Changes

The Sanskrit term 'Dharma' is of wide import. All the rules of righteous conduct of human beings in every sphere of human activity evolved from times immemorial in the civilization of Bharata, fall within the meaning of the word 'Dharma'. It is not religion, as misunderstood by many. For, religion refers to a mode of worship of the divine by the believers. It is personal and left to the choice of individuals. Whereas, Dharma is a code of conduct for all human beings for all time to come. It is universal and applies to all, whether they belong to any religion or not.<ref name=":0" />

The Sanskrit term 'Dharma' is of wide import. All the rules of righteous conduct of human beings in every sphere of human activity evolved from times immemorial in the civilization of Bharata, fall within the meaning of the word 'Dharma'. It is not religion, as misunderstood by many. For, religion refers to a mode of worship of the divine by the believers. It is personal and left to the choice of individuals. Whereas, Dharma is a code of conduct for all human beings for all time to come. It is universal and applies to all, whether they belong to any religion or not.<ref name=":0" />

Every religion has a generic form or Samanya-Rupa and a specific form or Visesha-Rupa. The general form remains eternally the same. It is never changed by any circumstance whatsoever. It is not affected at all by changes of time, place, surroundings and individual differences. This aspect of religion is called Sanatana or eternal. That which changes according to the change of time, place and surrounding circumstances is the external aspect or ritual, of Dharma. Samanya Dharma is the general Dharma or law for all men. Varnasrama Dharmas are special Dharmas which are to be practised by particular castes and by men in particular stages of life. The Samanya Dharmas must be practised by all, irrespective of distinctions of Varna and Asrama, creed or colour. Goodness is not the property of any one class, creed, sect or community. Every man should possess this virtue.<ref name=":1" />

This Dharma has two forms - a Samanya rupa (Generic form) and a Vishesha rupa (Specific form).  

 

The generic form eternally remains the same. It is not affected by changes in time, place, surroundings and individual differences. It is never changed by any circumstance whatsoever. And is thus, Sanatana or eternal. That which changes according to the change of time, place and surrounding circumstances is the external aspect or ritual, of Dharma.<ref name=":1" />

 

Samanya Dharma is the general Dharma or law for all men. Varnasrama Dharmas are special Dharmas which are to be practised by particular castes and by men in particular stages of life. The Samanya Dharmas must be practised by all, irrespective of distinctions of Varna and Asrama, creed or colour. Goodness is not the property of any one class, creed, sect or community. Every man should possess this virtue.<ref name=":1" />

Dharma traditions enunciate these righteous duties as having two aspects. The first is the

Dharma traditions enunciate these righteous duties as having two aspects. The first is the