Sources of Dharma (धर्मस्थानानि) - Revision history

Prthvi at 15:08, 5 December 2020

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धर्मशास्त्राणि ॥ Dharmashastras

Fordharma: /* धर्मशास्त्राणि ॥ Dharmashastras */

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धर्मशास्त्राणि ॥ Dharmashastras

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Fordharma: /* परिचयः ॥ Introduction */ added vyutpatti

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परिचयः ॥ Introduction: added vyutpatti

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परिचयः ॥ Introduction

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2019-12-29T19:30:47Z

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2019-12-29T14:40:48Z

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Fordharma: /* महानारायणोपनिषद् ॥ Mahanarayanopanishad */ adding meanings

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महानारायणोपनिषद् ॥ Mahanarayanopanishad: adding meanings

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 === छान्दोग्योपनिषद् ॥ Chandogya Upanishad ===
-In the Chandogya Upanishad, Dharma is described as having 3 branches.<blockquote>त्रयो धर्मस्कन्धा यज्ञोऽध्ययनं दानमिति प्रथमस्तप एव द्वितीयो ब्रह्मचार्याचार्यकुलवासी तृतीयोऽत्यन्तमात्मानमाचार्यकुलेऽवसादयन्सर्व एते पुण्यलोका भवन्ति ब्रह्मसँस्थोऽमृतत्वमेति ॥ १ ॥ (Chan. Upan. 2.23)<ref>Chandogya Upanishad ([https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%9B%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%A8%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A6%E0%A5%8B%E0%A4%97%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AF%E0%A5%8B%E0%A4%AA%E0%A4%A8%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%B7%E0%A4%A6%E0%A5%8D/%E0%A4%85%E0%A4%A7%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%83_%E0%A5%A8 Adhyaya 2])</ref></blockquote><blockquote>trayō dharmaskandhā yajñō'dhyayanaṁ dānamiti prathamastapa ēva dvitīyō brahmacāryācāryakulavāsī tr̥tīyō'tyantamātmānamācāryakulē'vasādayansarva ētē puṇyalōkā bhavanti brahmasam̐sthō'mr̥tatvamēti ॥ 1 ॥ (Chan. Upan. 2.23)</blockquote>Meaning: There are three branches of dharma, one is constituted by yajna, adhyayana (study) and dana or charity (activities in the stage of a grhastha). Second includes the tapas (i.e., stage of a vaanaprastha and sanyasa); the third is constituted by Brahmacharin living in the house of his acharya, all through his life, in his service. All these attain the punyalokas (the worlds of the virtuous). One who abides firmly in Brahman attains immortality. It is explained further that among those that duly perform the duties of their respective states, whoever meditates upon Brahman attains amrtattva (immortality).<ref>Mm. Ganganath Jha, (1923) ''Chhandogya Upanishad and Sri Sankara's Commentary.'' Volume 3.Madras: The India Printing Works.(Page 123)</ref>
+In the Chandogya Upanishad, Dharma is described as having 3 branches.<blockquote>त्रयो धर्मस्कन्धा यज्ञोऽध्ययनं दानमिति प्रथमस्तप एव द्वितीयो ब्रह्मचार्याचार्यकुलवासी तृतीयोऽत्यन्तमात्मानमाचार्यकुलेऽवसादयन्सर्व एते पुण्यलोका भवन्ति ब्रह्मसँस्थोऽमृतत्वमेति ॥ १ ॥ (Chan. Upan. 2.23)<ref>Chandogya Upanishad ([https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%9B%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%A8%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A6%E0%A5%8B%E0%A4%97%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AF%E0%A5%8B%E0%A4%AA%E0%A4%A8%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%B7%E0%A4%A6%E0%A5%8D/%E0%A4%85%E0%A4%A7%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%83_%E0%A5%A8 Adhyaya 2])</ref></blockquote><blockquote>trayō dharmaskandhā yajñō'dhyayanaṁ dānamiti prathamastapa ēva dvitīyō brahmacāryācāryakulavāsī tr̥tīyō'tyantamātmānamācāryakulē'vasādayansarva ētē puṇyalōkā bhavanti brahmasam̐sthō'mr̥tatvamēti ॥ 1 ॥ (Chan. Upan. 2.23)</blockquote>Meaning: There are three branches of dharma, one is constituted by yajna, adhyayana (study) and dana or charity (activities in the stage of a grhastha). Second includes the tapas (i.e., stage of a vaanaprastha and sanyasa); the third is constituted by Brahmacharin living in the house of his acharya, all through his life, in his seva (सेवा | selfless service). All these attain the punyalokas (the worlds of the virtuous). One who abides firmly in Brahman attains immortality. It is explained further that among those that duly perform the duties of their respective states, whoever meditates upon Brahman attains amrtattva (immortality).<ref>Mm. Ganganath Jha, (1923) ''Chhandogya Upanishad and Sri Sankara's Commentary.'' Volume 3.Madras: The India Printing Works.(Page 123)</ref>
 ===महानारायणोपनिषद् ॥ Mahanarayanopanishad===
 <blockquote>धर्मो विश्वस्य जगतः प्रतिष्ठा लोके धर्मिष्ठ प्रजा उपसर्पन्ति धर्मेण पापमपनुदति धर्मे सर्वं प्रतिष्ठितं तस्माद्धर्मं परमं वदन्ति ॥ ७॥ (Mahanarayana. Upan. 79.7)<ref>Mahanarayanopanishad ([https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%AE%E0%A4%B9%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%A8%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%A3%E0%A5%8B%E0%A4%AA%E0%A4%A8%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%B7%E0%A4%A4%E0%A5%8D All Anuvakas])</ref></blockquote><blockquote>dharmō viśvasya jagataḥ pratiṣṭhā lōkē dharmiṣṭha prajā upasarpanti dharmēṇa pāpamapanudati dharmē sarvaṁ pratiṣṭhitaṁ tasmāddharmaṁ paramaṁ vadanti ॥ 7॥ (Mahanarayana. Upan. 79.7)</blockquote>Meaning : Dharma is the support for the universe, it drives the dharmik people to progress towards their goals, by which they cleanse themselves off their papam (malefic results). All (beings) exist due to the intrinsic Dharmas they follow, hence Dharma is said to be supreme.

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 A word whose exact meaning cannot be given in English or any other language, Dharma appears to be used in Rigveda as an adjective or noun in the form of dharman (धर्मन्) in neuter gender.
-The word is clearly derived from dhatu धृञ् (in the meaning धारणे) meaning - "to uphold, to support, to nourish". Dharma is used in the sense of - 'upholder or supporter or sustainer' as in Rigveda (1.187.1 and 10.92.2 and 10.21.3)<ref name=":3">Kane, Pandurang Vaman. (1930) ''History of Dharmasastra (Ancient and Medieval Religious and Civil Law), Volume 1.'' Poona : Bhandarkar Oriental Research Institute. (Pages 1-7)</ref>
+The word is clearly derived from dhatu धृञ् (in the meaning धारणे) meaning - "to uphold, to support, to nourish". Dharma is used in the sense of - 'upholder or supporter or sustainer' as in Rigveda (1.187.1 and 10.92.2 and 10.21.3)<ref name=":3">Kane, Pandurang Vaman. (1930) ''History of Dharmasastra (Ancient and Medieval Religious and Civil Law), Volume 1.'' Poona : Bhandarkar Oriental Research Institute. (Pages 1-13)</ref>
 It is used in sense of religious ordinances or rites (Rig Veda. 1.22.18, 5.26.6, 8.43.24 and 9.64.1).<blockquote>त्रीणि पदा वि चक्रमे विष्णुर्गोपा अदाभ्यः । अतो धर्मा॑णि धारयन् ॥१८॥ (Rig. Veda. 1.22.18)</blockquote><blockquote>trīṇi padā vi cakramē viṣṇurgōpā adābhyaḥ । atō dharmā̍ṇi dhārayan ॥18॥</blockquote>According to Shri. P. V. Kane, Dharma is also used as notation for fixed principles or rules of conduct than just "religious rites"  in mantras for example<blockquote>धर्मणा मित्रावरुणा विपश्चिता व्रता रक्षेथे असुरस्य मायया । dharmaṇā mitrāvaruṇā vipaścitā vratā rakṣēthē asurasya māyayā । (Rig. Veda. 5.63.7)</blockquote>Words such as prathama dharma (Rig. Veda. 3.17.1 and 10.56.3) and sanata dharmani (Rig. Veda. 3.3.1) have been associated with primeval and ancient ordinances respectively. The famous mantra, recited during devatarchana, reminds us of Dharma as that primary set of activities involved in yajnas and are offered to devatas.<blockquote>यज्ञेन यज्ञमयजन्त देवास्तानि धर्माणि प्रथमान्यासन् । ते ह नाकं महिमान: सचन्त यत्र पूर्वे साध्याः सन्ति देवाः ॥५॥० (Rig. Veda. 1.164.50)</blockquote><blockquote>yajñēna yajñamayajanta dēvāstāni dharmāṇi prathamānyāsan । tē ha nākaṁ mahimāna: sacanta yatra pūrvē sādhyāḥ santi dēvāḥ ॥5॥0</blockquote>Meaning: Through the (conduct) of yajnas, devatas worshipped the Yajnapurusha (sometimes referred to as Yajna or Vishnu), which are laid down as primary dharmas (in the sense that the primary dharmas are none other than the yajnas). Encouraged by the yajnas (and their merits) in the devaloka, the worldly beings began to perform them.
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 == धर्मशास्त्राणि ॥ Dharmashastras ==
-Dharmashastras (धर्मशास्त्राणि) are organized texts dealing with dharmas of holistic perspectives of life. They detail less of the Shrauta yajnas and dharmas pertaining to the Shruti and emphasize more on the socio-economic, political and moral and ethical dharmas. They started to play an important role in the activities of life as yugas and yugadharmas changed.
+[[Dharmashastras (धर्मशास्त्राणि)]] are organized texts dealing with dharmas pertaining to holistic aspects of life. They detail less with the Shrauta yajnas and dharmas pertaining to the injunctions given in the Brahmanas and emphasize more on the activities pertaining to individuals (grhya dharmas) socio-economic, political and moral and ethical dharmas. Dharmashastras started to play an important role in the activities of life as yugas and yugadharmas changed.
-Manu called a Dharmashastra as Smrti.<blockquote>श्रुतिस्तु वेदो विज्ञेयो धर्मशास्त्रं तु वै स्मृतिः । (Manu. Smrt. 2.10)</blockquote>Again, there are references where the term "Smrti" is applied to all non-vedic texts including the Vedangas (including the Dharmasutras), Smrti texts (Manusmrti, Yajnavalkya smrti etc) Puranas and Itihasas. In this article, the following terminologies apply.
+Manu called a Dharmashastra as Smrti.<blockquote>श्रुतिस्तु वेदो विज्ञेयो धर्मशास्त्रं तु वै स्मृतिः । (Manu. Smrt. 2.10)<ref name=":0" /></blockquote>Again, there are references where the term "Smrti" is applied to all non-vedic texts including the Vedangas (including the Dharmasutras), Smrti texts (Manusmrti, Yajnavalkya smrti etc) Puranas and Itihasas. In this context, the following terminologies are used.
 * Sutragranthas (include the Kalpa Vedanga Sutra rachana)
 * Smrtigranthas (include Manusmrti, Harita Smrti and such Smrti texts)
 * Dharmashastras (include major Gautama, Vashista Dharmashastras and minor texts)
 * Nibandhanas (Dharmasindhu by Pt. Hemadri)
-As the texts evolved over time the differences between these texts became more apparent.
+As the texts evolved over time the differences between these texts became more apparent.<ref name=":3" />
 {| class="wikitable"
 |+Difference between Dharmasutras and Smrtis

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 == धर्मशास्त्राणि ॥ Dharmashastras ==
-Dharmashastras (धर्मशास्त्राणि) are organized texts dealing with dharmas of holistic perspectives of life. They detail less of the Shrauta yajnas and dharmas pertaining to the Shruti and emphasize more on the socio-economic, political and moral dharmas. They started to play an important role in the activities of life as yugas and yugadharmas changed.
+Dharmashastras (धर्मशास्त्राणि) are organized texts dealing with dharmas of holistic perspectives of life. They detail less of the Shrauta yajnas and dharmas pertaining to the Shruti and emphasize more on the socio-economic, political and moral and ethical dharmas. They started to play an important role in the activities of life as yugas and yugadharmas changed.
 Manu called a Dharmashastra as Smrti.<blockquote>श्रुतिस्तु वेदो विज्ञेयो धर्मशास्त्रं तु वै स्मृतिः । (Manu. Smrt. 2.10)</blockquote>Again, there are references where the term "Smrti" is applied to all non-vedic texts including the Vedangas (including the Dharmasutras), Smrti texts (Manusmrti, Yajnavalkya smrti etc) Puranas and Itihasas. In this article, the following terminologies apply.
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 * Nibandhanas (Dharmasindhu by Pt. Hemadri)
 As the texts evolved over time the differences between these texts became more apparent.
 ==षड्-दर्शनानि ॥ Shad Darshanas==

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 ===महानारायणोपनिषद् ॥ Mahanarayanopanishad===
 <blockquote>धर्मो विश्वस्य जगतः प्रतिष्ठा लोके धर्मिष्ठ प्रजा उपसर्पन्ति धर्मेण पापमपनुदति धर्मे सर्वं प्रतिष्ठितं तस्माद्धर्मं परमं वदन्ति ॥ ७॥ (Mahanarayana. Upan. 79.7)<ref>Mahanarayanopanishad ([https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%AE%E0%A4%B9%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%A8%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%A3%E0%A5%8B%E0%A4%AA%E0%A4%A8%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%B7%E0%A4%A4%E0%A5%8D All Anuvakas])</ref></blockquote><blockquote>dharmō viśvasya jagataḥ pratiṣṭhā lōkē dharmiṣṭha prajā upasarpanti dharmēṇa pāpamapanudati dharmē sarvaṁ pratiṣṭhitaṁ tasmāddharmaṁ paramaṁ vadanti ॥ 7॥ (Mahanarayana. Upan. 79.7)</blockquote>Meaning : Dharma is the support for the universe, it drives the dharmik people to progress towards their goals, by which they cleanse themselves off their papam (malefic results). All (beings) exist due to the intrinsic Dharmas they follow, hence Dharma is said to be supreme.
 ==स्मृतिः॥ Smrtis==
 Smrtis are the Dharmashastra granthas, given by seers as the 'remembered texts'. They are also texts which among many things mostly discuss the dharmas to be followed by people. Dharmasutras  laid the foundation for the later day nibandha compilations, namely, Dharmashastras.
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 ===अत्रि-स्मृतिः ॥ Atri Smrti===
 Atri Smrti attributes the highest position of a Guru (गुरुः । teacher) to Vedas<ref name=":03" /><blockquote>नास्ति वेदात् परं शास्त्रं, नास्ति मातु:समो गुरु: || (Atri. Smri. 5.148)</blockquote><blockquote>nāsti vedāt paraṃ śāstraṃ, nāsti mātu:samo guru: || (Atri. Smri. 5.148)</blockquote>Meaning: There is no other shastra greater than Vedas, just as there is no greater Guru than the mother (to the child).
-'''Baudhayana Dharmasutras''' <blockquote>उपदिष्टो धर्मः प्रतिवेदम् । upadiṣṭō dharmaḥ prativēdam ।(Bau. Dhar. Sutr. 1.1.1)</blockquote><blockquote>स्मार्तो द्वितीयः । तृतीयश्शिष्टागमः । smārtō dvitīyaḥ । tr̥tīyaśśiṣṭāgamaḥ । (Bau. Dhar. Sutr. 1.1.3-4)<ref>Baudhayana Dharmasutras ([https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%95%E0%A4%B2%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AA%E0%A4%83/%E0%A4%A7%E0%A4%B0%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AE%E0%A4%B8%E0%A5%82%E0%A4%A4%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%A3%E0%A4%BF/%E0%A4%AC%E0%A5%8B%E0%A4%A7%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%A8-%E0%A4%A7%E0%A Full Text])</ref></blockquote>Govindasvami's commentary on Baudhayana Sutras elaborates the above sutras as follows - "those volumes of granthas that propose the meaning  (jnana) that is beyond the understanding of sensual knowledge, in every shaka (of the Vedas) and which are eternal are the Vedas. They put forth the (Shrauta) Dharmas (प्रत्यक्षश्रुतिविहितः प्रथमो धर्मः । pratyakṣaśrutivihitaḥ prathamō dharmaḥ). Each shaka is complete with Vedangas and the Kalpasutras in them discuss the shaka specific aspects.
+== धर्मशास्त्राणि ॥ Dharmashastras ==
-Smarta dharmas (प्रकीर्णमन्त्रार्थवादमूलो द्वितीयः धर्मः । prakīrṇamantrārthavādamūlō dvitīyaḥ dharmaḥ ) for the second type. They are given by Smrtis, which are secondary explanations sourced from the Vedas. They are of five types namely, Varnadharma, Ashramadharma, Varnashramadharma, Gunadharma and Nimitta-dharmas. Again they are classified into general and specific dharmas.
+Manu called a Dharmashastra as Smrti.<blockquote>श्रुतिस्तु वेदो विज्ञेयो धर्मशास्त्रं तु वै स्मृतिः । (Manu. Smrt. 2.10)</blockquote>Again, there are references where the term "Smrti" is applied to all non-vedic texts including the Vedangas (including the Dharmasutras), Smrti texts (Manusmrti, Yajnavalkya smrti etc) Puranas and Itihasas. In this article, the following terminologies apply.
+* Sutragranthas (include the Kalpa Vedanga Sutra rachana)
-The third is dharma practiced by Shistas based tradition (तृतीयस्तु प्रलीनशाखामूलः घर्मः । tr̥tīyastu pralīnaśākhāmūlaḥ gharmaḥ), and they are people performing Shishtachara."<ref>Pt. Srinivasacharya, L. (1907) ''The Bodhayana Dharmasutra with the commentary of Govindasvamin''. Mysore: The Government Branch Press (Pages 1 - 2)</ref>
+* Smrtigranthas (include Manusmrti, Harita Smrti and such Smrti texts)
+* Dharmashastras (include major Gautama, Vashista Dharmashastras and minor texts)
-'''Gautama Dharmasutra''' (1.1.1-2) says <blockquote>वेदो धर्ममूलम्। तद्विदां च स्मृतिशीले। vēdō dharmamūlam। tadvidāṁ ca smr̥tiśīlē।<ref>Gautama Dharmasutras ([https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%97%E0%A5%8C%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%AE%E0%A4%A7%E0%A4%B0%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AE%E0%A4%B8%E0%A5%82%E0%A4%A4%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%8D Full Text])</ref></blockquote>Veda is the source of dharma and the tradition and practice of those that know it (the Veda).
+* Nibandhanas (Dharmasindhu by Pt. Hemadri)
+As the texts evolved over time the differences between these texts became more apparent.
 ==षड्-दर्शनानि ॥ Shad Darshanas==

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 Thus we see that all dharmas have their roots going down to the Vedas. They are also the revered sources of [[Vidya (विद्या)|Vidya]] and thus the ancient education system greatly stressed on imparting them to children at a young age in the [[Gurukula (गुरुकुलम्)|Gurukula]].
-The samskrit word veda (वेदः | knowledge, wisdom) is derived from the धातुः (root) विद् (vid) - ज्ञाने (वेत्ति) in the meaning "to know" (Dhatupatha 1064). 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).
+The samskrit word veda (वेदः | knowledge, wisdom) is derived from the धातुः (root) विद् (vid) - ज्ञाने (वेत्ति) in the meaning "to know" (Dhatupatha 1064). 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).<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. Thus, the inseparable link between Dharma and Vedas is well established by scholars in many instances. Both Vedas and Dharmas are interlinked at the root level of Purusharthas.
 ==वेदः ॥ Vedas==

@@ Line 13: / Line 13: @@
 A word whose exact meaning cannot be given in English or any other language, Dharma appears to be used in Rigveda as an adjective or noun in the form of dharman (धर्मन्) in neuter gender.
-The word is clearly derived from dhatu धृञ् (in the meaning धारणे) meaning - "to uphold, to support, to nourish". Dharma is used in the sense of - 'upholder or supporter or sustainer' as in Rigveda (1.187.1 and 10.92.2 and 10.21.3)<ref name=":3">Kane, Pandurang Vaman. (1930) ''History of Dharmasastra (Ancient and Medieval Religious and Civil Law), Volume 1.'' Poona : Bhandarkar Oriental Research Institute. (Pages 1-7)</ref><blockquote>पितुं नु स्तोषं महो धर्माणं तविषीम् । यस्य त्रितो व्योजसा वृत्रं विपर्वमर्दयत् ॥१ (Rig. Veda. 1.187.1)</blockquote>It is used in sense of religious ordinances or rites (Rig Veda. 1.22.18, 5.26.6, 8.43.24 and 9.64.1).<blockquote>त्रीणि पदा वि चक्रमे विष्णुर्गोपा अदाभ्यः । अतो धर्मा॑णि धारयन् ॥१८॥ (Rig. Veda. 1.22.18)</blockquote>According to Shri. P. V. Kane, Dharma is also used as notation for fixed principles or rules of conduct than just "religious rites"  in mantras for example<blockquote>धर्मणा मित्रावरुणा विपश्चिता व्रता रक्षेथे असुरस्य मायया । (Rig. Veda. 5.63.7)</blockquote>Words such as prathama dharma (Rig. Veda. 3.17.1 and 10.56.3) and sanata dharmani (Rig. Veda. 3.3.1) have been associated with primeval and ancient ordinances respectively. The famous mantra explains Dharma as those primary set of activities involved in yajnas.<blockquote>यज्ञेन यज्ञमयजन्त देवास्तानि धर्माणि प्रथमान्यासन् । ते ह नाकं महिमान: सचन्त यत्र पूर्वे साध्याः सन्ति देवाः ॥५॥० (Rig. Veda. 1.164.50)</blockquote>Meaning: Through the (conduct) of yajnas, devatas worshipped the Yajnapurusha (sometimes referred to as Yajna or Vishnu), which are laid down as primary dharmas (in the sense that the primary dharmas are none other than the yajnas). Encouraged by the yajnas (and their merits) in the devaloka, the worldly beings began to perform them.
+The word is clearly derived from dhatu धृञ् (in the meaning धारणे) meaning - "to uphold, to support, to nourish". Dharma is used in the sense of - 'upholder or supporter or sustainer' as in Rigveda (1.187.1 and 10.92.2 and 10.21.3)<ref name=":3">Kane, Pandurang Vaman. (1930) ''History of Dharmasastra (Ancient and Medieval Religious and Civil Law), Volume 1.'' Poona : Bhandarkar Oriental Research Institute. (Pages 1-7)</ref><blockquote>पितुं नु स्तोषं महो धर्माणं तविषीम् । यस्य त्रितो व्योजसा वृत्रं विपर्वमर्दयत् ॥१ (Rig. Veda. 1.187.1)</blockquote>It is used in sense of religious ordinances or rites (Rig Veda. 1.22.18, 5.26.6, 8.43.24 and 9.64.1).<blockquote>त्रीणि पदा वि चक्रमे विष्णुर्गोपा अदाभ्यः । अतो धर्मा॑णि धारयन् ॥१८॥ (Rig. Veda. 1.22.18)</blockquote>According to Shri. P. V. Kane, Dharma is also used as notation for fixed principles or rules of conduct than just "religious rites"  in mantras for example<blockquote>धर्मणा मित्रावरुणा विपश्चिता व्रता रक्षेथे असुरस्य मायया । (Rig. Veda. 5.63.7)</blockquote>Words such as prathama dharma (Rig. Veda. 3.17.1 and 10.56.3) and sanata dharmani (Rig. Veda. 3.3.1) have been associated with primeval and ancient ordinances respectively. The famous mantra explains Dharma as that primary set of activities involved in yajnas.<blockquote>यज्ञेन यज्ञमयजन्त देवास्तानि धर्माणि प्रथमान्यासन् । ते ह नाकं महिमान: सचन्त यत्र पूर्वे साध्याः सन्ति देवाः ॥५॥० (Rig. Veda. 1.164.50)</blockquote>Meaning: Through the (conduct) of yajnas, devatas worshipped the Yajnapurusha (sometimes referred to as Yajna or Vishnu), which are laid down as primary dharmas (in the sense that the primary dharmas are none other than the yajnas). Encouraged by the yajnas (and their merits) in the devaloka, the worldly beings began to perform them.
 Aitareya Brahmana mentions a whole body of religious duties associated with Dharma (Aite. Brah. 7.17 and 8.13).
@@ Line 25: / Line 25: @@
 === बृहदारण्यक उपनिषद् ॥ Brhdaranyaka Upanishad ===
-Brhdaranyaka Upanishad in the first adhyaya (fourth Brahmana) describes the origin of Purusha and from Him the Jagat, men of the four varnas and their requirements. In this context the Upanishad reflects on the origin of dharma from Brahman, as a varna duty particularly to Kshatriyas. <blockquote>तच्छ्रेयो रूपमत्यसृजत धर्मम् । तदेतत्क्षत्रस्य क्षत्रं यद्धर्मः । तस्माद्धर्मात्परं नास्ति । अथो अबलीयान् बलीयांसमाशंसते धर्मेण । यथा राज्ञैवम् । यो वै स धर्मः सत्यं वै तत् । तस्मात्सत्यं वदन्तमाहुर्धर्मं वदतीति । धर्मं वा वदन्तं सत्यं वदतीति । एतद्ध्येवैतदुभयं भवति ॥ बृह. १,४.१४ ॥ (Brhd. Upan. 1.4.14)<ref>Brhdaranyaka Upanishad ([https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%AC%E0%A5%83%E0%A4%B9%E0%A4%A6%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%A3%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%95_%E0%A4%89%E0%A4%AA%E0%A4%A8%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%B7%E0%A4%A6%E0%A5%8D_1a Adhyaya 1])</ref></blockquote>He (Brahman) created that excellent form, Dharma. This dharma is the controller of the kshatriya. Therefore, there is nothing higher than Dharma.
+Brhdaranyaka Upanishad in the first adhyaya (fourth Brahmana) describes the origin of Purusha and from Him the Jagat, men of the four varnas and their requirements. In this context the Upanishad reflects on the origin of dharma from Brahman, as a varna duty particularly referring to Kshatriyas. <blockquote>तच्छ्रेयो रूपमत्यसृजत धर्मम् । तदेतत्क्षत्रस्य क्षत्रं यद्धर्मः । तस्माद्धर्मात्परं नास्ति । अथो अबलीयान् बलीयांसमाशंसते धर्मेण । यथा राज्ञैवम् । यो वै स धर्मः सत्यं वै तत् । तस्मात्सत्यं वदन्तमाहुर्धर्मं वदतीति । धर्मं वा वदन्तं सत्यं वदतीति । एतद्ध्येवैतदुभयं भवति ॥ बृह. १,४.१४ ॥ (Brhd. Upan. 1.4.14)<ref>Brhdaranyaka Upanishad ([https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%AC%E0%A5%83%E0%A4%B9%E0%A4%A6%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%A3%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%95_%E0%A4%89%E0%A4%AA%E0%A4%A8%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%B7%E0%A4%A6%E0%A5%8D_1a Adhyaya 1])</ref></blockquote>He (Brahman) created that excellent form, Dharma. This dharma is the controller of the kshatriya. Therefore, there is nothing higher than Dharma, just as a weak person hopes to defeat a strong person depending upon the strength and support of the Raja. That which is Dharma is verily Satya. Therefore, it is said - one who speaks dharma speaks the truth and viceversa.<ref name=":5">Dr. N. S. Ananta Rangacharya (2004) ''Prinicipal Upanishads, Volume 3, Brhdaranyakopanishat. Text, English Translation and Brief notes according to Sri Ranga Ramanujamuni.'' Bangalore: Sri Rama Printers (Pages 50-51)</ref>
 === छान्दोग्योपनिषद् ॥ Chandogya Upanishad ===
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 ===न्याय-दर्शनम् ॥ Nyaya Darshana===
 Gautama maharshi gave the Nyaya shastra to the world. It is also classified as one of the Upangas which, as part of the [[Vaidika Vangmaya (वैदिकवाङ्मयम्)|Vaidika vangmaya]], is important to understand Vedas.<blockquote>मन्त्रायुर्वेदप्रामाण्यवच्च तत्प्रामाण्यमाप्तप्रामाण्यात् || (Nyay. Shas. 2.1.69)<ref>[https://archive.org/stream/TheNyayaSutrasOfGotama/Vidyabhusana_Nyaya-Sutras_1913#page/n67/mode/2up/search/Book+II Nyaya Shastra of Goutama]</ref></blockquote><blockquote>mantrāyurvedaprāmāṇyavacca tatprāmāṇyamāptaprāmāṇyāt || (Nyay. Shas. 2.1.69)</blockquote>Meaning: Just like the mantras (spells) counteract the poisons and Ayurveda (medical science) prescribes reliable remedies (for diseases and prevention of disease) with authority (as they are given by the maharshis and sages who are authoritative about the subjects), so also Vedas are standard (unequivocal guidelines), as the mantra drastas or rshis to whom they were revealed are the righteous sages.<ref name=":03" />
-====वैशेषिक-दर्शनम् ॥ Vaisheshika Darshana====
+===वैशेषिक-दर्शनम् ॥ Vaisheshika Darshana===
 Kanada maharshi who authored the Vaisheshika shastra also considers that the Vedas were revealed by Supreme Being.<blockquote>तद्वचनादाम्नायस्य प्रामाण्यम् । वैशेषिक-१,१.३ । (Vais. Shas. 1.1.3)<ref>[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><blockquote>tadvacanādāmnāyasya prāmāṇyam । vaiśeṣika-1,1.3 । (Vais. Shas. 1.1.3)</blockquote>In expounding padārthānāṃ dharmaḥ (पदार्थानां धर्म । nature of matter), Kanada took for pramana (source of valid knowledge), the Vedas (आम्नायः ॥ Amnaya)
-====मीमांसा ॥ Mimamsa====
+===मीमांसा ॥ Mimamsa===
-Purva mimamsa (पूर्वमीमांसा) deals extensively with Karmakanda  (कर्मकाण्डः) while उत्तरमीमांसा ॥ Uttara mimamsa (वेदान्तः ॥ [[Vedanta]]) deals with मोक्षकाण्डः ॥ Mokshakanda of vedas. Mimamsa attained significance as many vedic interpretations are based and debated on the basis of the logic and rules set forth by this shastra.<blockquote>नित्यस्तु स्याद् दर्शनस्य परार्थत्वात् || (Mima. Shas. 1.1.18)</blockquote><blockquote>nityastu syād darśanasya parārthatvāt || (Mima. Shas. 1.1.18)</blockquote>
+Purva mimamsa (पूर्वमीमांसा) deals with Karmakanda  (कर्मकाण्डः) while Uttara mimamsa (उत्तरमीमांसा  or वेदान्तः ॥ [[Vedanta (वेदान्तः)|Vedanta]]) deals with Jnana and Mokshakanda of vedas. Mimamsa attained significance as many vedic interpretations are based and debated on the basis of the logic and rules set forth by this shastra.
 ==महाभारतम् ॥ Mahabharata==
-Maharshi Vedavyasa in Mahabharata extols that Vedas are the path of life for all beings. Abundant instances about the Dharmas to be followed and the social and moral implications are emphasized in Mahabharata, many being an instruction to Yudhisthira by Bhishma and other Maharshis such as Vaisampayana, Suta.<blockquote>अनादिनिधनानित्या, वागुत्सृष्टा स्वयम्भुवा | आदौ वेदमयी दिव्या, यत: सर्वा: प्रवृत्तय: || (Maha. Shan. 232.24)<ref>Shri Mahabharatam ([http://www.rsvidyapeetha.ac.in/cgi-bin/maha/out-parva.cgi Shanti Parva])</ref></blockquote><blockquote>anādinidhanānityā, vāgutsṛṣṭā svayambhuvā | ādau vedamayī divyā, yata: sarvā: pravṛttaya: || (Maha. Shan. 232.24)</blockquote>Meaning : In the beginning of Srishti, the self existent Creator, revealed the Eternal and Divine Vedas, as they show the path for all activities of every being.<ref name=":03" />
+Maharshi Vedavyasa in Mahabharata extols that Vedas are the path of life, more of a moral code, for all beings. Abundant instances about the Dharmas to be followed and the social and moral implications are emphasized in Mahabharata, many being an instruction to Yudhisthira by Bhishma and other Maharshis such as Vaisampayana, Suta. Dharmas both general (साधारणधर्मः) and (विशिष्टधर्मः) are extensively discussed in Mahabharata and Ramayana.<blockquote>अनादिनिधनानित्या, वागुत्सृष्टा स्वयम्भुवा | आदौ वेदमयी दिव्या, यत: सर्वा: प्रवृत्तय: || (Maha. Shan. 232.24)<ref>Shri Mahabharatam ([http://www.rsvidyapeetha.ac.in/cgi-bin/maha/out-parva.cgi Shanti Parva])</ref></blockquote><blockquote>anādinidhanānityā, vāgutsṛṣṭā svayambhuvā | ādau vedamayī divyā, yata: sarvā: pravṛttaya: || (Maha. Shan. 232.24)</blockquote>Meaning : In the beginning of Srishti, the self existent Creator, revealed the Eternal and Divine Vedas, as they show the path for all activities of every being.<ref name=":03" />
 Mahabharata which is acclaimed as the मानव-कर्तव्य-शास्त्रम् || Manava kartavya shastra, has a discussion on this topic in the form of conversation between Yudhishthira and Bhishma thus. (Pt. Ramnarayan's Mahabharata: Volume 4<ref>Shastri. Pt Ramnarayan. (1955). ''[https://archive.org/stream/Mahabharata04SanskritHindiPanditRamnarayanGitaPress/Mahabharata04_Sanskrit-hindi_panditRamnarayan_gitaPress#page/n5/mode/2up Mahabharata Vol.4].'' Gorakhpur:Gita Press.</ref>  and Vol 5 Shanti Parva Page 323)<ref>Shastri. Pt Ramnarayan. (1955). ''[https://archive.org/stream/Mahabharata04SanskritHindiPanditRamnarayanGitaPress/Mahabharata05_Sanskrit-hindi_panditRamnarayan_gitaPress#page/n321/mode/2up Mahabharata Vol.5].'' Gorakhpur:Gita Press.</ref><blockquote>तादृशोऽयमनुप्रश्नो यत्र धर्मः सुदुर्लभः । दुष्करः प्रतिसंख्यातुं तत्केनात्र व्यवस्यति  ॥(Maha. Shan. Parv. 109.9)</blockquote><blockquote>प्रभावार्थाय भूतानां धर्मप्रवचनं कृतम् । यः स्यात्प्रभवसंयुक्तः स धर्म इति निश्चयः ॥  (Maha. Shan. Parv. 109.11)</blockquote><blockquote>tādṛśo'yamanupraśno yatra dharmaḥ sudurlabhaḥ | duṣkaraḥ pratisaṃkhyātuṃ tatkenātra vyavasyati || (Maha. Shanti. 109.9)</blockquote><blockquote>prabhāvārthāya bhūtānāṃ dharmapravacanaṃ kṛtam | yaḥ syātprabhavasaṃyuktaḥ sa dharma iti niścayaḥ || (Maha. Shanti. 109.11)</blockquote>Meaning : It is most difficult to define Dharma. Dharma has been explained to be that which helps the upliftment of living beings. Therefore, that which helps ensure the welfare of living beings is surely Dharma. The learned rishis have declared that which sustains is Dharma.<blockquote>धारणाद् धर्म इत्याहुर्धर्मो धारयते प्रजाः | यत् स्याद् धारणसंयुक्तं स धर्म इति निश्चयः || (Maha. Karna. 69-58)</blockquote><blockquote>dhāraṇād dharma ityāhurdharmo dhārayate prajāḥ | yat syād dhāraṇasaṃyuktaṃ sa dharma iti niścayaḥ || (Maha. Karna. 69-58)</blockquote>Meaning : Dharma sustains the society, Dharma maintains the social order, Dharma ensures the well being and progress of humanity, Dharma is surely that which fulfills these objectives

@@ Line 13: / Line 13: @@
 A word whose exact meaning cannot be given in English or any other language, Dharma appears to be used in Rigveda as an adjective or noun in the form of dharman (धर्मन्) in neuter gender.
-The word is clearly derived from dhatu धृञ् (in the meaning धारणे) meaning - "to uphold, to support, to nourish". Dharma is used in the sense of - 'upholder or supporter or sustainer' as in Rigveda (1.187.1 and 10.92.2 and 10.21.3)<ref name=":3">Kane, Pandurang Vaman. (1930) ''History of Dharmasastra (Ancient and Medieval Religious and Civil Law), Volume 1.'' Poona : Bhandarkar Oriental Research Institute. (Pages 1-7)</ref><blockquote>पितुं नु स्तोषं महो धर्माणं तविषीम् । यस्य त्रितो व्योजसा वृत्रं विपर्वमर्दयत् ॥१ (Rig. Veda. 1.187.1)</blockquote>It is used in sense of religious ordinances or rites (Rig Veda. 1.22.18, 5.26.6, 8.43.24 and 9.64.1).<blockquote>त्रीणि पदा वि चक्रमे विष्णुर्गोपा अदाभ्यः । अतो धर्मा॑णि धारयन् ॥१८॥ (Rig. Veda. 1.22.18)</blockquote>According to Shri. P. V. Kane ji Dharma is also used as notation for fixed principles or rules of conduct than just "religious rites"  in mantras for example<blockquote>धर्मणा मित्रावरुणा विपश्चिता व्रता रक्षेथे असुरस्य मायया । (Rig. Veda. 5.63.7)</blockquote>Words such as prathama dharma (Rig. Veda. 3.17.1 and 10.56.3) and sanata dharmani (Rig. Veda. 3.3.1) have been associated with primeval and ancient ordinances respectively. The famous mantra associates Dharma with those primary set of activities involving yajnas to please the devatas.<blockquote>यज्ञेन यज्ञमयजन्त देवास्तानि धर्माणि प्रथमान्यासन् । ते ह नाकं महिमान: सचन्त यत्र पूर्वे साध्याः सन्ति देवाः ॥५॥० (Rig. Veda. 1.164.50)</blockquote>Aitareya Brahmana mentions a whole body of religious duties associated with Dharma (Aite. Brah. 7.17 and 8.13).
+The word is clearly derived from dhatu धृञ् (in the meaning धारणे) meaning - "to uphold, to support, to nourish". Dharma is used in the sense of - 'upholder or supporter or sustainer' as in Rigveda (1.187.1 and 10.92.2 and 10.21.3)<ref name=":3">Kane, Pandurang Vaman. (1930) ''History of Dharmasastra (Ancient and Medieval Religious and Civil Law), Volume 1.'' Poona : Bhandarkar Oriental Research Institute. (Pages 1-7)</ref><blockquote>पितुं नु स्तोषं महो धर्माणं तविषीम् । यस्य त्रितो व्योजसा वृत्रं विपर्वमर्दयत् ॥१ (Rig. Veda. 1.187.1)</blockquote>It is used in sense of religious ordinances or rites (Rig Veda. 1.22.18, 5.26.6, 8.43.24 and 9.64.1).<blockquote>त्रीणि पदा वि चक्रमे विष्णुर्गोपा अदाभ्यः । अतो धर्मा॑णि धारयन् ॥१८॥ (Rig. Veda. 1.22.18)</blockquote>According to Shri. P. V. Kane, Dharma is also used as notation for fixed principles or rules of conduct than just "religious rites"  in mantras for example<blockquote>धर्मणा मित्रावरुणा विपश्चिता व्रता रक्षेथे असुरस्य मायया । (Rig. Veda. 5.63.7)</blockquote>Words such as prathama dharma (Rig. Veda. 3.17.1 and 10.56.3) and sanata dharmani (Rig. Veda. 3.3.1) have been associated with primeval and ancient ordinances respectively. The famous mantra explains Dharma as those primary set of activities involved in yajnas.<blockquote>यज्ञेन यज्ञमयजन्त देवास्तानि धर्माणि प्रथमान्यासन् । ते ह नाकं महिमान: सचन्त यत्र पूर्वे साध्याः सन्ति देवाः ॥५॥० (Rig. Veda. 1.164.50)</blockquote>Meaning: Through the (conduct) of yajnas, devatas worshipped the Yajnapurusha (sometimes referred to as Yajna or Vishnu), which are laid down as primary dharmas (in the sense that the primary dharmas are none other than the yajnas). Encouraged by the yajnas (and their merits) in the devaloka, the worldly beings began to perform them.
 Shukla Yajurveda samhita also refers to the above usages of the word Dharman as seen in Rig Veda. The mantras of Rig Veda quoted above are also occurring in Atharvaveda and "dharma" seems to be used in the sense of 'merit acquired by the performance of religious rites."<ref name=":3" />
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 Same meaning is seen in Taittriya Upanishad (1.2) Bhagavadgita.
 ====महानारायणोपनिषद् ॥ Mahanarayanopanishad====
-<blockquote>धर्मो विश्वस्य जगतः प्रतिष्ठा लोके धर्मिष्ठ प्रजा उपसर्पन्ति धर्मेण पापमपनुदति धर्मे सर्वं प्रतिष्ठितं तस्माद्धर्मं परमं वदन्ति ॥ ७॥ (Mahanarayana. Upan. 79.7)<ref>Mahanarayanopanishad ([https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%AE%E0%A4%B9%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%A8%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%A3%E0%A5%8B%E0%A4%AA%E0%A4%A8%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%B7%E0%A4%A4%E0%A5%8D All Anuvakas])</ref></blockquote>Meaning : Dharma is the
+<blockquote>धर्मो विश्वस्य जगतः प्रतिष्ठा लोके धर्मिष्ठ प्रजा उपसर्पन्ति धर्मेण पापमपनुदति धर्मे सर्वं प्रतिष्ठितं तस्माद्धर्मं परमं वदन्ति ॥ ७॥ (Mahanarayana. Upan. 79.7)<ref>Mahanarayanopanishad ([https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%AE%E0%A4%B9%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%A8%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%A3%E0%A5%8B%E0%A4%AA%E0%A4%A8%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%B7%E0%A4%A4%E0%A5%8D All Anuvakas])</ref></blockquote>Meaning : Dharma is the support for the universe, it drives the dharmik people to progress towards their goals, by which they cleanse themselves off their papam (malefic results). All (beings) exist due to the intrinsic Dharmas they follow, hence Dharma is said to be supreme.
 ==षड्-दर्शनानि ॥ Shad Darshanas==
 [[Shad Darshanas (षड्दर्शनानि)|Shad Darshanas]], include Sankhya (साङ्ख्यः),  Yoga (योगः), Vaisheshika (वैशेषिकः), Nyaya (न्यायः), Purva Mimamsa (पूर्वमीमांसा), Uttara Mimamsa (उत्तरमीमांसा or वेदान्तः Vedanta). As they are deeply rooted in vedic principles, they are called Astika darshanas (आस्तिक-दर्शनानि) according to many scholars, although some believe that Sankhya is not an Astika Darshana. The dharmas mentioned in sramanic and nastika darsanas are beyond the scope of the present article.