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Dharma is the greatest and the most valuable contribution to humanity by Bharatavarsha, our beloved Motherland. On account of its antiquity, utility and universality the very mention of that word rouses the conscience of an individual in this land.<ref>Mandagadde, Rama Jois. (1997) ''Dharma : The Global Ethic''  Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan</ref> As proclaimed by numerous scholars, Dharma is one of those Samskrit terms that defy all attempts at an exact rendering in English or any other tongue.<ref name=":1">Kane, Pandurang Vaman. (1930) ''History of Dharmasastra (Ancient and Medieval Religious and Civil Law), Volume 1.'' Poona : Bhandarkar Oriental Research Institute</ref>     

Dharma is the greatest and the most valuable contribution to humanity by Bharatavarsha, our beloved Motherland. On account of its antiquity, utility and universality the very mention of that word rouses the conscience of an individual in this land.<ref>Mandagadde, Rama Jois. (1997) ''Dharma : The Global Ethic''  Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan</ref> As proclaimed by numerous scholars, Dharma is one of those Samskrit terms that defy all attempts at an exact rendering in English or any other tongue.<ref name=":1">Kane, Pandurang Vaman. (1930) ''History of Dharmasastra (Ancient and Medieval Religious and Civil Law), Volume 1.'' Poona : Bhandarkar Oriental Research Institute</ref>     

Mahabharata proclaims that ultimately it is Dharma which holds together all the entities of the Universe. <blockquote>धारणाद्धर्ममित्याहुर्धर्मो धारयते प्रजाः। यत्स्याद्धारणसंयुक्तं स धर्म इति निश्चयः॥ (Maha. Karn. 8.69.58)</blockquote>''That which supports, that which holds together the peoples (of the universe), that is Dharma''<ref name=":0">''Sanatana Dharma : An Advanced Textbook of Hindu Religion and Ethics''. (1903) Benares : The Board of Trustees, Central Hindu College</ref>

Mahabharata proclaims that ultimately it is Dharma which holds together all the entities of the Universe. <blockquote>धारणाद्धर्ममित्याहुर्धर्मो धारयते प्रजाः। यत्स्याद्धारणसंयुक्तं स धर्म इति निश्चयः॥ (Maha. Karn. 8.69.58)</blockquote><blockquote>dhāraṇāddharmamityāhurdharmo dhārayate prajāḥ। yatsyāddhāraṇasaṁyuktaṁ sa dharma iti niścayaḥ॥ (Maha. Karn. 8.69.58)</blockquote>''That which supports, that which holds together the peoples (of the universe), that is Dharma''<ref name=":0">''Sanatana Dharma : An Advanced Textbook of Hindu Religion and Ethics''. (1903) Benares : The Board of Trustees, Central Hindu College</ref>

== Core Idea of DharmaWiki ==

== Core Idea of DharmaWiki ==

Dharmawiki lays the foundation in creating a universal forum and spearheading a campaign for bringing to light the numerous perspectives of [[Sanatana Dharma (सनातनधर्मः)|Sanatana Dharma]] expounded in the Vedic traditions.  

DharmaWiki lays the foundation in creating a universal forum and spearheading a campaign for bringing to light the numerous perspectives of [[Sanatana Dharma (सनातनधर्मः)|Sanatana Dharma]] expounded in the Vedic traditions.  

The core idea is to take the reader closer to the the original sources - the Vedas and the Vaidika Vangmaya (Vedangas- Kalpas and Nirukta, Darshanas, Itihasas, Puranas, etc.) thereby sensitizing him/her about the various dharmik perspectives that lead to self fulfillment and a holistic existence.  

The core idea is to take the reader closer to the the original sources - the Vedas and the Vaidika Vangmaya (Vedangas- Kalpas and Nirukta, Darshanas, Itihasas, Puranas, etc.) thereby sensitizing him/her about the various dharmik perspectives that lead to self fulfillment and a holistic existence.  

As Yojakas (योजकाः । organizers) we aim to bring together the diversity of the intellectual thoughts, establishing the foundational unity (एकवाक्यता) in Bharatiya Shastra Granthas. It is inclusive enough to unite the most divergent forms of Hindu thought, but exclusive enough to leave outside it, forms of thought which divides humanity.  

As Yojakas (योजकाः । organizers) we aim to bring together the diversity of the intellectual thoughts, establishing the foundational unity (एकवाक्यता) in Bharatiya Shastra Granthas. It is inclusive enough to unite the most divergent forms of Hindu thought, but exclusive enough to leave outside it, forms of thought which divides humanity.  

[[Bharatiya Samskrtika Parampara (भारतीयसांकृतिकपरम्परा)|Bharatiya Samskrtika Parampara]] stands unrivalled in the depth and splendour of its philosophy, while it yields to none in the purity of its ethical teachings and in the flexibility and varied adaptation of its rites and ceremonies. <blockquote>अमन्त्रमक्षरं नास्ति नास्ति मूलमनौषधम्‌ । अयोग्यः पुरुषो नास्ति योजकस्तत्र दुर्लभः॥ </blockquote>''There is no syllable which is not a mantra, no plant which is not of medicinal value, no person totally unworthy, but what is rare is the one who can facilitate or harness these to good use.''  

[[Bharatiya Samskrtika Parampara (भारतीयसांकृतिकपरम्परा)|Bharatiya Samskrtika Parampara]] stands unrivalled in the depth and splendour of its philosophy, while it yields to none in the purity of its ethical teachings and in the flexibility and varied adaptation of its rites and ceremonies. <blockquote>अमन्त्रमक्षरं नास्ति नास्ति मूलमनौषधम्‌ । अयोग्यः पुरुषो नास्ति योजकस्तत्र दुर्लभः॥ </blockquote><blockquote>amantramakṣaraṁ nāsti nāsti mūlamanauṣadham‌ । ayogyaḥ puruṣo nāsti yojakastatra durlabhaḥ॥</blockquote>''There is no syllable which is not a mantra, no plant which is not of medicinal value, no person totally unworthy, but what is rare is the one who can facilitate or harness these to good use.''  

=== धर्मसारम् इदं जगत् || Universe is The Essence of Dharma ===

=== धर्मसारम् इदं जगत् || Universe is The Essence of Dharma ===

Our vision is to compile, discuss, promote, assimilate and disperse the dharmik knowledge seen in all aspects of the Universe and Life, enabling a scholar and novice to interact on a universal forum. We actively advocate a holistic approach towards life expounded in our traditional treatises for the betterment of the generations to come.  <blockquote>धर्माद् अर्थः प्रभवति धर्मात् प्रभवते सुखम् । धर्मेण लभ्यते सर्वं धर्मसारम् इदं जगत् ॥ [रा. ३.९.३०] (Ramayana 3.9.30) </blockquote>''From righteous duty wealth arises, from righteousness happiness will result, by righteous ways (of life) everything is attained. This universe (world) is the essence of dharma.''  

Our vision is to compile, discuss, promote, assimilate and disperse the dharmik knowledge seen in all aspects of the Universe and Life, bringing together a scholar and novice to interact on a universal forum. We actively advocate a holistic approach towards life expounded in our traditional treatises for the betterment of the generations to come.  <blockquote>धर्माद् अर्थः प्रभवति धर्मात् प्रभवते सुखम् । धर्मेण लभ्यते सर्वं धर्मसारम् इदं जगत् ॥ [रा. ३.९.३०] (Ramayana 3.9.30) </blockquote><blockquote>dharmād arthaḥ prabhavati dharmāt prabhavate sukham । dharmeṇa labhyate sarvaṁ dharmasāram idaṁ jagat ॥ [rā. 3.9.30] (Ramayana 3.9.30)</blockquote>''From righteous duty wealth arises, from righteousness happiness will result, by righteous ways (of life) everything is attained. This universe (world) is the essence of dharma.''  

== Objectives ==

== Objectives ==

Dharmawiki serves as a common comprehensive reference platform for both the novice and the scholars and actively promotes

DharmaWiki serves as a common comprehensive reference platform for both the novice and the scholars and actively promotes

# Initiation of resurgence of ancient time-tested knowledge of dharmic lifestyles to promote holistic approach towards life in the generations to come.

# Initiation of resurgence of ancient time-tested knowledge of dharmic lifestyles to promote holistic approach towards life in the generations to come.

# Language resource creation (wikisource) its development and population with the knowledge base from ancient Sanskrit Vedic sources.

# Language resource creation (wikisource) its development and population with the knowledge base from ancient Sanskrit Vedic sources.

== Distinguishing features ==

== Distinguishing features ==

# Dharmawiki articles tap into the traditional well-established research heritage of India, reflected in the intellectual writings and translations of Indian scholars, whose knowledge base was founded on the guru-shishya parampara.

# DharmaWiki articles tap into the traditional well-established research heritage of India, reflected in the intellectual writings and translations of Indian scholars, whose knowledge base was founded on the guru-shishya parampara.

# Compilation of the subject matter involves extensive research of Vedic literature available both in libraries and on reliable internet sources. (Shodhganga, Vedic Heritage Portal, Internet Archives, Digital Library of India and Sanskrit Literature sites such as Sanskrit ebooks and Sanskrit Documents). Research thesis works of modern day research students (published in shodhganga), find an expression in Dharmawiki articles.

# Compilation of the subject matter involves extensive research of Vedic literature available both in libraries and on reliable internet sources. (Shodhganga, Vedic Heritage Portal, Internet Archives, Digital Library of India and Sanskrit Literature sites such as Sanskrit ebooks and Sanskrit Documents). Research thesis works of modern day research students (published in shodhganga), find an expression in DharmaWiki articles.

# Subject matter is supported by direct quotations from vedic and vedantic literatures to remove ambiguity, numerous interpolations and extrapolations thereby allowing the readers to independently develop unbiased thoughts (based on the presented primary sources). 

# Subject matter is supported by direct quotations from vedic and vedantic literatures to remove ambiguity, numerous interpolations and extrapolations thereby allowing the readers to independently develop unbiased thoughts (based on the presented primary sources). 

# Sanskrit content material (words, slokas, mantras) is used to improve the subjects’ visibility and promote usage. References to grammatical texts, Shabdakalpadruma, Vachaspatyam, Nirukta reinforce the concepts. 

# Sanskrit content material (words, slokas, mantras) is used to improve the subjects’ visibility and promote usage. References to grammatical texts, Shabdakalpadruma, Vachaspatyam, Nirukta reinforce the concepts. 

== Scope of DharmaWiki ==

== Scope of DharmaWiki ==

DharmaWiki portal is a platform for like-minded people, to read, discuss and contribute to the knowledge base of the subjects based on Sanatana Dharma and Shastras discussed here. Generally speaking it is a public source of narratives for widely accepted knowledge systems of Vaidika Dharma or Sanatana Dharma. The article and topic contributions on this portal have the following features at present with a scope to diversify with more insights in future.

DharmaWiki portal is a platform for like-minded people, to read, discuss and contribute to the knowledge base of the subjects based on Sanatana Dharma and Shastras discussed here. Generally speaking it is a public source of narratives for widely accepted knowledge systems of Vaidika Dharma or Sanatana Dharma. The article and topic contributions on this portal adhere to the following characteristics at present with a scope to diversify with more insights in future.

# संप्रदायसिद्ध-अधिकारः ॥ Sampradayasiddha adhikara : Handed down from generations this dharmik tradition belonged to Bharatavarsha and it is our duty to protect and proliferate it.  

# '''संप्रदायसिद्ध-अधिकारः ॥ Sampradayasiddha adhikara''' : Handed down from generations this dharmik tradition belonged to the people of Bharatavarsha and it is our right as well as duty to protect and proliferate it.  

# व्यासकृतव्यवस्था ॥ Vyasakruta vyavastha : Articles and concepts are founded on the texts given by Maharshi Vedavyasa (Vedas and Vedanta) and other allied traditional literature (Smritis).

# '''व्यासकृतव्यवस्था ॥ Vyasakruta vyavastha''' : Articles and concepts adhere to the texts given by Maharshi Vedavyasa (Vedas and Vedanta) and other allied traditional literature (Smritis).

# विश्वकोशः न ॥ Not an encyclopedia : The topics discussed here primarily include various aspects of religion, philosophy and to a certain extent pertinent historical aspects.  

# '''विश्वकोशः न ॥ Not an encyclopedia''' : The topics discussed here primarily include various aspects of religion, philosophy and to a certain extent pertinent historical aspects. The goal is that topics for articles are well chosen based on their relevance and are written in a comprehensive manner. 

# कालानुक्रमणिका ॥ Dating or Chronology of Texts: The subject of establishing timeframes of Vedas, vedic texts, or any other allied literature will not be attempted here.

# '''कालानुक्रमणिका ॥ Dating or Chronology of Texts''' : The subject of establishing timeframes of Vedas, vedic texts, or any other allied literature will not be attempted here.

# अननुवादनीयम् ॥ Non-translatable : English or any language is grossly insufficient to explain the numerous nuances of the divine language Samskrit. Hence words such as Moksha is translated as 'liberation' or 'release from bondage' which do not exactly stand for Moksha. Hence such words, viz., atma, karma, moksha, sat, chit, etc are used as is in the articles.

# '''अननुवादनीयता ॥ Non-translatability''' : English or any language is grossly insufficient to explain the numerous nuances of the divine language Samskrit. Hence words such as Moksha translated as 'liberation' or 'release from bondage' do not exactly stand for Moksha. Hence such words, viz., atma, karma, moksha, sat, chit, etc are used as is in the narratives.

# भारतीय विद्वत्समीक्षा ॥ Indian Scholarly Views : Present the field of "Indology", largely controlled till date by western academia, from an Indian perspective to dispel myths created by western indoctrination.

# '''भारतीय विद्वत्समीक्षा ॥ Indian Scholarly Views''' : The field of "Indology", which developed in the past 400 years and is largely controlled till date by western academia, is now presented here with perspectives of traditional Indian academia to dispel myths created by western indoctrination.

# संस्कृतमूलम् ॥ Original Samskrit Sources : Articles should comprise of original samskrit references from traditional texts (Vedas, Vaidika Vangmaya, Puranas, Itihasas etc) with their sources attached and cited.

# '''संस्कृतमूलम् ॥ Original Samskrit Sources''' : Articles are written including the original samskrit references from traditional texts (Vedas, Vaidika Vangmaya, Puranas, Itihasas etc) with their sources cited to enable anyone with knowledge of Samskrit to verify personally and make their interpretations. Interdisciplinary interpretations, extrapolations, psychoanalysis are strongly discouraged.

# भारतीयप्रज्ञा ॥ Bharatiya Prajna : Reference to indigenous research heritage of Bharatavarsha is advocated as opposed to that originating from western sources.

# '''भारतीयप्रज्ञा ॥ Bharatiya Prajna''' : Reference to indigenous research heritage of Bharatavarsha is advocated as opposed to that originating from western sources. Narratives include prose quotations, slokas, and mantras available in samskrit texts along with the basic translation to place the perspective before the reader. Research work done by students, academic paper presentations, conference proceedings of revered scholars are explored and used for references.  

# सिद्धान्तसमैक्यता ॥ Integral Unity of Sanatana Dharma: Articles present the rich diversity of various traditions while emphasizing on the integral unity of core principles of Sanatana Dharma.

# '''सिद्धान्तसमैक्यता ॥ Integral Unity of Sanatana Dharma''' : Narratives highlight the rich diversity of various traditions with emphasis on the integral unity of core principles of Sanatana Dharma.

# रचना सौष्ठवम् ॥ Academic Rigor : There is no compromise on the quality of work presented here, although it is understood that articles are gradually refined over time.  

# '''रचनासौष्ठवम् ॥ Academic Rigor''' : The quality of narratives presented here are of superior quality, with the understanding that articles are gradually refined over time, indepth and comprehensive.

== Dharma Constituents ==

== Dharma Constituents ==