Changes

* the people of the world or  

* the people of the world or  

* the whole creation from the microcosm to the macrocosm  

* the whole creation from the microcosm to the macrocosm  

It is the eternal divine law of the Supreme Being. The entire creation is held together and sustained by the all-powerful law of the divine. Practice of Dharma, therefore, means recognition of this law and abidance by it. And it is this law that brings well-being to human beings. It includes all external deeds, as well as thoughts and other mental practices which tend to elevate the character of a human being thereby securing preservation of beings. Therefore, it is said that people are upheld by Dharma. And that Dharma leads one to eternal happiness and immortality.<ref name=":4">Swami Sivananda (1999), [http://www.dlshq.org/download/hinduismbk.pdf All About Hinduism], Uttar Pradesh: The Divine Life Society.</ref>

It is the eternal divine law of the Supreme Being. The entire creation is held together and sustained by the all-powerful law of the divine. Practice of Dharma, therefore, means recognition of this law and abidance by it. And it is this law that brings well-being to human beings. It includes all external deeds, as well as thoughts and other mental practices which tend to elevate the character of a human being thereby securing preservation of beings. Therefore, it is said that people are upheld by Dharma. And that Dharma leads one to eternal happiness.<ref name=":4">Swami Sivananda (1999), [http://www.dlshq.org/download/hinduismbk.pdf All About Hinduism], Uttar Pradesh: The Divine Life Society.</ref>

== धर्मपरिभाषा ॥ Definition of Dharma ==

== धर्मपरिभाषा ॥ Definition of Dharma ==

There is no proper equivalent word in English for the Sanskrit term Dharma.<ref name=":4" /> With its rich connotations, Dharma is not translatable to any other language. It would also be futile to attempt to give any definition of the word. It can only be explained.<ref name=":3" /> It takes many English words to describe the concept of Dharma.<ref name=":1" />

There is no proper equivalent word in English for the Sanskrit term Dharma.<ref name=":4" /> With its rich connotations, Dharma is [[Non-Translatable Sanskrit words|not translatable]] to any other language. It would also be futile to attempt to give any definition of the word. It can only be explained.<ref name=":3" /> It takes many English words to describe the concept of Dharma.<ref name=":1" />

* It is generally defined as ‘the principle of righteousness’ or ‘duty.’  

* It is generally defined as ‘the principle of righteousness’ or ‘duty.’  

* It is also the principle of unity. In his instructions to Yudhishthira, Bhishma says, 'whatever creates conflict is Adharma, and whatever puts an end to conflict and brings about unity and harmony is Dharma.' Therefore, anything that helps to unite all and develop pure divine love and universal brotherhood, is Dharma. Anything that creates discord, split and disharmony and foments hatred, is Adharma.  

* It is also the principle of unity. In his instructions to [[Yudhishthira (युधिष्ठिरः)|Yudhishthira]], [[Bhishma (भीष्मः)|Bhishma]] says, 'whatever creates conflict is Adharma, and whatever puts an end to conflict and brings about unity and harmony is Dharma.' Therefore, anything that helps to unite all and develop pure divine love and universal brotherhood, is Dharma. Anything that creates discord, split and disharmony and foments hatred, is Adharma.  

* It is the cementer and sustainer of social life. The rules of Dharma have been laid down for regulating the worldly affairs of human beings and brings as its consequence happiness, both in this world and in the next.  

* It is the cementer and sustainer of social life. The rules of Dharma have been laid down for regulating the worldly affairs of human beings and brings as its consequence happiness, both in this world and in the next.  

* Another definition of dharma says "That which elevates one is Dharma." It helps one to have direct communion with the Supreme Being. It leads one to the path of perfection and glory thereby facilitating the ascending stairway unto the Supreme. In fact, Self-realisation is the highest Dharma.<ref name=":4" />

* Another definition of dharma says "That which elevates one is Dharma." It helps one to have direct communion with the Supreme Being. It leads one to the path of perfection and glory thereby facilitating the ascending stairway unto the Supreme. In fact, Self-realisation is the highest Dharma.<ref name=":4" />

In the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna says,<blockquote>तस्माच्छास्त्रं प्रमाणं ते कार्याकार्यव्यवस्थितौ । ज्ञात्वा शास्त्रविधानोक्तं कर्म कर्तुमिहार्हसि ॥१६- २४॥<ref>Bhagavad Gita, [https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%AD%E0%A4%97%E0%A4%B5%E0%A4%A6%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%97%E0%A5%80%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%BE/%E0%A4%A6%E0%A5%88%E0%A4%B5%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%B8%E0%A5%81%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%B8%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AA%E0%A4%A6%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B5%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%AD%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%97%E0%A4%AF%E0%A5%8B%E0%A4%97%E0%A4%83 Chapter 16].</ref></blockquote><blockquote>''tasmācchāstraṁ pramāṇaṁ te kāryākāryavyavasthitau । jñātvā śāstravidhānoktaṁ karma kartumihārhasi ॥16- 24॥''</blockquote>Meaning: Let the scriptures be the authority in determining what ought to be done and what ought not to be done.  

In the [[Bhagavad Gita (भगवद्गीता)|Bhagavad Gita]], Lord Krishna says,<blockquote>तस्माच्छास्त्रं प्रमाणं ते कार्याकार्यव्यवस्थितौ । ज्ञात्वा शास्त्रविधानोक्तं कर्म कर्तुमिहार्हसि ॥१६- २४॥<ref>Bhagavad Gita, [https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%AD%E0%A4%97%E0%A4%B5%E0%A4%A6%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%97%E0%A5%80%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%BE/%E0%A4%A6%E0%A5%88%E0%A4%B5%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%B8%E0%A5%81%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%B8%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AA%E0%A4%A6%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B5%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%AD%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%97%E0%A4%AF%E0%A5%8B%E0%A4%97%E0%A4%83 Chapter 16].</ref></blockquote><blockquote>''tasmācchāstraṁ pramāṇaṁ te kāryākāryavyavasthitau । jñātvā śāstravidhānoktaṁ karma kartumihārhasi ॥16- 24॥''</blockquote>Meaning: Let the scriptures be the authority in determining what ought to be done and what ought not to be done.  

In the matter of Dharma, the Vedas are the ultimate authority. One cannot know the truth about dharma through any source of knowledge other than the Vedas. Reason cannot be the authority in the matter of dharma. According to Manu, the four Vedas, the Smrti texts, the behaviour of those who have entered into their Self and act according to their injunctions, the conduct of holy men and satisfaction of one’s own Self are the bases of dharma.<ref name=":4" />

In the matter of Dharma, the [[Vedas (वेदाः)|Vedas]] are the ultimate authority. One cannot know the truth about dharma through any source of knowledge other than the Vedas. Reason cannot be the authority in the matter of dharma. According to Manu, [[The Four Vedas (चतुर्वेदाः)|the four Vedas]], [[Smrti (स्मृतिः)|the Smrti texts]], the behaviour of those who have entered into their Self and act according to their injunctions, the conduct of great people and satisfaction of one’s own Self are the bases of dharma.<ref name=":4" /> The explanation of Dharma from a few texts are enumerated below.

 

The explanation of Dharma from a few texts are enumerated below.

=== मीमांसायां धर्मः ॥ Dharma in Mimamsa ===

=== मीमांसायां धर्मः ॥ Dharma in Mimamsa ===

=== वैशेषिकदर्शने धर्मः ॥ Dharma in Vaisheshika Darshana ===

=== वैशेषिकदर्शने धर्मः ॥ Dharma in Vaisheshika Darshana ===

Rishi Kanada, the founder of the Vaisheshika system of philosophy, gives the definition of Dharma in his Vaiseshika Sutras as,<blockquote>यतोऽभ्युदयनिःश्रेयससिद्धिः स धर्मः । १,१.२ | ''yato'bhyudayaniḥśreyasasiddhiḥ sa dharmaḥ । 1,1.2 |''<ref>Maharshi Kanada, [https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%B5%E0%A5%88%E0%A4%B6%E0%A5%87%E0%A4%B7%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%95%E0%A4%B8%E0%A5%82%E0%A4%A4%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%8D Vaisheshika Sutras].</ref></blockquote>Meaning: That which leads to the attainment of Abhyudaya (prosperity in this world) and Nihshreyasa (total cessation of pain and attainment of eternal bliss hereafter) is Dharma.<ref name=":4" />

Rishi Kanada, the founder of the Vaisheshika system of philosophy, gives the definition of Dharma in his Vaiseshika Sutras as,<blockquote>यतोऽभ्युदयनिःश्रेयससिद्धिः स धर्मः । १,१.२ | ''yato'bhyudayaniḥśreyasasiddhiḥ sa dharmaḥ । 1,1.2 |''<ref>Maharshi Kanada, [https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%B5%E0%A5%88%E0%A4%B6%E0%A5%87%E0%A4%B7%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%95%E0%A4%B8%E0%A5%82%E0%A4%A4%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%8D Vaisheshika Sutras].</ref></blockquote>Meaning: That which leads to the attainment of [[Abhyudaya (अभ्युदयः)|Abhyudaya]] (prosperity in this world) and [[Nihshreyasa (निःश्रेयसम्)|Nihshreyasa]] (total cessation of pain and attainment of eternal bliss hereafter) is Dharma.<ref name=":4" />

=== स्मृत्यां धर्मः ॥ Dharma in the Smrti ===

=== स्मृत्यां धर्मः ॥ Dharma in the Smrti ===

Madhavacharya in his commentary on Parashara Smrti, has briefly and precisely explained the meaning of Dharma as follows:<blockquote>अभ्युदय-निश्रेयसे साधनसत्त्वेन धारयति इति धर्मः । स च लक्षण-प्रमाणाभ्यां चोदनासूत्रैर्व्यवस्थापितः ॥<ref>Pandit Vaman Sastri Islamapurkar (1893), Parasara Dharma Samhita ([https://archive.org/details/in.ernet.dli.2015.273888/page/n97 Vol.1 Part 1]), Bombay Sanskrit Series no.XLVII, Bombay: Government Central Book Depot.</ref></blockquote><blockquote>''abhyudaya-niśreyase sādhanasattvena dhārayati iti dharmaḥ । sa ca lakṣaṇa-pramāṇābhyāṁ codanāsūtrairvyavasthāpitaḥ ॥''</blockquote>Meaning: Dharma is that which sustains and ensures progress and welfare 'of all in this world and eternal Bliss in the other world'. It is promulgated in the form of commands. (positive and negative - vidhi and nishedha)<ref name=":3" />

Madhavacharya in his commentary on Parashara Smrti, has briefly and precisely explained the meaning of Dharma as follows:<blockquote>अभ्युदय-निश्रेयसे साधनसत्त्वेन धारयति इति धर्मः । स च लक्षण-प्रमाणाभ्यां चोदनासूत्रैर्व्यवस्थापितः ॥<ref>Pandit Vaman Sastri Islamapurkar (1893), Parasara Dharma Samhita ([https://archive.org/details/in.ernet.dli.2015.273888/page/n97 Vol.1 Part 1]), Bombay Sanskrit Series no.XLVII, Bombay: Government Central Book Depot.</ref></blockquote><blockquote>''abhyudaya-niśreyase sādhanasattvena dhārayati iti dharmaḥ । sa ca lakṣaṇa-pramāṇābhyāṁ codanāsūtrairvyavasthāpitaḥ ॥''</blockquote>Meaning: Dharma is that which sustains and ensures progress and welfare of all in this world and eternal Bliss in the other world. It is promulgated in the form of commands. (positive and negative - vidhi and nishedha)<ref name=":3" />

However, the essence of various definitions of Dharma is put together by Manu (मनुः). He says,<blockquote>अहिंसा सत्यमस्तेयं शौचमिन्द्रियनिग्रहः । एतं सामासिकं धर्मं चातुर्वर्ण्येऽब्रवीन्मनुः ॥ 10.63 ||</blockquote><blockquote>''ahiṁsā satyamasteyaṁ śaucamindriyanigrahaḥ । etaṁ sāmāsikaṁ dharmaṁ cāturvarṇye'bravīnmanuḥ ॥ 10.63 ||''</blockquote>Meaning: Ahimsa (non-violence), Satya (truthfulness), Asteya (not coveting the property of others), Shaucha (Purity) and Indriyanigraha (control of senses) are in brief the common dharmas for all [[Varna Dharma (वर्णधर्मः)|Varnas]].<ref name=":3" />

However, the essence of various definitions of Dharma is put together by Manu (मनुः). He says,<blockquote>अहिंसा सत्यमस्तेयं शौचमिन्द्रियनिग्रहः । एतं सामासिकं धर्मं चातुर्वर्ण्येऽब्रवीन्मनुः ॥ 10.63 ||</blockquote><blockquote>''ahiṁsā satyamasteyaṁ śaucamindriyanigrahaḥ । etaṁ sāmāsikaṁ dharmaṁ cāturvarṇye'bravīnmanuḥ ॥ 10.63 ||''</blockquote>Meaning: Ahimsa (non-violence), Satya (truthfulness), Asteya (not coveting the property of others), Shaucha (Purity) and Indriyanigraha (control of senses) are in brief the common dharmas for all [[Varna Dharma (वर्णधर्मः)|Varnas]].<ref name=":3" />

=== महाभारते धर्मः ॥ Dharma in the Mahabharata ===

=== महाभारते धर्मः ॥ Dharma in the Mahabharata ===

Mahabharata, the great epic which is acclaimed as the मानवकर्तव्यशास्त्रम् (Manava Kartavya Shastra । code of duties of human beings) contains a discussion on Dharma. On being asked by Yudhisthira to explain the meaning and scope of Dharma, Bhishma who had mastered the knowledge of Dharma replied thus:<blockquote>तादृशोऽयमनुप्रश्नो यत्र धर्मः सुदुर्लभः । दुष्करः प्रतिसंख्यातुं तत्केनात्र व्यवस्यति ॥</blockquote><blockquote>प्रभवार्थाय भूतानां धर्मप्रवचनं कृतम् । यः स्यात्प्रभवसंयुक्तः स धर्म इति निश्चयः ॥ (Maha. Shan Parv. 109.9-10)<ref>Maharshi Vyasa, Mahabharata, [https://sanskritdocuments.org/mirrors/mahabharata/mbhK/pdf/mbhK12.pdf Shanti Parva].</ref></blockquote><blockquote>''tādr̥śo'yamanupraśno yatra dharmaḥ sudurlabhaḥ । duṣkaraḥ pratisaṁkhyātuṁ tatkenātra vyavasyati ॥''</blockquote><blockquote>''prabhavārthāya bhūtānāṁ dharmapravacanaṁ kr̥tam । yaḥ syātprabhavasaṁyuktaḥ sa dharma iti niścayaḥ ॥''</blockquote>Meaning: It is most difficult to define Dharma. It has been explained to be that which helps the upliftment of living beings. Therefore, that which ensures the welfare of living beings is surely Dharma. The learned rishis have declared that which sustains is Dharma.<ref name=":3" />

[[Mahabharata (महाभारतम्)|Mahabharata]], the great epic which is acclaimed as the मानवकर्तव्यशास्त्रम् (Manava Kartavya Shastra । code of duties of human beings) contains a discussion on Dharma. On being asked by Yudhisthira to explain the meaning and scope of Dharma, Bhishma who had mastered the knowledge of Dharma replied thus:<blockquote>तादृशोऽयमनुप्रश्नो यत्र धर्मः सुदुर्लभः । दुष्करः प्रतिसंख्यातुं तत्केनात्र व्यवस्यति ॥</blockquote><blockquote>प्रभवार्थाय भूतानां धर्मप्रवचनं कृतम् । यः स्यात्प्रभवसंयुक्तः स धर्म इति निश्चयः ॥ (Maha. Shan Parv. 109.9-10)<ref>Maharshi Vyasa, Mahabharata, [https://sanskritdocuments.org/mirrors/mahabharata/mbhK/pdf/mbhK12.pdf Shanti Parva].</ref></blockquote><blockquote>''tādr̥śo'yamanupraśno yatra dharmaḥ sudurlabhaḥ । duṣkaraḥ pratisaṁkhyātuṁ tatkenātra vyavasyati ॥''</blockquote><blockquote>''prabhavārthāya bhūtānāṁ dharmapravacanaṁ kr̥tam । yaḥ syātprabhavasaṁyuktaḥ sa dharma iti niścayaḥ ॥''</blockquote>Meaning: It is most difficult to define Dharma. It has been explained to be that which helps the upliftment of living beings. Therefore, that which ensures the welfare of living beings is surely Dharma. The learned rishis have declared that which sustains is Dharma.<ref name=":3" />

Mahabharata also proclaims that ultimately it is Dharma which holds together all the entities of the Universe. Karna Parva eulogises Dharma in the following words:<blockquote>धारणाद्धर्ममित्याहुर्धर्मो धारयते प्रजाः। यत्स्याद्धारणसंयुक्तं स धर्म इति निश्चयः॥ (Maha. Karn Parv. 69.58)<ref>Maharshi Vyasa, Mahabharata, Karna Parva ([https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%AE%E0%A4%B9%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%AD%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%8D-08-%E0%A4%95%E0%A4%B0%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A3%E0%A4%AA%E0%A4%B0%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B5-072 Chapter 72])</ref></blockquote><blockquote>dhāraṇāddharmamityāhurdharmo dhārayate prajāḥ। yatsyāddhāraṇasaṁyuktaṁ sa dharma iti niścayaḥ॥ (Maha. Karn. 8.69.58)</blockquote>Meaning: That which supports, that which holds together the people (of the universe), that is Dharma<ref name=":0">[https://archive.org/details/sanatanadharmaad00benarich/page/2 Sanatana Dharma]: An Advanced Textbook of Hindu Religion and Ethics (1903), Benares: The Board of Trustees, Central Hindu College.</ref>

Mahabharata also proclaims that ultimately it is Dharma which holds together all the entities of the Universe. Karna Parva eulogises Dharma in the following words:<blockquote>धारणाद्धर्ममित्याहुर्धर्मो धारयते प्रजाः। यत्स्याद्धारणसंयुक्तं स धर्म इति निश्चयः॥ (Maha. Karn Parv. 69.58)<ref>Maharshi Vyasa, Mahabharata, Karna Parva ([https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%AE%E0%A4%B9%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%AD%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%8D-08-%E0%A4%95%E0%A4%B0%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A3%E0%A4%AA%E0%A4%B0%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B5-072 Chapter 72])</ref></blockquote><blockquote>dhāraṇāddharmamityāhurdharmo dhārayate prajāḥ। yatsyāddhāraṇasaṁyuktaṁ sa dharma iti niścayaḥ॥ (Maha. Karn. 8.69.58)</blockquote>Meaning: That which supports, that which holds together the people (of the universe), that is Dharma<ref name=":0">[https://archive.org/details/sanatanadharmaad00benarich/page/2 Sanatana Dharma]: An Advanced Textbook of Hindu Religion and Ethics (1903), Benares: The Board of Trustees, Central Hindu College.</ref>

Therefore, Dharma sustains the society, maintains the social order, ensures well being and progress of Humanity.<ref name=":3" />

Therefore, Dharma sustains the society, maintains the social order, ensures well being and progress of Humanity.<ref name=":3" />

==Dharma is not Religion==

==Dharma is not Religion<ref name=":3" />==

It is paradoxical that the word 'dharma' is being translated as religion and vice-versa. The word religion may at most be translated as ’Mata’ (मतम्) or 'Sampradaya' or 'Pantha'. In view of the translation of the word religion as Dharma, many translate the word Secularism as 'Dharma Nirapekshata'. Dr. L.M. Singhvi says, <blockquote>''"We have been accustomed to use, though erroneously, the expression 'Dharma Nirapekshata', so far as the State and its institutions are concerned, as an equivalent of secularism in contemporary Bharata's constitutional vocabulary and political parlance. A more accurate equivalent Hindi translation of "secularism" would be "Sampradaya Nirapekshata" because "Dharma" in Bharata's tradition also stands for Law and Morality and no State can be devoid of Law and Morality."''</blockquote>This misinterpretation of Dharma as religion is the cause of it being seen a source of conflict and something injurious to the feeling of fraternity among the citizens. This is wholly erroneous. For, Dharma, as seen above, indicates adherence to qualities of Ahimsa (non-violence), Satya (truthfullness), Asteya (not acquiring illegitimate wealth), Shaucha (cleanliness of mind and body i.e., purity of thought, word and deed) and Indriyanigraha (control of senses). If secularism is translated as meaning 'Dharma Nirapekshata', it means a state where all the above rules of dharma have no place. Certainly our Constitution is not intended to establish a State of Adharma. Also, a literal translation of 'Dharma Nirapekshata' in English is 'bereft of dharma' or a lawless State i.e., State without Morals. Further, the famous saying "यतो धर्मस्ततो जयः । ''yato dharmastato jayaḥ।''" which means ’where there is dharma, there is victory”, would become "''yato religion tato jayaḥ''" which means 'victory is always to religion' and not to dharma. Such are the consequences of erroneous translation of dharma as religion.<ref name=":3" />

It is paradoxical that the word 'dharma' is being translated as religion and vice-versa. The word religion may at most be translated as ’Mata’ (मतम्) or 'Sampradaya' or 'Pantha'. In view of the translation of the word religion as Dharma, many translate the word Secularism as 'Dharma Nirapekshata'. Dr. L.M. Singhvi says, <blockquote>''"We have been accustomed to use, though erroneously, the expression 'Dharma Nirapekshata', so far as the State and its institutions are concerned, as an equivalent of secularism in contemporary Bharata's constitutional vocabulary and political parlance. A more accurate equivalent Hindi translation of "secularism" would be "Sampradaya Nirapekshata" because "Dharma" in Bharata's tradition also stands for Law and Morality and no State can be devoid of Law and Morality."''</blockquote>This misinterpretation of Dharma as religion is the cause of it being seen a source of conflict and something injurious to the feeling of fraternity among the citizens. This is wholly erroneous. For, Dharma, as seen above, indicates adherence to qualities of Ahimsa (non-violence), Satya (truthfullness), Asteya (not acquiring illegitimate wealth), Shaucha (cleanliness of mind and body i.e., purity of thought, word and deed) and Indriyanigraha (control of senses). If secularism is translated as meaning 'Dharma Nirapekshata', it means a state where all the above rules of dharma have no place. Certainly our Constitution is not intended to establish a State of Adharma. Also, a literal translation of 'Dharma Nirapekshata' in English is 'bereft of dharma' or a lawless State i.e., State without Morals. Further, the famous saying "यतो धर्मस्ततो जयः । ''yato dharmastato jayaḥ।''" which means ’where there is dharma, there is victory”, would become "''yato religion tato jayaḥ''" which means 'victory is always to religion' and not to dharma. Such are the consequences of erroneous translation of dharma as religion.

== धर्मोत्पत्तिः ॥ Origin of Dharma ==

== धर्मोत्पत्तिः ॥ Origin of Dharma ==

Dharma was formulated as the solution to the eternal problems confronting the human race, originating from natural human instincts.<ref name=":3" /> Manusmriti says,<blockquote>अकामस्य क्रिया काचिद्दृश्यते नेह कर्हिचित् । यद्यद्धि कुरुते किं चित्तत्तत्कामस्य चेष्टितम् । । २.४ । ।<ref>Manusmrti, [https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%AE%E0%A4%A8%E0%A5%81%E0%A4%B8%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%83%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%83/%E0%A4%A6%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B5%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%A4%E0%A5%80%E0%A4%AF%E0%A5%8B%E0%A4%A7%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%83 Chapter 2].</ref></blockquote><blockquote>''akāmasya kriyā kāciddr̥śyate neha karhicit । yadyaddhi kurute kiṁ cittattatkāmasya ceṣṭitam । । 2.4 । ।''</blockquote>Meaning: There is no act of man which is free from desire; whatever a man does is the result of the impulse of desire.  

Dharma was formulated as the solution to the eternal problems confronting the human race, originating from natural human instincts.<ref name=":3" /> Manusmriti says,<blockquote>अकामस्य क्रिया काचिद्दृश्यते नेह कर्हिचित् । यद्यद्धि कुरुते किं चित्तत्तत्कामस्य चेष्टितम् । । २.४ । ।<ref>Manusmrti, [https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%AE%E0%A4%A8%E0%A5%81%E0%A4%B8%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%83%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%83/%E0%A4%A6%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B5%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%A4%E0%A5%80%E0%A4%AF%E0%A5%8B%E0%A4%A7%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%83 Chapter 2].</ref></blockquote><blockquote>''akāmasya kriyā kāciddr̥śyate neha karhicit । yadyaddhi kurute kiṁ cittattatkāmasya ceṣṭitam । । 2.4 । ।''</blockquote>Meaning: There is no act of man which is free from desire; whatever a man does is the result of the impulse of desire.