Dharma Musings

 

Musings of a Medic

Dharma is one of the most used as well as misinterpreted terms in Indic context. Conventionally translated as religion, but does this Sanskrit term actually mean religion?
The word Dharma comes from root 'Dhr' which means 'to hold' or 'to sustain'. But what does it actually hold or sustain?
Dharma finds its place in the four Purusharths of Sanaatan Tradition : Dharma, Artha, Kaama, Moksha. If the definition of Dharma is religion, aren't the latter three a part of it?

The meaning attributed to the word Dharma is quite dynamic and has many dimensions to it. Understanding it completely requires a proper understanding of the Sanaatan tradition and its scriptures.
However to begin with, the nearest English equivalent to the word Dharma is 'Duty' or 'Righteousness'. Connecting it with the above etymology, its the Duty or Righteous behavior that upholds or sustains the Cosmic order.
Having many layers to it, Dharma begins at Individuality and lastly encompasses Universality.

A verse in Mahabharat defines Dharma as one that brings evolution of Individuals:

प्रभवार्थाय भूतानां धर्मप्रवचनं कृतम्।
यः स्यात्प्रभवसंयुक्तः स धर्म इति निश्चयः।।

It is the cause of both Preyas (materialistic progress) and Nishreyas (spiritual progress).  Arth ( Economic progress) and Kama (Desire) become worthwhile if bound by tenets of  Dharma. [What a profound way of regularising social order!].
Dharma as a whole has four levels which need to be adhered to:

Vyashti : One's duty towards oneself.
Samshti : One's duty towards society.
Srishti : One's duty towards Nature.
Parmeshti: One's duty towards spiritual progress or God.

All the four aspects are to be taken into account to follow the Dharmic way of life.
Doing religious rituals on a cost of avoiding family responsibilities is not Dharma. Wasting natural resources like electricity, water and not being mindful about the 'Srishti' is not Dharma.

So the popular conception of equating Dharma with Religion was never true. Religious practices could be a component of Dharma but never can constitute it as a whole!!!

Dr. Karan Mittal
MBBS, MA (Clinical Psychology), MA (Sanskrit)