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Line 36: − + − == TOWARDS A GLOBAL ETHIC ==+ − The World is in agony. The agony is so pervasive and urgent that we are compelled to name its manifestations so that the depth of this pain may be made clear. − Peace eludes us the planet is being destroyed neighbours live in fear women and men are estranged from each other children die ! − This is abhorrent ! − We condemn the abuses of the Earth 's ecosystems. − We condemn the poverty that stifles life's potential; the hunger that weakens the human body; the economic disparities that threaten so many families with ruin. − We condemn the social disarray of the nations; the disregard for justice which pushes citizens to the margin; and anarchy overtaking our communities; and the insane death of children from violence. In particular, we condemn aggression and hatred in the name of religion. − But this agony need not be. − It need not be because the basis for an ethic already exists. This ethic offers the possibility of a better individual and global order, and leads individuals away from despair and societies away from chaos. − We are women and men who have embraced the precepts and practices of the world's religions. − We affirm that a common set of core values is found in the teachings of the religions, and that these form the basis of a global ethic. − We affirm that this truth is already known, but yet to be lived in heart and action. − We affirm that there is an irrevocable, unconditional norm for all areas of life, for families and communities, for races, nations, and religions. There already exist ancient guidelines for human behaviour which are found in the teachings of the religions of the world and which are the condition for a sustainable world order. − == WE DECLARE : == − We are interdependent. Each of us depends on the well-being of the whole, and so we have respect for the community of living beings, for people, animals, and the plants, and for the preservation of the earth, the air, water and soil. − We take individual responsibility for all we do. All our decisions, actions, and failures to act have consequences. − We must treat others as we wish others to treat us. We make a commitment to respect life and dignity, individuality and diversity, so that every person is treated humanely, without exception. We must have patience and acceptance. We must be able to forgive, learning from the past but never allowing ourselves to be enslaved by memories of hate. Opening our hearts to one another, we must sink our narrow differences for the cause of the world community practicing a culture of solidarity and relatedness. − We consider humankind our family. We must strive to be kind and generous. We must not live for ourselves alone, but should also serve others, never forgetting the children, the aged, the poor, the suffering, the disabled, the refugees, and the lonely. No person should ever be considered or treated as a second class citizen, or be exploited in any way whatsoever. There should be equal partnership between men and women. We must not commit any kind of sexual immorality. We must put behind us all forms of domination or abuse. − We commit ourselves to a culture of non-violence, respect, justice and peace. We shall not oppress, injure, torture, or kill other human beings, forsaking violence as a means of settling differences. − We must strive for a just social and economic order, in which everyone has an equal chance to reach full potential as a human being. We must speak and act truthfully and with compassion, dealing fairly with all, and avoiding prejudice and hatred. We must not steal. We must move beyond the dominance of greed for power, prestige, money and consumption to make a just and peaceful world. − Each cannot be changed for the better unless the consciousness of individuals is changed first. We pledge to increase our awareness by disciplining our minds, by meditation, by prayer, or by positive thinking. Without risk and a readiness to sacrifice there can be no fundamental change in our situation. Therefore we commit ourselves to this global ethic, to understanding one another, and to socially beneficial, peace- fostering, and nature -friendly ways of life. − We Invite All People Whether Religious or not To do the same"A comparison of the values declared as part of the Global Ethic and the corresponding rules of Dharma at once indicates that they are one and the same. They are : Line 73:
Line 60: − − == References == − M. RAMA JOIS, DHARMA - The Global Ethic, Published by "Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan − − Dharma (धर्मः) is that which upholds, nourishes or supports the stability of the society, maintains the social order and secures the general well-being and progress of mankind.{{citation needed|reason=This statement might have been directly used from a reference.|date=December 2018}} Line 97:
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Line 85: − * '''To uplift the lowly is dharmam.''' − ** ''[[wikipedia:Akilattirattu Ammanai|Akilattirattu Ammanai]]'' − − * '''Beloved-of-the-Gods, King Piyadasi, does not consider [[wikiquote:Glory|glory]] and [[wikiquote:Fame|fame]] to be of great account unless they are achieved through having my subjects respect Dhamma and practice Dhamma, both [[wikiquote:Now|now]] and in the [[wikiquote:Future|future]].''' − ** [[wikiquote:Ashoka|Ashoka]], in [[wikipedia:Edicts of Ashoka|Edicts of Ashoka]] (''c''. 257 BC) − − * '''Dhamma is [[wikiquote:Good|good]], but what constitutes Dhamma? (It includes) little [[wikiquote:Evil|evil]], much [[wikiquote:Good|good]], [[wikiquote:Kindness|kindness]], [[wikiquote:Generosity|generosity]], [[wikiquote:Truthfulness|truthfulness]] and [[wikiquote:Purity|purity]].''' − ** [[wikiquote:Ashoka|Ashoka]], in Edicts of Ashoka (''c''. 257 BC) − − * '''This [[wikiquote:Progress|progress]] among the [[wikiquote:People|people]] through Dhamma has been done by two means, by Dhamma regulations and by [[wikiquote:Persuasion|persuasion]]. Of these, Dhamma regulation is of little effect, while persuasion has much more effect.''' The Dhamma regulations I have given are that various animals must be protected. And I have given many other Dhamma regulations also. But it is by persuasion that progress among the people through Dhamma has had a greater effect in respect of harmlessness to living beings and non-killing of living beings. − ** [[wikiquote:Ashoka|Ashoka]], in Edicts of Ashoka (''c''. 257 BC) − Line 149:
Line 119: − − ==References==
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{{ToBeEdited}}Dharma (Samskrit : धर्मः) served as the foundational principle for people all traditions that arose on Bharatavarsha. Every person leads a life irrespective of the civilization he belongs to. But every civilization has a characteristic way of living (जीवनशैली), which, as per that civilization’s convictions, is superior to the way other civilizations live. And the basis this characteristic way of living is forms the perspectives of life that the civilization is founded upon. And underlying the way of living and the perspectives of life are the perspectives about the world ie. vishwa dristhi (विश्वदृष्टीः worldview) and tattvajnana (तत्त्वज्ञान - foundational philosophy) that the civilization is founded upon. The world view and perspectives toward life held by the civilization tend to influence an individual’s relationships with other entities, which include all movable and immovable (चराचर) entities.
{{ToBeEdited}}
Dharma (Samskrit : धर्मः) served as the foundational principle for people all traditions that arose on Bharatavarsha. Every person leads a life irrespective of the civilization he belongs to. But every civilization has a characteristic way of living (जीवनशैली), which, as per that civilization’s convictions, is superior to the way other civilizations live. And the basis this characteristic way of living is forms the perspectives of life that the civilization is founded upon. And underlying the way of living and the perspectives of life are the perspectives about the world ie. vishwa dristhi (विश्वदृष्टीः worldview) and tattvajnana (तत्त्वज्ञान - foundational philosophy) that the civilization is founded upon. The world view and perspectives toward life held by the civilization tend to influence an individual’s relationships with other entities, which include all movable and immovable (चराचर) entities.
== Introduction ==
== Introduction ==
Dharma is the greatest and the most valuable contribution to humanity by [[Bharatavarsha (भरतवर्षम्)|Bharatavarsha]], our beloved Janmabhumi. On account of its antiquity, utility and universality the very mention of that word rouses the conscience of every individual in this land.<ref name=":2">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 (भरतवर्षम्)|Bharatavarsha]], our beloved Janmabhumi. On account of its antiquity, utility and universality the very mention of that word rouses the conscience of every individual in this land.<ref name=":2">Mandagadde, Rama Jois. (1997) ''Dharma : The Global Ethic'' Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan</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>
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>
== Dharmashastras ==
Dharmashastras constitute a comprehensive code to regular human conduct in line with the natural, unalterable flow of creation with a goal that everyone fulfils the purpose of his birth which is attaining the highest good or Nihshreyasa. These shastras given by our ancient rshis analyze, interpret and determine the characteristics of Dharma. 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 language.<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> It has different connotations and most of them are of an ethical nature while covering the socio-political arena. It means duty, justice, truth, ordinance, mode of action etc.
Ethical conception of Dharma was first expounded in the Upanishad and Sutra literature. Brhdaranyaka Upanishad, the Dharmasutras of Baudhayana, Apastamba, Vashishta being the foremost among them. The Smrti texts later on elaborated on the concepts with Manusmrti and Yajnavalkya Smrti being the widely accepted texts in the modern times for laying down the rules and regulations of social living.
==Dharma Constituents==
==Dharma Constituents==
A common territory and common values of life evolved and cherished by the people of [[Bharatavarsha (भरतवर्षम्)|Bharatavarsha]] by far have welded the people of this sacred land into a nation bound by the system of values of life. There are many main and subsidiary values, traditions and customs but all of them within the framework of [[Sanatana Dharma (सनातनधर्मः)|Sanatana Dharma]]. Universal acceptance that 'Dharma' bears the Universe and holds entities together (Maha. Karn. 8.69.58) is the moral binding factor of different people of Bharatavarsha. A few important values may be summarized here.<ref name=":22">Mandagadde, Rama Jois. (1997) ''Dharma : The Global Ethic'' Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan</ref>
A common territory and common values of life evolved and cherished by the people of [[Bharatavarsha (भरतवर्षम्)|Bharatavarsha]] by far have welded the people of this sacred land into a nation bound by the system of values of life. There are many main and subsidiary values, traditions and customs but all of them within the framework of [[Sanatana Dharma (सनातनधर्मः)|Sanatana Dharma]]. Universal acceptance that 'Dharma' bears the Universe and holds entities together (Maha. Karn. 8.69.58) is the moral binding factor of different people of Bharatavarsha. A few important values may be summarized here.<ref name=":22">Mandagadde, Rama Jois. (1997) ''Dharma : The Global Ethic'' Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan</ref>
These aspects are studied at length in [[Dharmika Jivana Vidhana (धार्मिकजीवनविधानम्)|Dharmika Jivana Vidhana]], through which we aim to bring back restructuring of the society along with the ancient glory, and peace in global dharmika communities.
These aspects are studied at length in [[Dharmika Jivana Vidhana (धार्मिकजीवनविधानम्)|Dharmika Jivana Vidhana]], through which we aim to bring back restructuring of the society along with the ancient glory, and peace in global dharmika communities.
== Acceptance of dharma as global ethic ==
== Acceptance of dharma as global ethic ==
The eternal validity of the values based on Dharma, has to be accepted by the entire world if the human race is to be saved from total destruction, is established by the initial declaration {Towards Global Ethic) made at the Parliament of the World's Religions from August 28 to September 5,1993. at Chicago, to coincide with the centenary of Swamy Vivekananda 's Chicago Address. The declaration is signed by as many as 160 persons belonging to world religions and also those who represented Dharma. It incorporates values, which are all part of "Dharma"from times immemorial. The same is reproduced hereinafter.
The eternal validity of the values based on Dharma, has to be accepted by the entire world if the human race is to be saved from total destruction, is established by the initial declaration {Towards Global Ethic) made at the Parliament of the World's Religions from August 28 to September 5,1993. at Chicago, to coincide with the centenary of Swamy Vivekananda 's Chicago Address. The declaration is signed by as many as 160 persons belonging to world religions and also those who represented Dharma. It incorporates values, which are all part of "Dharma" from times immemorial. Dharma (धर्मः) is that which upholds, nourishes or supports the stability of the society, maintains the social order and secures the general well-being and progress of mankind.
A comparison of the values declared as part of the Global Ethic and the corresponding rules of Dharma at once indicates that they are one and the same. They are :
1. We must treat others as : atmavat sarvabhutanam
1. We must treat others as : atmavat sarvabhutanam
we wish others to treat us
we wish others to treat us
Let the Entire World be Happy
Let the Entire World be Happy
==Origin of Dharma==
==Origin of Dharma==
The word Dharma has no accurate translation to any other language. A few amongst its many interpretations are Nyaya (law), charity, religion, and natural characteristics of living beings. The wide scope of Dharma, as depicted by these diverse interpretations, led to many seers and saints defining Dharma in many coherent ways. In brief, as said by Madhavacharya (माधवाचार्यः),
The word Dharma has no accurate translation to any other language. A few amongst its many interpretations are Nyaya (law), charity, religion, and natural characteristics of living beings. The wide scope of Dharma, as depicted by these diverse interpretations, led to many seers and saints defining Dharma in many coherent ways. In brief, as said by Madhavacharya (माधवाचार्यः),
This consequence is natural: powerful individuals with uncontrolled Kama and in disregard for Dharma oppress the weak and severely injure the society with their actions. Bhishma tells Yudhishtira after the [[Mahabharata|Mahabharata]] war that there existed a time when every individual followed Dharma and mutually protected the society. As time progressed and few strong individuals started flouting Dharma and the king was brought into existence with the duty to protect Dharma and with the right to punish the individuals practising Adharma.<ref name="LCHI-Rama_Jois-Ch1"/>
This consequence is natural: powerful individuals with uncontrolled Kama and in disregard for Dharma oppress the weak and severely injure the society with their actions. Bhishma tells Yudhishtira after the [[Mahabharata|Mahabharata]] war that there existed a time when every individual followed Dharma and mutually protected the society. As time progressed and few strong individuals started flouting Dharma and the king was brought into existence with the duty to protect Dharma and with the right to punish the individuals practising Adharma.<ref name="LCHI-Rama_Jois-Ch1"/>
'''Dharma''' (also '''Dhamma'''), is an Bharat's [[wikiquote:Spiritual|spiritual]] and [[wikiquote:Religious|religious]] term which signifies "'''the way of [[wikiquote:Righteousness|righteousness]]'''" and refers to one's [[wikiquote:Duty|duty]] or to any path of [[wikiquote:Virtue|virtue]]; the word ''dharma'' translates as '''''that which upholds or supports''''', and is sometimes translated into English as '''''[[wikiquote:Law|law]]'''''.
'''Dharma''' is an Bharat's [[wikiquote:Spiritual|spiritual]] and [[wikiquote:Religious|religious]] term which signifies "'''the way of [[wikiquote:Righteousness|righteousness]]'''" and refers to one's [[wikiquote:Duty|duty]] or to any path of [[wikiquote:Virtue|virtue]]; the word ''dharma'' translates as '''''that which upholds or supports''''', and is sometimes translated into English as '''''[[wikiquote:Law|law]]'''''.
: See also:
: See also:
:: '''[[wikiquote:Humanism|Humanism]]'''
:: '''[[wikiquote:Humanism|Humanism]]'''
== Quotes ==
== Quotes ==
* Once Soma, having returned from her alms round
* Once Soma, having returned from her alms round
: and having eaten her meal, entered the woods to meditate.
: and having eaten her meal, entered the woods to meditate.
== References ==
== References ==
<references/>
<references/>
[[Category:Dharmas]]
[[Category:Dharmas]]