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अकामस्य क्रिया कचिद्दृश्यते नेह कर्हिचित् । यद्यद्धि कुरुते किञ्चित् तत्तत्कामस्य चेष्टितम् ॥Which means, there is no act of man which is free from desire; whatever a man does is the result of the impulse of desire. Therefore, the source of all evil actions of human beings was traced to the desire for material pleasure which in turn gave rise to conflict of interests among individuals. Further, it was found that the desire (kama) of human beings could also be influenced by the other impulses inherent in human beings such as anger (krodha), passion (moha), greed (lobha), infatuation (mada), and enmity (matsarya). These six natural impulses were considered as six internal enemies of man (arishadvarga), which if allowed to act uncontrolled could instigate him to entertain evil thoughts in the mind for fulfilling his own selfish desires and for that purpose cause injury to others. Dharma or rules of righteous conduct was evolved as a solution to this eternal problem arising out of the natural instinct of man. - Shantiparva of the Mahabharata (Ch.59)

अकामस्य क्रिया कचिद्दृश्यते नेह कर्हिचित् । यद्यद्धि कुरुते किञ्चित् तत्तत्कामस्य चेष्टितम् ॥Which means, there is no act of man which is free from desire; whatever a man does is the result of the impulse of desire. Therefore, the source of all evil actions of human beings was traced to the desire for material pleasure which in turn gave rise to conflict of interests among individuals. Further, it was found that the desire (kama) of human beings could also be influenced by the other impulses inherent in human beings such as anger (krodha), passion (moha), greed (lobha), infatuation (mada), and enmity (matsarya). These six natural impulses were considered as six internal enemies of man (arishadvarga), which if allowed to act uncontrolled could instigate him to entertain evil thoughts in the mind for fulfilling his own selfish desires and for that purpose cause injury to others. Dharma or rules of righteous conduct was evolved as a solution to this eternal problem arising out of the natural instinct of man. - Shantiparva of the Mahabharata (Ch.59)

Dharma was formulated as a solution for problems arising out of the six inherent enemies in Man, namely Kama (desire), Krodha (anger), Lobha (greed), Moha (passion), Mada (infatuation) and Matsarya (enmity). Every civil or criminal injury caused by an individual to other individuals or society is traceable to one or more of the six enemies acting alone or in combination. This inherent weakness of man has been the subject matter of an indepth study by those who formulated 'Dharma'. The root cause for all good or bad, verbal or physical acts of individuals has been analysed and explained in Manu Smriti. Manu cautions everyone to have self -control, so that his mind does not act as the instigator for committing any sinful mental action which would inevitably lead to one or the other type of evil verbal actions or wicked bodily actions.

Dharma was formulated as a solution for problems arising out of the six inherent enemies in Man, namely Kama (desire), Krodha (anger), Lobha (greed), Moha (passion), Mada (infatuation) and Matsarya (enmity). Every civil or criminal injury caused by an individual to other individuals or society is traceable to one or more of the six enemies acting alone or in combination. This inherent weakness of man has been the subject matter of an indepth study by those who formulated 'Dharma'. The root cause for all good or bad, verbal or physical acts of individuals has been analysed and explained in Manu Smriti. Manu cautions everyone to have self -control, so that his mind does not act as the instigator for committing any immoral mental action which would inevitably lead to one or the other type of evil verbal actions or wicked bodily actions.

वाग्दण्डोऽथ मनोदण्डः कायदण्डस्तथैव च । यस्यैते निहिता बुद्धौ त्रिदण्डीति स उच्यते ॥

वाग्दण्डोऽथ मनोदण्डः कायदण्डस्तथैव च । यस्यैते निहिता बुद्धौ त्रिदण्डीति स उच्यते ॥

The fifth perhaps is very important i.e., control of senses. It is lack of control over the senses which results in individuals indulging in all types of illegal and immoral actions, being instigated by the one or more of the six inherent enemies (Arishadvargas). This lands himself as well as others in misery and loss of happiness.

The fifth perhaps is very important i.e., control of senses. It is lack of control over the senses which results in individuals indulging in all types of illegal and immoral actions, being instigated by the one or more of the six inherent enemies (Arishadvargas). This lands himself as well as others in misery and loss of happiness.

The mere knowledge of the rules of Dharma, however does not make a man 'Dharmishta' i.e., a man acting always in conformity with Dharma. Therefore, Dharma has to be ingrained in the mind of every individual from child hood. Just as triple antigen for giving immunity to the body against dreaded disease has to be administered to a young child for giving immunity to the mind against sinful thoughts Dharma- the sextuple antigen has to be administered to the mind of an individual as part of education. It is a slow but a sure process. This process was called 'Samskara'.

The mere knowledge of the rules of Dharma, however does not make a man 'Dharmishta' i.e., a man acting always in conformity with Dharma. Therefore, Dharma has to be ingrained in the mind of every individual from child hood. Just as triple antigen for giving immunity to the body against dreaded disease has to be administered to a young child for giving immunity to the mind against immoral thoughts Dharma- the antigen has to be administered to the mind of an individual as part of education. It is a slow but a sure process. This process was called 'Samskara'.

Adi Shankara in his commentary on Vedanta Sutra has explained this process thus:-

Adi Shankara in his commentary on Vedanta Sutra has explained this process thus:-

धर्मो विश्वस्य जगतः प्रतिष्ठा । लोके धर्मिष्ठं प्रजा उपसर्पन्ति । धर्मेण पापमपनुदति । धर्मे सर्वं प्रतिष्ठितम् । तस्माद्धर्मं परमं वदन्ति ।

धर्मो विश्वस्य जगतः प्रतिष्ठा । लोके धर्मिष्ठं प्रजा उपसर्पन्ति । धर्मेण पापमपनुदति । धर्मे सर्वं प्रतिष्ठितम् । तस्माद्धर्मं परमं वदन्ति ।

Meaning : Dharma constitutes the foundation of all affairs in the World. People respect those who adhere to Dharma. Dharma insulates (man) against sinful thoughts. Everything in this world is founded on Dharma. Dharma therefore, is considered supreme.

Meaning : Dharma constitutes the foundation of all affairs in the World. People respect those who adhere to Dharma. Dharma insulates (man) against immoral thoughts. Everything in this world is founded on Dharma. Dharma therefore, is considered supreme.

The role of Dharma is, that it acts as an internal check, a preventive against sinful actions as it destroys the very cause of such actions, namely sinful thoughts.

The role of Dharma is, that it acts as an internal check, a preventive against immoral actions as it destroys the very cause of such actions, namely immoral thoughts.

To put it in a nutshell, the power of law is to punish those who commit offences after the acts if only they are caught and evidence is available. It is punitive in nature. But "Dharma" has the power to prevent a man from committing an offence by acting as an antigen against the six enemies inherent in every man. It is preventive. Therefore, it can rightly be described as the six antigen for the mind which gives immunity against sinful thoughts arising on account of the instigation of one or more of the six inherent enemies (arishadwarga).<ref name=":3" />

To put it in a nutshell, the power of law is to punish those who commit offences after the acts if only they are caught and evidence is available. It is punitive in nature. But "Dharma" has the power to prevent a man from committing an offence by acting as an antigen against the six enemies inherent in every man. It is preventive. Therefore, it can rightly be described as the six antigen for the mind which gives immunity against immoral thoughts arising on account of the instigation of one or more of the six inherent enemies (arishadwarga).<ref name=":3" />

== युगधर्मः ॥ Yuga Dharma ==

== युगधर्मः ॥ Yuga Dharma ==

Every individual should, by constant effort, regulate his mind, speech and action so that he does not inflict any physical or mental injury or any pecuniary loss or damage on other individuals.  

Every individual should, by constant effort, regulate his mind, speech and action so that he does not inflict any physical or mental injury or any pecuniary loss or damage on other individuals.  

It is a matter of common knowledge that in day-to-day life on account of greed and being actuated one or more of the six enemies inherent in man namely: Kama (love/desire), Krodha (anger), Lobha (greed), Moha (Passion), Mada (Infatuation) and Matsarya (enmity), a man indulges in wrongs. To illustrate, a man commits theft to acquire money or any other moveable property for gain. He indulges in cheating others or in corruption to acquire more money. For the same purpose he commits robbery, or dacoity or even murder. On many occasions man does these acts secretly thinking that no one knows or will come to know of these acts. But the fact remains that the ATMA  within himself is an unavoidable witness. It is impossible for a human being to commit any wrongful or sinful act without the knowledge of the Atma. As far as the Atma is concerned, being part and parcel of Paramatma (the almighty God) it is incapable of compromising with the wrong acts of a human being within whose body it resides for the time being.

It is a matter of common knowledge that in day-to-day life on account of greed and being actuated one or more of the six enemies inherent in man namely: Kama (love/desire), Krodha (anger), Lobha (greed), Moha (Passion), Mada (Infatuation) and Matsarya (enmity), a man indulges in wrongs. To illustrate, a man commits theft to acquire money or any other moveable property for gain. He indulges in cheating others or in corruption to acquire more money. For the same purpose he commits robbery, or dacoity or even murder. On many occasions man does these acts secretly thinking that no one knows or will come to know of these acts. But the fact remains that the ATMA  within himself is an unavoidable witness. It is impossible for a human being to commit any wrongful act without the knowledge of the Atma. As far as the Atma is concerned, being part and parcel of Paramatma (the almighty God) it is incapable of compromising with the wrong acts of a human being within whose body it resides for the time being.

Manu Smriti Ch. 12-35 expounds this aspect thus

Manu Smriti Ch. 12-35 expounds this aspect thus

यत्कर्म कृत्वा कुर्वंश्च करिष्यंश्चैच लज्जति । तज्ज्ञेयं विदुषा सर्वं तामसं गुणलक्षणम् ॥  

यत्कर्म कृत्वा कुर्वंश्च करिष्यंश्चैच लज्जति । तज्ज्ञेयं विदुषा सर्वं तामसं गुणलक्षणम् ॥  

Meaning: If a man in his conscience, feels ashamed/guilty to do an act, or while doing an act, or after doing an act, it is the clearest indication of Tamasa Quality -viz, the act is a sin.

Meaning: If a man in his conscience, feels ashamed/guilty to do an act, or while doing an act, or after doing an act, it is the clearest indication of Tamasa Quality -viz, the act is a papa (पापम्).

Therefore, the soul always tells the man who has committed the offence, that he has committed a sin. If a person commits theft, his soul will always be telling him "You are a thief. you have committed theft". Similarly, if a person commits murder, his soul will always be saying "You are a murderer". If a minister or officer is corrupt and receives bribe, his soul will always be telling him "You are corrupt" and so on. To outward view, he might pose to be honest, and tell people that he has not committed any offence and all that happened was on account of a "System Failure", but his soul cannot be fooled. It does not allow him to have peace of mind. It constantly reminds him of his misdemeanours. Thus, he loses mental happiness.  

Therefore, the soul always tells the man who has committed the offence, that he has committed a papa. If a person commits theft, his soul will always be telling him "You are a thief. you have committed theft". Similarly, if a person commits murder, his soul will always be saying "You are a murderer". If a minister or officer is corrupt and receives bribe, his soul will always be telling him "You are corrupt" and so on. To outward view, he might pose to be honest, and tell people that he has not committed any offence and all that happened was on account of a "System Failure", but his soul cannot be fooled. It does not allow him to have peace of mind. It constantly reminds him of his misdemeanours. Thus, he loses mental happiness.  

It is for this reason that the individual feels ashamed within, though before others he may try to pose as a good man. It is this aspect which is highlighted by Manu in the verse and calls upon every individual to establish an internal check, which alone is the guarantee for good conduct or to eschew bad conduct and not the fear of Police which only makes a man to be more careful and secretive in committing offence. This internal check is what is meant by "God Fearing" as Atma (Soul) is God within the man.  

It is for this reason that the individual feels ashamed within, though before others he may try to pose as a good man. It is this aspect which is highlighted by Manu in the verse and calls upon every individual to establish an internal check, which alone is the guarantee for good conduct or to eschew bad conduct and not the fear of Police which only makes a man to be more careful and secretive in committing offence. This internal check is what is meant by "God Fearing" as Atma (Soul) is God within the man.  

Thus the substance of the verse is that a man is bound to feel ashamed within himself for his sinful acts. This happens at all the three stages.

Thus the substance of the verse is that a man is bound to feel ashamed within himself for his immoral acts. This happens at all the three stages.

(i) When a man thinks of doing a sinful act, he feels ashamed, But if the mind is allowed to be overpowered by greed or anger or by anyone of the other enemies (Arishadvarga) for any reason he commits a sin. If however, he listens to his conscience he will not commit the sin.   

(i) When a man thinks of doing an immoral act, he feels ashamed, But if the mind is allowed to be overpowered by greed or anger or by anyone of the other enemies (Arishadvarga) for any reason he commits a papa. If however, he listens to his conscience he will not commit the papa.   

(ii) Similarly in the course of doing an illegal act, the soul keeps telling him continuously, 'What you are doing is a sinful act'. Even at that late stage if realisation comes, and he gets over that desire, he gives up the act and feels greatly relieved. Such instances are innumerable. It happens many times that though, on account of greed, selfishness, or anger or even dire necessity, a man decides to commit offences, some time before the offence is committed, self realisation dawns whether by itself or on account of the samskara received earlier or at the instance of his well wishers or advisers he stops, and then thanks himself and the well wishers for having stopped him from becoming a sinner.  

(ii) Similarly in the course of doing an illegal act, the soul keeps telling him continuously, 'What you are doing is an immoral act'. Even at that late stage if realisation comes, and he gets over that desire, he gives up the act and feels greatly relieved. Such instances are innumerable. It happens many times that though, on account of greed, selfishness, or anger or even dire necessity, a man decides to commit offences, some time before the offence is committed, self realisation dawns whether by itself or on account of the samskara received earlier or at the instance of his well wishers or advisers he stops, and then thanks himself and the well wishers for having stopped him from becoming a papi (पापी).  

Manu Ch. viii-84 rouses the conscience of an individual in a verse which is intended to be part of an exhortation to witness, It reads:

Manu Ch. viii-84 rouses the conscience of an individual in a verse which is intended to be part of an exhortation to witness, It reads:

The eternal advise by Manu for all human beings to be followed throughout life is not to indulge in self deception. Manu has indicated this aspect to make every person realise that it is not necessary for any other person to come and say that a particular act is wrong and he should not indulge in it. The soul is the witness, the soul is the police, the soul is the judge. The soul is capable of indicating what is wrong and what is right. Therefore, it always warns an individual.  

The eternal advise by Manu for all human beings to be followed throughout life is not to indulge in self deception. Manu has indicated this aspect to make every person realise that it is not necessary for any other person to come and say that a particular act is wrong and he should not indulge in it. The soul is the witness, the soul is the police, the soul is the judge. The soul is capable of indicating what is wrong and what is right. Therefore, it always warns an individual.  

A man with good samskara immediately yields to the advice. But a man who is unable to control his desire, falls a prey to sinful desire. But at the same time after committing a sin he feels ashamed of himself for his sinful acts, though not witnessed by any outsiders, and suffers through out life. This is the fate of those who commit murder, who indulge in corruption and who are ultimately caught and punished. Those who are not caught and prosecuted and punished might not go to jail, but they suffer without fail and go to hell, here and now, not after death. They may not be caught by the police, or even if caught and prosecuted for want of evidence in the Courts, they may not go to jail, but they are bound to suffer by losing mental peace and by loss of reputation for themselves and members of their families. That is why it is said that death is preferable to loss of reputation.

A man with good samskara immediately yields to the advice. But a man who is unable to control his desire, falls a prey to immoral desire. But at the same time after committing a papa he feels ashamed of himself for his immoral acts, though not witnessed by any outsiders, and suffers through out life. This is the fate of those who commit murder, who indulge in corruption and who are ultimately caught and punished. Those who are not caught and prosecuted and punished might not go to jail, but they suffer without fail and go to hell, here and now, not after death. They may not be caught by the police, or even if caught and prosecuted for want of evidence in the Courts, they may not go to jail, but they are bound to suffer by losing mental peace and by loss of reputation for themselves and members of their families. That is why it is said that death is preferable to loss of reputation.

Manu again warns every individual in the following words:

Manu again warns every individual in the following words:

(iii) No one should cause injury to others to fulfill selfish desires. One should not exploit the misery of other human beings for illegitimate gains.  

(iii) No one should cause injury to others to fulfill selfish desires. One should not exploit the misery of other human beings for illegitimate gains.  

This is the 'Dharma' of every individual. This was evolved to combat the six enemies (Arishadvarga) inherent in every individual. It is a preventive measure. To put it in the language of modern health science, just as Triple Antigen was invented as a preventive medicine for the three fatal diseases to which a child might become a victim, Dharma was evolved as the-antigen against sinful thoughts entering the mind of an individual, influenced by one or more of the six inherent enemies whereby the mind acts as an instigator for indulging in sinful/verbal or bodily actions.<ref name=":3" />

This is the 'Dharma' of every individual. This was evolved to combat the six enemies (Arishadvarga) inherent in every individual. It is a preventive measure. To put it in the language of modern health science, just as Triple Antigen was invented as a preventive medicine for the three fatal diseases to which a child might become a victim, Dharma was evolved as the-antigen against immoral thoughts entering the mind of an individual, influenced by one or more of the six inherent enemies whereby the mind acts as an instigator for indulging in verbal or bodily actions.<ref name=":3" />

== References ==

== References ==

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<references />

[[Category:Dharmas]]

[[Category:Dharmas]]

[[Category:Dharmas]]

[[Category:Dharmas]]