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| If the people constituting different nations understand this value, and act in that spirit, there will be friendly and harmonious relationship among the nations of the world and humanity will enjoy greater happiness. | | If the people constituting different nations understand this value, and act in that spirit, there will be friendly and harmonious relationship among the nations of the world and humanity will enjoy greater happiness. |
− | == संहृतिः ॥ Synopsis == | + | == संहृतिः ॥ Synopsis<ref name=":2" /> == |
− | All the values of life evolved in this land of Bharata are collectively called Dharma or Sanatana Dharma. And their practice gave rise to culture ie. 'Bharatiya Samskrti' that also came to be known later, as Hinduism for historical reasons. And it is through the cultural bond that the people of Bharata became a Nation and are surviving as a Nation. Because, in Bharata, national idealism was primary. This aspect has been brought forth even by the apex court in India, the Supreme Court. While expounding the basis which has made the people living in this vast sub-continent a nation, it says,<blockquote>The history of India over the past centuries bears witness to the fact that India was at no time a single political unit. Even during the reign of the Maurya dynasty, though a large part of the country was under the sovereignty of the Maurya kings, there were considerable portions of the territory which were under the rule of independent kingdoms. So also during the Mughal rule which extended over large parts of the territory of India, there were independent rulers who enjoyed political sovereignty over the territories of their respective kingdoms. It is an interesting fact of history that India was forged into a nation neither on account of common language nor on account of the continued existence of a single political regime over its territories but on account of a common culture evolved over the centuries. It is cultural unity - something more fundamental and enduring than any other bond which may unite the people of a country together - which has welded this country into a nation.</blockquote>Thus, it is the samskrti (culture) which was evolved in this country from times immemorial that not only welded the people of this country into a nation but also made it invincible. And consequently, the country has survived despite all odds. | + | All the values of life enumerated above that evolved in this land of Bharata are collectively called Dharma or Sanatana Dharma. And their practice gave rise to the culture ie. 'Bharatiya Samskrti'. And it is through this cultural bond that the people of Bharata became a Nation and are surviving as a Nation. Because, in Bharata, national idealism was primary. This aspect has been brought forth even by the apex court in India, the Supreme Court. While expounding the basis which has made the people living in this vast sub-continent a nation, it says,<blockquote>The history of India over the past centuries bears witness to the fact that India was at no time a single political unit. Even during the reign of the Maurya dynasty, though a large part of the country was under the sovereignty of the Maurya kings, there were considerable portions of the territory which were under the rule of independent kingdoms. So also during the Mughal rule which extended over large parts of the territory of India, there were independent rulers who enjoyed political sovereignty over the territories of their respective kingdoms. It is an interesting fact of history that India was forged into a nation neither on account of common language nor on account of the continued existence of a single political regime over its territories but on account of a common culture evolved over the centuries. It is cultural unity - something more fundamental and enduring than any other bond which may unite the people of a country together - which has welded this country into a nation.</blockquote>Thus, it is the samskrti (culture) which was evolved in this country from times immemorial that not only welded the people of this country into a nation but also made it invincible. And consequently, the country has survived despite all odds. |
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| With this background if we examine the values of life evolved in Bharata which are collectively called Dharma, they are of universal application. It is indeed Manava Dharma and not a religion. The instructions in these values such as | | With this background if we examine the values of life evolved in Bharata which are collectively called Dharma, they are of universal application. It is indeed Manava Dharma and not a religion. The instructions in these values such as |
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| # Every one should abstain from selfishness and greed. | | # Every one should abstain from selfishness and greed. |
| # The world should be regarded as one family | | # The world should be regarded as one family |
− | can be considered as applicable to all human beings. These great values of life evolved from times immemorial in Bharata are of eternal value and can ingrain in people character and love towards all living beings. It is our rich heritage and should be inculcated in all citizens. Because, ingraining these values in every individual through education is the solution to all the evils which the world including Bharata is now facing. | + | can be considered as applicable to all human beings. They are of eternal value and can ingrain in people character and love towards all living beings. It is a rich heritage and should be inculcated in all citizens. Because, ingraining these values in every individual through education is the solution to all the evils which the world including Bharata is now facing. The resurrection of these values can provide remedy for all the ills afflicting not only Bharata's National life but also the entire humanity. Hence, it is our duty to resurrect, protect and preserve "Dharmika Values" not only to safeguard national interest but also in the interest of humanity as a whole. |
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− | It is this culture, which comprises our values of life. The resurrection of these values alone provides the remedy for all the ills afflicting our National life as also humanity.
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− | Despite such unfortunate partition of our Motherland, the deep rooted, unshakable, everlasting principles which are an inseparable part of our civilization and culture, from times immemorial which as indicated earlier is collectively called "Dharma", the people of this part of the country gave secularism a pride of place in our constitution.
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− | A careful study of the provisions of the Constitution shows that the broadest philosophy essential for peaceful co-existence of all the citizens evolved from times immemorial in this ancient land of ours as also the requirement of fostering and ensuring feeling of fraternity among the people and unity and the integrity of the nation, has been given top priority in the constitution. These objectives among others, are summed up in the preamble. It reads:<blockquote>''We the people of India, having solemnly resolved to constitute India into a (sovereign socialist, secular democratic republic) and also to secure to all its citizens; Justice, social, economic, political, liberty of thought, expression, belief faith and worship; Equality of status and of opportunity; and to promote among them all; Fraternity assuring the dignity of the individuals and the unity and integrity of the Nation.''</blockquote>It is the same dharma, which is colloquially called Hindu Dharma or Hinduism just as Bharat is called Hindustan, which has inspired us not to opt for a theocratic state, Just as Rule of Law is said to be the sworn enemy of caprice, Dharma or Hinduism is the sworn enemy of theocracy. It is in view of the sway of Dharma that Secularism has been made one of the elements of the basic structure of our constitution. despite Islamic states established in Pakistan and Bangladesh. Therefore, it is clear that so long as Dharma has sway, Secularism survives and it gets destroyed the moment Dharma loses its primacy.
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− | Hence, it is our duty to resurrect, protect and preserve "Dharma" not only to safeguard national interest but also in the interest of humanity as a whole. | |
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| == धर्ममूलानि ॥ Fundamentals of Dharma<ref>Swami Sivananda (1999), [http://www.dlshq.org/download/hinduismbk.pdf All About Hinduism], Uttar Pradesh: The Divine Life Society.</ref> == | | == धर्ममूलानि ॥ Fundamentals of Dharma<ref>Swami Sivananda (1999), [http://www.dlshq.org/download/hinduismbk.pdf All About Hinduism], Uttar Pradesh: The Divine Life Society.</ref> == |