities of Brahmana, Kshatriya, Vaishya and Shudra. There are many hidden meanings in what I am writing. To make it crisp I have avoided it. Deivaththin Kural will be able to explain you best. Please read Thirukkural and life history of Madhava Sadhashiva Golwalkar.

[raksankar]

Thanks for the detailed post...I shall read Deivaththin Kural other than the only one I have earlier read. And also, I shall look to the life history of Madhava Sadhashiva Golwalkar, the name which I am hearing for the first time...

[raksankar]

Thanks for the detailed reply and the focus brought to internal vision...

[vedpremi]

Excellent question, starts of a lot of thinking.

What the questioner is actually asking is "where is justice in today's world? why is there no big hue and cry about behaviour that is harmful to a large section of people?"

There is no real translation of the word 'dharma' in the English language. "right conduct" is an approximation, because if we aplly western normative interpretation of 'right conduct', then the Mahabharata war was not 'dharmic'.

So what is 'dharmic' and what is 'not dharmic'? In my view, working, acts, behaving and thinking is 'dharmic' when it promotes the happiness and well-being of the largest number of people. Not only that, the action, behaviour and way of thinking should promote the sustained well-being of society for the next tens and hundreds of generations.

That is why the actions of a cola factory in depleting the ground water in the region is 'adharma'. And selling wireless spectrum to companies outside India is 'adharmic'. Indiscriminately mining sand from river-beds is 'adharmic'.
Me ostentatiously spending money because I have it is 'adharmic'. Letting the tap run continuously when it can be run intermittently is 'adharmic'. and so on and on.

svasti(f) prajabhyah(f) paripaalayantaam
nyaayena maargena maheem maheeshaah
go braahmanebhyah shubham astu nityam
samasta lokaah sukhino bhavantoo

Prosperity of the populace protected and fostered
On the path of dharma walk the rulers and the people
Knowledge and the preservers-of-knowledge are ever ensured of well-being
Then all the worlds are happy and peaceful

Note: the word 'go' means 'cow' as well as 'rays of knowledge'
and 'braahmaNaa' means exactly what I have translated above.
The translation as 'priest' was applied as a derogatory term by European Protestant missionaries who wanted common people to reject braahmaNaas as evil, in the same way that Protestants rejected Catholic priests.

[Kanchi Periva]

Very nice interpretation and response, thanks to member Vedpremi for the post.

[s. padmanabha iyer]

thank u