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[[The Four Vedas (चतुर्वेदाः)|Vedas]] (वेदाः) and Dharma (धर्मः) have been the pillars on which [[Sanatana Dharma (सनातनधर्मः)]] stood ground since time immemorial. That Vedas are the source of all Dharma (in moral, social, religious, judicial, and spiritual sense) is irrefutably advocated by all authoritative texts of our [[Bharatiya Samskrtika Parampara (भारतीयसांस्कृतिकपरम्परा)|Bharatiya Samskrtika Parampara]].   

Pramanas for Dharma (Samskrit : धर्मप्रमाणानि) deals with [[The Four Vedas (चतुर्वेदाः)|Vedas]] (वेदाः) and Dharma (धर्मः) which have been the pillars on which [[Sanatana Dharma (सनातनधर्मः)]] stood ground since time immemorial. That Vedas are the source of all Dharma (in moral, social, religious, judicial, and spiritual sense) is irrefutably advocated by all authoritative texts of our [[Bharatiya Samskrtika Parampara (भारतीयसांस्कृतिकपरम्परा)|Bharatiya Samskrtika Parampara]].   

Many scholars have debated as to what is the source and pramana for Dharmas that have been prevalent from ancient times. With the advent of modern social conditions, it is time to revisit the gold standards for moral and social conduct of human beings. The word Dharma (धर्मः), for which no word of any language can be substituted, is used erroneously and loosely in the sense of sanctioning various unrighteous deeds in the name of changing society and times by different people all over the globe.   

Many scholars have debated as to what is the source and pramana (basis) for Dharmas that have been prevalent from ancient times. With the advent of modern social conditions, it is time to revisit the gold standards for moral and social conduct of human beings. The word Dharma (धर्मः), for which no word of any language can be substituted, is used erroneously and loosely in the sense of sanctioning various unrighteous deeds in the name of changing society and times by different people all over the globe.   

== परिचयः ॥ Introduction ==

== परिचयः ॥ Introduction ==

Dharma (धर्मः) is a samskrit expression of the widest import. There is no corresponding word for Dharma in any other world language as it is a unique and ancient concept promulgated by rshis since times immemorial. Any single definition of Dharma would be an insufficient attempt to define the word. It can only be explained and has a wide variety of meanings.  

Dharma (धर्मः) is a samskrit expression of the widest import. There is no corresponding word for Dharma in any other world language as it is a unique and ancient concept promulgated by rshis since times immemorial. Any single definition of Dharma would be an insufficient attempt to define the word. It can only be explained and has a wide variety of meanings.  

None of the faiths which are now widely spread across the world neither have such an extensive literature  

None of the faiths which are now widely spread across the world neither have such an extensive literature nor the depth of concepts as antique as those of Sanatana Dharma. 

In this article we deal with establishing the pramanas or basis of Dharmas to be Vedas and the subsequent vaidika vangmaya. The extensive vedic literature has shown the irrevocable link between Dharma and Vedas, a few instances are presented here.

In this article we revisit and compile the pramanas or basis of Dharmas from Vedas and the subsequent vaidika vangmaya. The extensive vedic literature has shown the irrevocable link between Dharma and Vedas, a few instances are presented here.

== व्युत्पत्तिः ॥ Etymology ==

== व्युत्पत्तिः ॥ Etymology ==

The samskrit word veda (वेदः | knowledge, wisdom) is derived from the धातुः (root) विद् (vid) - ज्ञाने (वेत्ति) in the meaning "to know" (Dhatupatha 1064)<ref name=":122" />. Apart from this, Veda is derived from विद् (vid) धातुः with the addition of Bhavarthaka (भावर्थकः), Karmarthaka (कर्मार्थकः) and Karanarthaka (करणार्थकः) "धम" Dhama pratyaya (प्रत्ययः | suffix) to form the meanings "knowledge, pertaining to knowledge and instrument of knowledge" respectively (See Page 2 footnote 1 for further reference).<ref name=":2">Singh, Ahilya. (2010) PhD Thesis Title: [http://shodhganga.inflibnet.ac.in/bitstream/10603/180070/3/03_chapter%201.pdf Pracheen bharat mein aarthik jeevan prarambh se vaidik kaal tak.] V. B. S. Purvanchal University.</ref><blockquote>वेद्यन्ते ज्ञाप्यन्ते धर्मादिपुरुशार्थचतुष्ठयोपाया येन स वेदः। vedyante jñāpyante dharmādipuruśārthacatuṣṭhayopāyā yena sa vedaḥ।</blockquote>Meaning: That which is the means for obtaining the knowledge of Dharma and other (अर्थः ॥ Artha, कामः ॥ Kama and मोक्षः ॥ Moksha) purusharthas is called Veda.<ref name=":2" /> Thus, the inseparable link between Dharma and Vedas is well established by scholars in many instances.

The samskrit word veda (वेदः | knowledge, wisdom) is derived from the धातुः (root) विद् (vid) - ज्ञाने (वेत्ति) in the meaning "to know" (Dhatupatha 1064)<ref name=":122" />. Apart from this, Veda is derived from विद् (vid) धातुः with the addition of Bhavarthaka (भावर्थकः), Karmarthaka (कर्मार्थकः) and Karanarthaka (करणार्थकः) "धम" Dhama pratyaya (प्रत्ययः | suffix) to form the meanings "knowledge, pertaining to knowledge and instrument of knowledge" respectively (See Page 2 footnote 1 for further reference).<ref name=":2">Singh, Ahilya. (2010) PhD Thesis Title: [http://shodhganga.inflibnet.ac.in/bitstream/10603/180070/3/03_chapter%201.pdf Pracheen bharat mein aarthik jeevan prarambh se vaidik kaal tak.] V. B. S. Purvanchal University.</ref><blockquote>वेद्यन्ते ज्ञाप्यन्ते धर्मादिपुरुशार्थचतुष्ठयोपाया येन स वेदः। vedyante jñāpyante dharmādipuruśārthacatuṣṭhayopāyā yena sa vedaḥ।</blockquote>Meaning: That which is the means for obtaining the knowledge of Dharma and other (अर्थः ॥ Artha, कामः ॥ Kama and मोक्षः ॥ Moksha) purusharthas is called Veda.<ref name=":2" /> Thus, the inseparable link between Dharma and Vedas is well established by scholars in many instances.

== धर्मप्रमाणानि ॥ Pramanas for Dharma ==

== धर्मप्रमाणानि ॥ Pramanas for Dharma ==

Many Sanatana Dharma texts proclaim that Vedas are the pramanas or basis of Dharma. These texts being the oldest in the world with no precedents to them, it is accepted with authority and respect by every follower of the concept of Dharma. Vyasa Maharshi's sayings as mentioned in Smrtichandrika are as follows<ref name=":4">Srinivacharya. L, (1914) ''Smritichandrika by Devana Bhatta, Samskara Kanda Prathama.'' Mysore: Government Branch Press (Pages 5 to 13)</ref> <blockquote>धर्ममूलं वेदमाहुः ग्रन्थराशिमकृत्रिमम्। तद्विदां स्मृतिशीले च साध्वाचारं मनःप्रियम् ॥</blockquote>The Vedas are said to be the source of Dharma, as are the abundance of texts which are not created (apaurusheya), along with traditions (based on smrtis) and the virtuous conduct of those who follow Vedas and ultimately the source of Dharma also lies in the inner conscience of a human being.

Many Sanatana Dharma texts proclaim that Vedas are the pramanas or basis of Dharma. These texts being the oldest in the world with no precedents to them, it is accepted with authority and respect by every follower of the concept of Dharma. Vyasa Maharshi's sayings as mentioned in Smrtichandrika are as follows<ref name=":4">Srinivacharya. L, (1914) ''Smritichandrika by Devana Bhatta, Samskara Kanda Prathama.'' Mysore: Government Branch Press (Pages 5 to 13)</ref> <blockquote>धर्ममूलं वेदमाहुः ग्रन्थराशिमकृत्रिमम्। तद्विदां स्मृतिशीले च साध्वाचारं मनःप्रियम् ॥</blockquote>The Vedas are said to be the source of Dharma, as are the abundance of texts which are not created (apaurusheya), along with traditions (based on smrtis) and the virtuous conduct of those who follow Vedas and ultimately the source of Dharma also lies in the inner conscience of a human being.

Following Vyasa Maharshi's words the following sources are listed out as accepted pramanas for Dharma.

Following Vyasa Maharshi's words the following sources are listed below as accepted pramanas for Dharma.

* वेदः ॥ the Vedic texts  

* वेदः ॥ the Vedic texts  

* स्मृतिः ॥ the Smrti texts  

* स्मृतिः ॥ the Smrti texts  

* साध्वाचारम् ॥ the virtuous conduct of those who follow the Veda  

* साध्वाचारम् ॥ the virtuous conduct of those who follow the Veda  

* मनःप्रियम् ॥ the inner call of the person  

* मनःप्रियम् ॥ the inner call of the person  

=== शिष्टाचारः ॥ Shistachara ===

=== शिष्टाचारः ॥ Shistachara ===

Manu defines who a शिष्टाचारः or a person of virtuous conduct is, as follows<ref name=":4" /><blockquote>धर्मेणाधिगतो यैस्तु वेदः सपरिबृंहणः । ते शिष्टा ब्राह्मणा ज्ञेयाः श्रुतिप्रत्यक्षहेतवः । । १२.१०९ । (Manu. Smrt. 12.109)</blockquote>Those who have thoroughly studied the Dharmashastras, well-versed in the Vedas and vedangas, and leading a life according to the prescribed way laid down in the Shrutis are to be known as qualified persons of virtuous conduct or Shista Brahmanas (शिष्टा ब्राह्मणा-s).<ref>Pt. Manmath Nath Dutt, (1979) ''The Dharmashastra, Hindu Religious Codes, English Translation and Text. Volume 5.'' New Delhi: Cosmo Publications (Page 436)</ref>

Shistachara is founded in turn on Shrutis and Smrtis (which are again based on Shrutis). Kurma Purana and Manu define who a शिष्टाचारः or a person of virtuous conduct is, as follows<ref name=":4" /><blockquote>धर्मेणाधिगतो यैस्तु वेदः सपरिबृंहणः । ते शिष्टा ब्राह्मणाः प्रोक्ता नित्यमात्मगुणान्विताः ।। २४.१७ </blockquote><blockquote>तेषामभिमतो यः स्याच्चेतसा नित्यमेव हि । स धर्मः कथितः सद्भिर्नान्येषामिति धारणा ।। २४.१८ (Kurm. Pura. 24.17-18)<ref name=":6" /></blockquote>One who is knowledgeable in the dharmic concepts given in Vedas and Paribhrimhanas (परिबृंहणः । Includes the vedic extensions such as Ramayana and Mahabharata Itihasas and Purana texts), and who is filled with Atmagunas (such as Ahimsa, Daya, Satya and eight such others) engrossed in pursuing the knowledge of Brahman (Brahmana) is called Shista (शिष्टः). It is laid down that the views  (policies) held by these Shistas, which are ever present in their Antakarana (Chetas), are called Dharma by scholarly people and not the views of those who live otherwise.<ref name=":5" />

 

Manusmrti also reiterates the importance of respecting Shistas.<blockquote>धर्मेणाधिगतो यैस्तु वेदः सपरिबृंहणः । ते शिष्टा ब्राह्मणा ज्ञेयाः श्रुतिप्रत्यक्षहेतवः । । १२.१०९ । (Manu. Smrt. 12.109)<ref name=":222" /></blockquote>Those who have thoroughly studied the Dharmashastras, well-versed in the Vedas and vedangas, and leading a life according to the prescribed way laid down in the Shrutis are to be known as qualified persons of virtuous conduct or Shista Brahmanas (शिष्टा ब्राह्मणा-s).<ref>Pt. Manmath Nath Dutt, (1979) ''The Dharmashastra, Hindu Religious Codes, English Translation and Text. Volume 5.'' New Delhi: Cosmo Publications (Page 436)</ref>

'''Udaharana''': It is further debated that if one who follows the activities as given by the Vedas and one who knows the Vedas (वेदविद्) becomes the pramana or standard for Shistachara, then even the (unlawful) living of Ahalya and Tara with Indra and Chandra respectively is be called as virtuous conduct (इन्द्रचन्द्रादेरहल्यातारादिगमनमपि प्रमाणं स्यात् किम्?) That is not the case. Then how is Aachara pramana (कथमाचारप्रामाण्यम्?) to be determined?

'''Udaharana''': It is further debated that if one who follows the activities as given by the Vedas and one who knows the Vedas (वेदविद्) becomes the pramana or standard for Shistachara, then even the (unlawful) living of Ahalya and Tara with Indra and Chandra respectively is be called as virtuous conduct (इन्द्रचन्द्रादेरहल्यातारादिगमनमपि प्रमाणं स्यात् किम्?) That is not the case. Then how is Aachara pramana (कथमाचारप्रामाण्यम्?) to be determined?

A few examples of how some of the above mentioned texts relate to Dharma are discussed below.  

A few examples of how some of the above mentioned texts relate to Dharma are discussed below.  

=== Vedas ===

=== वेदः ॥ Vedas ===

==== ऋग्वेदः ॥ Rigveda ====

==== ऋग्वेदः ॥ Rigveda ====