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Dharma (Samskrit : 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 man-kind. It is considered the greatest and the most valuable contribution to humanity by [[Bharatavarsha (भरतवर्षम्)|Bharatavarsha]].<ref name=":3">Justice Mandagadde Rama Jois (1997), [https://www.vhp-america.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DHARMA_Ram_Jois.pdf Dharma: The Global Ethic], Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan.</ref> Every form of life has its dharma, which is the law of its being. Thus, Dharma or virtue is conformity with the truth of things while, [[Adharma (अधर्मः)|adharma]] or vice is opposition to it.<ref>Radhakrishnan, S. (1926). ''Hindu view of life''. George Allen And Unwin Ltd, London.</ref>

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Dharma (Samskrit : 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 man-kind. It is considered the greatest and the most valuable contribution to humanity by [[Bharatavarsha (भरतवर्षम्)|Bharatavarsha]].<ref name=":3">Justice Mandagadde Rama Jois (1997), [https://www.vhp-america.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DHARMA_Ram_Jois.pdf Dharma: The Global Ethic], Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan.</ref><ref name=":8">M.Rama Jois (2004), Trivarga, Mumbai: Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan.</ref> Every form of life has its dharma, which is the law of its being. Thus, Dharma or virtue is conformity with the truth of things while, [[Adharma (अधर्मः)|adharma]] or vice is opposition to it.<ref>Radhakrishnan, S. (1926). ''Hindu view of life''. George Allen And Unwin Ltd, London.</ref>

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== परिचयः ॥ Introduction ==

Every civilization has a characteristic way of living (जीवनशैली) on the basis of which the perspectives of life that the civilization is founded upon are formed. Underlying this way of living and the perspectives of life lie the perspectives about the world ie. vishva drshti (विश्वदृष्टिः । worldview) and tattvajnana (तत्त्वज्ञानम् - foundational philosophy) of the civilization that influence an individual’s relationships with other entities, which include all movable and immovable (चराचर) entities. Dharma served as that foundational principle for people of all traditions that arose on Bharatavarsha.

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* Another definition of dharma says "That which elevates one is Dharma." It helps one to have direct communion with the Supreme Being. It leads one to the path of perfection and glory thereby facilitating the ascending stairway unto the Supreme. In fact, Self-realisation is the highest Dharma.<ref name=":4" />

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In the [[Bhagavad Gita (भगवद्गीता)|Bhagavad Gita]], Lord Krishna says,<blockquote>तस्माच्छास्त्रं प्रमाणं ते कार्याकार्यव्यवस्थितौ । ज्ञात्वा शास्त्रविधानोक्तं कर्म कर्तुमिहार्हसि ॥१६- २४॥<ref>Bhagavad Gita, [https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%AD%E0%A4%97%E0%A4%B5%E0%A4%A6%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%97%E0%A5%80%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%BE/%E0%A4%A6%E0%A5%88%E0%A4%B5%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%B8%E0%A5%81%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%B8%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AA%E0%A4%A6%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B5%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%AD%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%97%E0%A4%AF%E0%A5%8B%E0%A4%97%E0%A4%83 Adhyaya 16].</ref~~></blockquote><blockquote~~>''tasmācchāstraṁ pramāṇaṁ te kāryākāryavyavasthitau । jñātvā śāstravidhānoktaṁ karma kartumihārhasi ॥16- 24॥''</blockquote>Meaning: Let the scriptures be the authority in determining what ought to be done and what ought not to be done.

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In the [[Bhagavad Gita (भगवद्गीता)|Bhagavad Gita]], Lord Krishna says,<blockquote>तस्माच्छास्त्रं प्रमाणं ते कार्याकार्यव्यवस्थितौ । ज्ञात्वा शास्त्रविधानोक्तं कर्म कर्तुमिहार्हसि ॥१६- २४॥<ref>Bhagavad Gita, [https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%AD%E0%A4%97%E0%A4%B5%E0%A4%A6%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%97%E0%A5%80%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%BE/%E0%A4%A6%E0%A5%88%E0%A4%B5%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%B8%E0%A5%81%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%B8%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AA%E0%A4%A6%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B5%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%AD%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%97%E0%A4%AF%E0%A5%8B%E0%A4%97%E0%A4%83 Adhyaya 16].</ref> ''tasmācchāstraṁ pramāṇaṁ te kāryākāryavyavasthitau । jñātvā śāstravidhānoktaṁ karma kartumihārhasi ॥16- 24॥''</blockquote>Meaning: Let the scriptures be the authority in determining what ought to be done and what ought not to be done.

In the matter of Dharma, the [[Vedas (वेदाः)|Vedas]] are the ultimate authority. One cannot know the truth about dharma through any source of knowledge other than the Vedas. Reason cannot be the authority in the matter of dharma. According to Manu, [[The Four Vedas (चतुर्वेदाः)|the four Vedas]], [[Smrti (स्मृतिः)|the Smrti texts]], the behaviour of those who have entered into their Self and act according to their injunctions, the conduct of great people and satisfaction of one’s own Self are the bases of dharma.<ref name=":4" /> The explanation of Dharma from a few texts are enumerated below.

=== मीमांसायां धर्मः ॥ Dharma in Mimamsa ===

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Maharshi Jaimini, the author of the celebrated Purvamimamsa, explains dharma thus,<blockquote>स हि निःश्रेयसेन पुरुषं संयुनक्तीति प्रतिजानीमहे । तदभिधीयते |<ref>Maharshi Jaimini, [https://www.sanskritworld.in/public/assets/book/book_50f633a22cb37.txt Purvamimamsa Sutras].</ref~~> </blockquote><blockquote~~>''sa hi niḥśreyasena puruṣaṁ saṁyunaktīti pratijānīmahe । tadabhidhīyate |''</blockquote>Meaning: Dharma is that which is indicated by the Vedas as conducive to the highest good.<ref name=":3" />

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Maharshi Jaimini, the author of the celebrated Purvamimamsa, explains dharma thus,<blockquote>स हि निःश्रेयसेन पुरुषं संयुनक्तीति प्रतिजानीमहे । तदभिधीयते |<ref>Maharshi Jaimini, [https://www.sanskritworld.in/public/assets/book/book_50f633a22cb37.txt Purvamimamsa Sutras].</ref> ''sa hi niḥśreyasena puruṣaṁ saṁyunaktīti pratijānīmahe । tadabhidhīyate |'' </blockquote>Meaning: Dharma is that which is indicated by the Vedas as conducive to the highest good.<ref name=":3" /><ref name=":8" />

=== वैशेषिकदर्शने धर्मः ॥ Dharma in Vaisheshika Darshana ===

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=== स्मृत्यां धर्मः ॥ Dharma in the Smrti ===

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Madhavacharya in his commentary on Parashara Smrti, has briefly and precisely explained the meaning of Dharma as follows:<blockquote>अभ्युदय-निश्रेयसे साधनसत्त्वेन धारयति इति धर्मः । स च लक्षण-प्रमाणाभ्यां चोदनासूत्रैर्व्यवस्थापितः ॥<ref>Pandit Vaman Sastri Islamapurkar (1893), Parasara Dharma Samhita ([https://archive.org/details/in.ernet.dli.2015.273888/page/n97 Vol.1 Part 1]), Bombay Sanskrit Series no.XLVII, Bombay: Government Central Book Depot.</ref~~></blockquote><blockquote~~>''abhyudaya-niśreyase sādhanasattvena dhārayati iti dharmaḥ । sa ca lakṣaṇa-pramāṇābhyāṁ codanāsūtrairvyavasthāpitaḥ ॥''</blockquote>Meaning: Dharma is that which sustains and ensures progress and welfare of all in this world and eternal Bliss in the other world. It is promulgated in the form of commands. (positive and negative - vidhi and nishedha)<ref name=":3" />

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Madhavacharya in his commentary on Parashara Smrti, has briefly and precisely explained the meaning of Dharma as follows:<blockquote>अभ्युदय-निश्रेयसे साधनसत्त्वेन धारयति इति धर्मः । स च लक्षण-प्रमाणाभ्यां चोदनासूत्रैर्व्यवस्थापितः ॥<ref>Pandit Vaman Sastri Islamapurkar (1893), Parasara Dharma Samhita ([https://archive.org/details/in.ernet.dli.2015.273888/page/n97 Vol.1 Part 1]), Bombay Sanskrit Series no.XLVII, Bombay: Government Central Book Depot.</ref> ''abhyudaya-niśreyase sādhanasattvena dhārayati iti dharmaḥ । sa ca lakṣaṇa-pramāṇābhyāṁ codanāsūtrairvyavasthāpitaḥ ॥''</blockquote>Meaning: Dharma is that which sustains and ensures progress and welfare of all in this world and eternal Bliss in the other world. It is promulgated in the form of commands. (positive and negative - vidhi and nishedha)<ref name=":3" /><ref name=":8" />

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However, the essence of various definitions of Dharma is put together by Manu (मनुः). He says,<blockquote>अहिंसा सत्यमस्तेयं शौचमिन्द्रियनिग्रहः । एतं सामासिकं धर्मं चातुर्वर्ण्येऽब्रवीन्मनुः ॥ 10.63 ||<ref name=":7" /~~></blockquote><blockquote~~>''ahiṁsā satyamasteyaṁ śaucamindriyanigrahaḥ । etaṁ sāmāsikaṁ dharmaṁ cāturvarṇye'bravīnmanuḥ ॥ 10.63 ||''</blockquote>Meaning: Ahimsa (non-violence), Satya (truthfulness), Asteya (not coveting the property of others), Shaucha (Purity) and Indriyanigraha (control of senses) are in brief the common dharmas for all [[Varna Dharma (वर्णधर्मः)|Varnas]].<ref name=":3" />

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However, the essence of various definitions of Dharma is put together by Manu (मनुः). He says,<blockquote>अहिंसा सत्यमस्तेयं शौचमिन्द्रियनिग्रहः । एतं सामासिकं धर्मं चातुर्वर्ण्येऽब्रवीन्मनुः ॥ 10.63 ||<ref name=":7" /> ''ahiṁsā satyamasteyaṁ śaucamindriyanigrahaḥ । etaṁ sāmāsikaṁ dharmaṁ cāturvarṇye'bravīnmanuḥ ॥ 10.63 ||''</blockquote>Meaning: Ahimsa (non-violence), Satya (truthfulness), Asteya (not coveting the property of others), Shaucha (Purity) and Indriyanigraha (control of senses) are in brief the common dharmas for all [[Varna Dharma (वर्णधर्मः)|Varnas]].<ref name=":3" />

=== महाभारते धर्मः ॥ Dharma in the Mahabharata ===

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[[Mahabharata (महाभारतम्)|Mahabharata]], the great epic which is acclaimed as the मानवकर्तव्यशास्त्रम् (Manava Kartavya Shastra । code of duties of human beings) contains a discussion on Dharma. On being asked by Yudhisthira to explain the meaning and scope of Dharma, Bhishma who had mastered the knowledge of Dharma replied thus:<blockquote>तादृशोऽयमनुप्रश्नो यत्र धर्मः सुदुर्लभः । दुष्करः प्रतिसंख्यातुं तत्केनात्र व्यवस्यति ॥~~</blockquote><blockquote>~~प्रभवार्थाय भूतानां धर्मप्रवचनं कृतम् । यः स्यात्प्रभवसंयुक्तः स धर्म इति निश्चयः ॥ (Maha. Shan Parv. 109.9-10)<ref>Maharshi Vyasa, Mahabharata, [https://sanskritdocuments.org/mirrors/mahabharata/mbhK/pdf/mbhK12.pdf Shanti Parva].</ref>~~</blockquote><blockquote>~~''tādr̥śo'yamanupraśno yatra dharmaḥ sudurlabhaḥ । duṣkaraḥ pratisaṁkhyātuṁ tatkenātra vyavasyati ॥''~~</blockquote><blockquote>~~''prabhavārthāya bhūtānāṁ dharmapravacanaṁ kr̥tam । yaḥ syātprabhavasaṁyuktaḥ sa dharma iti niścayaḥ ॥''</blockquote>Meaning: It is most difficult to define Dharma. It has been explained to be that which helps the upliftment of living beings. Therefore, that which ensures the welfare of living beings is surely Dharma. The learned rishis have declared that which sustains is Dharma.<ref name=":3" />

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[[Mahabharata (महाभारतम्)|Mahabharata]], the great epic which is acclaimed as the मानवकर्तव्यशास्त्रम् (Manava Kartavya Shastra । code of duties of human beings) contains a discussion on Dharma. On being asked by Yudhisthira to explain the meaning and scope of Dharma, Bhishma who had mastered the knowledge of Dharma replied thus:<blockquote>तादृशोऽयमनुप्रश्नो यत्र धर्मः सुदुर्लभः । दुष्करः प्रतिसंख्यातुं तत्केनात्र व्यवस्यति ॥

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प्रभवार्थाय भूतानां धर्मप्रवचनं कृतम् । यः स्यात्प्रभवसंयुक्तः स धर्म इति निश्चयः ॥ (Maha. Shan Parv. 109.9-10)<ref>Maharshi Vyasa, Mahabharata, [https://sanskritdocuments.org/mirrors/mahabharata/mbhK/pdf/mbhK12.pdf Shanti Parva].</ref>

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''tādr̥śo'yamanupraśno yatra dharmaḥ sudurlabhaḥ । duṣkaraḥ pratisaṁkhyātuṁ tatkenātra vyavasyati ॥''

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''prabhavārthāya bhūtānāṁ dharmapravacanaṁ kr̥tam । yaḥ syātprabhavasaṁyuktaḥ sa dharma iti niścayaḥ ॥''</blockquote>Meaning: It is most difficult to define Dharma. It has been explained to be that which helps the upliftment of living beings. Therefore, that which ensures the welfare of living beings is surely Dharma. The learned rishis have declared that which sustains is Dharma.<ref name=":3" /><ref name=":8" />

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Mahabharata also proclaims that ultimately it is Dharma which holds together all the entities of the Universe. Karna Parva eulogises Dharma in the following words:<blockquote>धारणाद्धर्ममित्याहुर्धर्मो धारयते प्रजाः। यत्स्याद्धारणसंयुक्तं स धर्म इति निश्चयः॥ (Maha. Karn Parv. 69.58)<ref>Maharshi Vyasa, Mahabharata, Karna Parva ([https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%AE%E0%A4%B9%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%AD%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%8D-08-%E0%A4%95%E0%A4%B0%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A3%E0%A4%AA%E0%A4%B0%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B5-072 Adhyaya 72])</ref~~></blockquote><blockquote~~>dhāraṇāddharmamityāhurdharmo dhārayate prajāḥ। yatsyāddhāraṇasaṁyuktaṁ sa dharma iti niścayaḥ॥ (Maha. Karn. 8.69.58)</blockquote>Meaning: That which supports, that which holds together the people (of the universe), that is Dharma<ref name=":0">[https://archive.org/details/sanatanadharmaad00benarich/page/2 Sanatana Dharma]: An Advanced Textbook of Hindu Religion and Ethics (1903), Benares: The Board of Trustees, Central Hindu College.</ref>

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Mahabharata also proclaims that ultimately it is Dharma which holds together all the entities of the Universe. Karna Parva eulogises Dharma in the following words:<blockquote>धारणाद्धर्ममित्याहुर्धर्मो धारयते प्रजाः। यत्स्याद्धारणसंयुक्तं स धर्म इति निश्चयः॥ (Maha. Karn Parv. 69.58)<ref>Maharshi Vyasa, Mahabharata, Karna Parva ([https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%AE%E0%A4%B9%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%AD%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%8D-08-%E0%A4%95%E0%A4%B0%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A3%E0%A4%AA%E0%A4%B0%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B5-072 Adhyaya 72])</ref> dhāraṇāddharmamityāhurdharmo dhārayate prajāḥ। yatsyāddhāraṇasaṁyuktaṁ sa dharma iti niścayaḥ॥ (Maha. Karn. 8.69.58)</blockquote>Meaning: That which supports, that which holds together the people (of the universe), that is Dharma<ref name=":0">[https://archive.org/details/sanatanadharmaad00benarich/page/2 Sanatana Dharma]: An Advanced Textbook of Hindu Religion and Ethics (1903), Benares: The Board of Trustees, Central Hindu College.</ref>

Therefore, Dharma sustains the society, maintains the social order, ensures well being and progress of Humanity.<ref name=":3" />

==Dharma is not Religion<ref name=":3" />==

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It is paradoxical that the word 'dharma' is being translated as religion and vice-versa. The word religion may at most be translated as ’Mata’ (मतम्) or 'Sampradaya' or 'Pantha'. In view of the translation of the word religion as Dharma, many translate the word Secularism as 'Dharma Nirapekshata'. Dr. L.M. Singhvi says, <blockquote>''"We have been accustomed to use, though erroneously, the expression 'Dharma Nirapekshata', so far as the State and its institutions are concerned, as an equivalent of secularism in contemporary Bharata's constitutional vocabulary and political parlance. A more accurate equivalent Hindi translation of "secularism" would be "Sampradaya Nirapekshata" because "Dharma" in Bharata's tradition also stands for Law and Morality and no State can be devoid of Law and Morality."''</blockquote>This misinterpretation of Dharma as religion is the cause of it being seen a source of conflict and something injurious to the feeling of fraternity among the citizens. This is wholly erroneous. For, Dharma, as seen above, indicates adherence to qualities of Ahimsa (non-violence), Satya (truthfullness), Asteya (not acquiring illegitimate wealth), Shaucha (cleanliness of mind and body i.e., purity of thought, word and deed) and Indriyanigraha (control of senses). If secularism is translated as meaning 'Dharma Nirapekshata', it means a state where all the above rules of dharma have no place. Certainly our Constitution is not intended to establish a State of Adharma. Also, a literal translation of 'Dharma Nirapekshata' in English is 'bereft of dharma' or a lawless State i.e., State without Morals. Further, the famous saying "यतो धर्मस्ततो जयः । ''yato dharmastato jayaḥ।''" which means ’where there is dharma, there is victory”, would become "''yato religion tato jayaḥ''" which means 'victory is always to religion' and not to dharma. Such are the consequences of erroneous translation of dharma as religion.

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It is paradoxical that the word 'dharma' is being translated as religion and vice-versa. The word religion may at most be translated as ’Mata’ (मतम्) or 'Sampradaya' or 'Pantha'. In view of the translation of the word religion as Dharma, many translate the word Secularism as 'Dharma Nirapekshata'. Dr. L.M. Singhvi says, <blockquote>''"We have been accustomed to use, though erroneously, the expression 'Dharma Nirapekshata', so far as the State and its institutions are concerned, as an equivalent of secularism in contemporary Bharata's constitutional vocabulary and political parlance. A more accurate equivalent Hindi translation of "secularism" would be "Sampradaya Nirapekshata"''<ref name=":8" /> ''because "Dharma" in Bharata's tradition also stands for Law and Morality and no State can be devoid of Law and Morality."''</blockquote>This misinterpretation of Dharma as religion is the cause of it being seen a source of conflict and something injurious to the feeling of fraternity among the citizens. This is wholly erroneous. For, Dharma, as seen above, indicates adherence to qualities of Ahimsa (non-violence), Satya (truthfullness), Asteya (not acquiring illegitimate wealth), Shaucha (cleanliness of mind and body i.e., purity of thought, word and deed) and Indriyanigraha (control of senses). If secularism is translated as meaning 'Dharma Nirapekshata', it means a state where all the above rules of dharma have no place. Certainly our Constitution is not intended to establish a State of Adharma. Also, a literal translation of 'Dharma Nirapekshata' in English is 'bereft of dharma' or a lawless State i.e., State without Morals. Further, the famous saying "यतो धर्मस्ततो जयः । ''yato dharmastato jayaḥ।''" which means ’where there is dharma, there is victory”, would become "''yato religion tato jayaḥ''" which means 'victory is always to religion' and not to dharma. Such are the consequences of erroneous translation of dharma as religion.

== धर्मोत्पत्तिः ॥ Origin of Dharma ==

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Dharma was formulated as the solution to the eternal problems confronting the human race, originating from natural human instincts.<ref name=":3" /> Manusmriti says,<blockquote>अकामस्य क्रिया काचिद्दृश्यते नेह कर्हिचित् । यद्यद्धि कुरुते किं चित्तत्तत्कामस्य चेष्टितम् । । २.४ । ।<ref>Manusmrti, [https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%AE%E0%A4%A8%E0%A5%81%E0%A4%B8%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%83%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%83/%E0%A4%A6%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B5%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%A4%E0%A5%80%E0%A4%AF%E0%A5%8B%E0%A4%A7%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%83 Adhyaya 2].</ref>~~</blockquote><blockquote>~~''akāmasya kriyā kāciddr̥śyate neha karhicit । yadyaddhi kurute kiṁ cittattatkāmasya ceṣṭitam । । 2.4 । ।''</blockquote>Meaning: There is no act of man which is free from desire; whatever a man does is the result of the impulse of desire.

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Dharma was formulated as the solution to the eternal problems confronting the human race, originating from natural human instincts.<ref name=":3" /> Manusmriti says,<blockquote>अकामस्य क्रिया काचिद्दृश्यते नेह कर्हिचित् । यद्यद्धि कुरुते किं चित्तत्तत्कामस्य चेष्टितम् । । २.४ । ।<ref>Manusmrti, [https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%AE%E0%A4%A8%E0%A5%81%E0%A4%B8%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%83%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%83/%E0%A4%A6%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B5%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%A4%E0%A5%80%E0%A4%AF%E0%A5%8B%E0%A4%A7%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%83 Adhyaya 2].</ref>

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''akāmasya kriyā kāciddr̥śyate neha karhicit । yadyaddhi kurute kiṁ cittattatkāmasya ceṣṭitam । । 2.4 । ।''</blockquote>Meaning: 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 kama (कामः । desire) of human beings could also be influenced by the other impulses inherent in human beings such as

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These six natural impulses were considered as Arishadvarga (अरिषड्वर्गः | six internal enemies) of a human being, which if allowed to act uncontrolled could instigate one to entertain evil thoughts in the mind for fulfilling one's own selfish desires and for that purpose cause injury to others. Thus, Dharma or rules of righteous conduct evolved as a solution to this eternal problem arising out of the natural instinct of man.

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In fact, 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 human being has been the central focus through the formulation 'Dharma'. Therefore, Manu cautions everyone to have self-control, so that the mind does not act as 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.<ref name=":3" /> He says,<blockquote>वाग्दण्डोऽथ मनोदण्डः कायदण्डस्तथैव च । यस्यैते निहिता बुद्धौ त्रिदण्डीति स उच्यते || १२.१० ||~~</blockquote><blockquote>~~त्रिदण्डमेतन्निक्षिप्य सर्वभूतेषु मानवः । कामक्रोधौ तु संयम्य ततः सिद्धिं नियच्छति || १२.११ ||<ref name=":5">Manusmrti, [https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%AE%E0%A4%A8%E0%A5%81%E0%A4%B8%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%83%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%83/%E0%A4%A6%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B5%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%A6%E0%A4%B6%E0%A5%8B%E0%A4%A7%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%83 Adhyaya 12].</ref>~~</blockquote><blockquote>~~''vāgdaṇḍo'tha manodaṇḍaḥ kāyadaṇḍastathaiva ca । yasyaite nihitā buddhau tridaṇḍīti sa ucyate || 12.10 ||''~~</blockquote><blockquote>~~''tridaṇḍametannikṣipya sarvabhūteṣu mānavaḥ । kāmakrodhau tu saṁyamya tataḥ siddhiṁ niyacchati || 12.11 ||''</blockquote>Meaning: That man is called 'Tridandin' who has established three controls, on his mind viz.

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In fact, 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 human being has been the central focus through the formulation 'Dharma'. Therefore, Manu cautions everyone to have self-control, so that the mind does not act as 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.<ref name=":3" /> He says,<blockquote>वाग्दण्डोऽथ मनोदण्डः कायदण्डस्तथैव च । यस्यैते निहिता बुद्धौ त्रिदण्डीति स उच्यते || १२.१० ||

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त्रिदण्डमेतन्निक्षिप्य सर्वभूतेषु मानवः । कामक्रोधौ तु संयम्य ततः सिद्धिं नियच्छति || १२.११ ||<ref name=":5">Manusmrti, [https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%AE%E0%A4%A8%E0%A5%81%E0%A4%B8%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%83%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%83/%E0%A4%A6%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B5%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%A6%E0%A4%B6%E0%A5%8B%E0%A4%A7%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%83 Adhyaya 12].</ref>

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''vāgdaṇḍo'tha manodaṇḍaḥ kāyadaṇḍastathaiva ca । yasyaite nihitā buddhau tridaṇḍīti sa ucyate || 12.10 ||''

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''tridaṇḍametannikṣipya sarvabhūteṣu mānavaḥ । kāmakrodhau tu saṁyamya tataḥ siddhiṁ niyacchati || 12.11 ||''</blockquote>Meaning: That man is called 'Tridandin' who has established three controls, on his mind viz.

# Vakdanda - control over his speech

# Manodanda - control over his thoughts

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These verses from the [[Manusmrti (मनुस्मृतिः)|Manusmrti]] enumerate the root cause of all civil and criminal wrongs and the essence of philosophy necessary for the safety and happiness of individuals and the society. It indicates that training of the mind through proper education is essential. For, it is only through such education and training that it is possible to inculcate a sense of self imposed discipline in an individual which in turn enables him to exercise control over the mind, and through it, speech and physical actions can be controlled. In fact, it is the experience of individuals that the absence of such control leads to undesirable and sometimes disastrous results.

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For instance, scientific inventions which are intended to be a boon to humanity are becoming a curse. The reason is human beings have not been educated and trained to exercise control over the mind, speech and bodily actions and not to inflict injury on others with purely selfish motive. In fact, this should be the most fundamental education imparted to individuals right from their childhood. It is by such education only that the character of an individual can be ~~moulded~~ so that he lives a useful, purposeful and honest life which gives him real happiness and enables him to devote his time, energy and capacities to the service of other human beings and prevents him from exploiting others for selfish ends. Everyone should be made to realise that, for the sake of satisfying one's greed or desire, if one were to indulge in illegal and immoral acts, it might secure momentary physical enjoyment, but would eventually lead to deep trouble and loss of mental peace and happiness thereby suffering through out life. This was clearly stated by Manu when he says that a society that doesn't follow Dharma would destroy itself.<ref name=":3" /><blockquote>धर्म एव हतो हन्ति धर्मो रक्षति रक्षितः । तस्माद्धर्मो न हन्तव्यो मा नो धर्मो हतोऽवधीत् || ८.१५ ||<ref name=":6">Manusmrti, [https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%AE%E0%A4%A8%E0%A5%81%E0%A4%B8%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%83%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%83/%E0%A4%85%E0%A4%B7%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%9F%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%8B%E0%A4%A7%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%83 Adhyaya 8].</ref>~~</blockquote><blockquote>~~''dharma eva hato hanti dharmo rakṣati rakṣitaḥ । tasmāddharmo na hantavyo mā no dharmo hato'vadhīt || 8.15 ||''</blockquote>Meaning: Dharma protects those who protect it. Those who destroy Dharma get destroyed. Therefore, Dharma should not be destroyed so that we may not get destroyed as a consequence thereof.

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For instance, scientific inventions which are intended to be a boon to humanity are becoming a curse. The reason is human beings have not been educated and trained to exercise control over the mind, speech and bodily actions and not to inflict injury on others with purely selfish motive. In fact, this should be the most fundamental education imparted to individuals right from their childhood. It is by such education only that the character of an individual can be molded so that he lives a useful, purposeful and honest life which gives him real happiness and enables him to devote his time, energy and capacities for the seva (सेवा | selfless service) of other human beings and prevents him from exploiting others for selfish ends. Everyone should be made to realise that, for the sake of satisfying one's greed or desire, if one were to indulge in illegal and immoral acts, it might secure momentary physical enjoyment, but would eventually lead to deep trouble and loss of mental peace and happiness thereby suffering through out life. This was clearly stated by Manu when he says that a society that doesn't follow Dharma would destroy itself.<ref name=":3" /><blockquote>धर्म एव हतो हन्ति धर्मो रक्षति रक्षितः । तस्माद्धर्मो न हन्तव्यो मा नो धर्मो हतोऽवधीत् || ८.१५ ||<ref name=":6">Manusmrti, [https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%AE%E0%A4%A8%E0%A5%81%E0%A4%B8%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%83%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%83/%E0%A4%85%E0%A4%B7%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%9F%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%8B%E0%A4%A7%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%83 Adhyaya 8].</ref>

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''dharma eva hato hanti dharmo rakṣati rakṣitaḥ । tasmāddharmo na hantavyo mā no dharmo hato'vadhīt || 8.15 ||''</blockquote>Meaning: Dharma protects those who protect it. Those who destroy Dharma get destroyed. Therefore, Dharma should not be destroyed so that we may not get destroyed as a consequence thereof.<ref name=":8" />

And this consequence is natural. Because powerful individuals with uncontrolled Kama and in disregard for Dharma, oppress the weak and severely injure the society with their actions. However, after the Mahabharata war, Bhishma tells Yudhishtira that there existed a time when every individual followed Dharma and mutually protected the society. As time progressed and a few strong individuals started flouting Dharma, that the Raja was brought into existence with the duty to protect Dharma and with the right to punish the individuals practising Adharma.<ref name=":3" />

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# [[Acharana Dharma (आचरणधर्मः)|Achara Dharma]] (आचारधर्मः । duty in behaviour)

# [[Apaddharma (आपद्धर्मः)|Apaddharma]] (आपद्धर्मः । duties during exegencies)<ref name=":4" />

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Therefore, Dharma embraces every type of righteous conduct covering every aspect of life essential for the sustenance and welfare of the individual and society and includes those rules which guide and enable those who believe in the Supreme and Svarga to attain [[Moksha (मोक्षः)|moksha]] (eternal bliss). It prescribed the rules of right conduct, observance of which was considered necessary for the welfare of the individual and society. And in laying down Dharma, its propounders took an integrated view of life. Consequently, rules of right conduct covering almost every sphere of human activity such as religion, rules regulating personal conduct of an individual, as a student, as a teacher, as a house-holder, as a husband, as a wife, as a son, as a hermit, as an ascetic, including rules regulating taking of food and the like were prescribed.<ref name=":3" />

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Therefore, Dharma embraces every type of righteous conduct covering every aspect of life essential for the sustenance and welfare of the individual and society and includes those rules which guide and enable those who believe in the Supreme and Svarga to attain [[Moksha (मोक्षः)|moksha]] (eternal bliss). It prescribed the rules of right conduct, observance of which was considered necessary for the welfare of the individual and society. And in laying down Dharma, its propounders took an integrated view of life. Consequently, rules of right conduct covering almost every sphere of human activity such as religion, rules regulating personal conduct of an individual, as a student, as a teacher, as a house-holder, as a husband, as a wife, as a son, as a hermit, as an ascetic, including rules regulating taking of food and the like were prescribed.<ref name=":3" /><ref name=":8" />

== धर्ममूलानि ॥ Fundamentals of Dharma ==

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While Dharma touches on a wide variety of topics, the essence of Dharma common to all human beings is also declared in various works. Truthfulness, to be free from anger, sharing wealth with others (samvibhaga), forgiveness, procreation of children from one's wife alone, purity, absence of enmity, straightforwardness and maintaining people dependent on oneself are a set of nine rules of Dharma prescribed for everyone over and above their specific Varna and Ashrama Dharmas. <blockquote>अक्रोधः सत्यवचनं संविभागः क्षमा तथा । प्रजनः स्वेषु दारेषु शौचमद्रोह एव च ॥ आर्जवं भृत्यभरणं नवैते सार्ववर्णिकः ।~~{{Citation needed}}~~</~~blockquote>~~<~~blockquote~~>''akrodhaḥ satyavacanaṁ saṁvibhāgaḥ kṣamā tathā । prajanaḥ sveṣu dāreṣu śaucamadroha eva ca ॥ ārjavaṁ bhr̥tyabharaṇaṁ navaite sārvavarṇikaḥ ।''</blockquote>Similar enumeration is also found in the [[Yajnavalkya Smrti (याज्ञवल्क्यस्मृतिः)|Yajnavalkya Smrti]] as follows,<ref name=":3" /><blockquote>अहिंसा सत्यं अस्तेयं शौचं इन्द्रियनिग्रहः । दानं दमो दया क्षान्तिः सर्वेषां धर्मसाधनम् । । १.१२२ । ।<ref>Yajnavalkya Smrti, Adhyaya 1, [https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%9C%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%9E%E0%A4%B5%E0%A4%B2%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%95%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%B8%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%83%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%83/%E0%A4%86%E0%A4%9A%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%A7%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%83/%E0%A4%97%E0%A5%83%E0%A4%B9%E0%A4%B8%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A5%E0%A4%A7%E0%A4%B0%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AE%E0%A4%AA%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%95%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%A3%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%8D Prakarana 5].</ref>~~</blockquote><blockquote>~~''ahiṁsā satyaṁ asteyaṁ śaucaṁ indriyanigrahaḥ । dānaṁ damo dayā kṣāntiḥ sarveṣāṁ dharmasādhanam । । 1.122 । ।''</blockquote>The virtues enumerated in various texts as fundamentals or characteristics of dharma and prescribed to be practiced by all may be summarised as follows:

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While Dharma touches on a wide variety of topics, the essence of Dharma common to all human beings is also declared in various works. Truthfulness, to be free from anger, sharing wealth with others (samvibhaga), forgiveness, procreation of children from one's wife alone, purity, absence of enmity, straightforwardness and maintaining people dependent on oneself are a set of nine rules of Dharma prescribed for everyone over and above their specific Varna and Ashrama Dharmas. <blockquote>अक्रोधः सत्यवचनं संविभागः क्षमा तथा । प्रजनः स्वेषु दारेषु शौचमद्रोह एव च ॥१२.५९.९॥ आर्जवं भृत्यभरणं नवैते सार्ववर्णिकः ।<ref>Mahabharata, Shanti Parva, [https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%AE%E0%A4%B9%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%AD%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%8D-12-%E0%A4%B6%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%82%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%AA%E0%A4%B0%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B5-059 Adhyaya 59]</ref>

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''akrodhaḥ satyavacanaṁ saṁvibhāgaḥ kṣamā tathā । prajanaḥ sveṣu dāreṣu śaucamadroha eva ca ॥12.59.9॥ ārjavaṁ bhr̥tyabharaṇaṁ navaite sārvavarṇikaḥ ।''</blockquote>Similar enumeration is also found in the [[Yajnavalkya Smrti (याज्ञवल्क्यस्मृतिः)|Yajnavalkya Smrti]] as follows,<ref name=":3" /><blockquote>अहिंसा सत्यं अस्तेयं शौचं इन्द्रियनिग्रहः । दानं दमो दया क्षान्तिः सर्वेषां धर्मसाधनम् । । १.१२२ । ।<ref>Yajnavalkya Smrti, Adhyaya 1, [https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%9C%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%9E%E0%A4%B5%E0%A4%B2%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%95%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%B8%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%83%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%83/%E0%A4%86%E0%A4%9A%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%A7%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%83/%E0%A4%97%E0%A5%83%E0%A4%B9%E0%A4%B8%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A5%E0%A4%A7%E0%A4%B0%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AE%E0%A4%AA%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%95%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%A3%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%8D Prakarana 5].</ref>

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''ahiṁsā satyaṁ asteyaṁ śaucaṁ indriyanigrahaḥ । dānaṁ damo dayā kṣāntiḥ sarveṣāṁ dharmasādhanam । । 1.122 । ।''</blockquote>The virtues enumerated in various texts as fundamentals or characteristics of dharma and prescribed to be practiced by all may be summarised as follows:

{| class="wikitable"

|+धर्ममूलानि ॥ Fundamentals of Dharma<ref name=":4" />

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Out of the ten virtues recommended by Maharshi Patanjali, the exponent of Raja Yoga philosophy, the first five constitute Yama or self-restraint and the other five virtues constitute Niyama or religious observance. Also, apart from the ten factors of Dharma as enumerated above, the Padma Purana also mentions bestowing gifts on deserving persons, fixing one’s thoughts on Lord Krishna, adoration of one’s parents, offering a portion of the daily meal to all creatures and giving a morsel of food to a cow as characteristics of Dharma.<ref name=":4" />

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Manusmrti is more concise in this matter and enumerates 'Dharma' under five heads. It says,<blockquote>अहिंसा सत्यमस्तेयं शौचमिन्द्रियनिग्रहः । एतं सामासिकं धर्मं चातुर्वर्ण्येऽब्रवीन्मनुः ॥<ref name=":7">Manusmrti, [https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%AE%E0%A4%A8%E0%A5%81%E0%A4%B8%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%83%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%83/%E0%A4%A6%E0%A4%B6%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%8B%E0%A4%A7%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%83 Adhyaya 10].</ref> Manu Smrt 10.63~~</blockquote><blockquote>~~''ahiṁsā satyamasteyaṁ śaucamindriyanigrahaḥ । etaṁ sāmāsikaṁ dharmaṁ cāturvarṇye'bravīnmanuḥ ॥''</blockquote>Meaning : Ahimsa (non-violence), Satya (truthfulness), Asteya (not acquiring illegitimate wealth), Shaucha (purity), and Indriya Nigraha (control of senses) are, in brief, the common Dharma for all the varnas. Here,

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Manusmrti is more concise in this matter and enumerates 'Dharma' under five heads. It says,<blockquote>अहिंसा सत्यमस्तेयं शौचमिन्द्रियनिग्रहः । एतं सामासिकं धर्मं चातुर्वर्ण्येऽब्रवीन्मनुः ॥<ref name=":7">Manusmrti, [https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%AE%E0%A4%A8%E0%A5%81%E0%A4%B8%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%83%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%83/%E0%A4%A6%E0%A4%B6%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%8B%E0%A4%A7%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%83 Adhyaya 10].</ref> Manu Smrt 10.63

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''ahiṁsā satyamasteyaṁ śaucamindriyanigrahaḥ । etaṁ sāmāsikaṁ dharmaṁ cāturvarṇye'bravīnmanuḥ ॥''</blockquote>Meaning : Ahimsa (non-violence), Satya (truthfulness), Asteya (not acquiring illegitimate wealth), Shaucha (purity), and Indriya Nigraha (control of senses) are, in brief, the common Dharma for all the varnas. Here,

# The first rule prohibits people from indulging in violence against other living beings.

# The second rule requires every one to be truthful in day to day life.

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# The fourth rule commands every individual to maintain purity of thought, word and deed. This is called Trikarana shuddhi viz. Kaya, Vacha, Manasa. Also, known as Antaranga Shuddhi (internal/mental purity) and Bahiranga Shuddhi (external purity or purity in action), this rule means absolute honesty that reflects through harmony in thought, word and deed of an individual. That is, one should not think something in the mind, speak something else, and do entirely another thing.

# The fifth rule i.e. control of senses is very important because, it is lack of control over the senses that 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) as discussed earlier which lands himself as well as others in misery and loss of happiness.

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A reading of the rules enumerated in various texts, at once makes an individual realise what he should do and what he should not do. And the observance of the above rules alone secures real happiness and harmony in life.<ref name=":3" />

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A reading of the rules enumerated in various texts, at once makes an individual realise what he should do and what he should not do. And the observance of the above rules alone secures real happiness and harmony in life.<ref name=":3" /><ref name=":8" />

Development of these qualities is also indispensable for the attainment of Self-realisation. Because, [[Brahman (ब्रह्मन्)|Brahman]] or the Eternal is purity. The Eternal cannot be attained without the attainment of purity. Brahman is truth. The Eternal cannot be attained without practising truth. Brahman is fearlessness. The Eternal cannot be attained unless you become absolutely fearless. Attachment to the body causes fear and Dehadhyasa. If only you become fearless, then the identification with the body will vanish. Thus, the Gita enumerates the following virtues as Daivi-Sampat or divine qualities: <blockquote>''Fearlessness, cleanness of life, steadfastness in the Yoga of Wisdom, alms-giving, self-restraint, sacrifice, study of the scriptures, austerity, straightforwardness, harmlessness, truth, absence of wrath, renunciation, peacefulness, absence of crookedness, compassion to living beings, non-covetousness, mildness, modesty, absence of fickleness, vigour, forgiveness, fortitude, purity and absence of envy and pride.''</blockquote>In fact, according to Swami Sivananda, all these virtues are manifestations of four fundamental or cardinal virtues viz.<ref name=":4" />

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# Self-control.

===धर्माधिष्ठितगुणाः ॥ Values based on Dharma===

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The 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. Infact, it is the common territory and common values of life evolved and cherished by the people of Bharatavarsha that have by far, 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. In fact, many values of life were evolved on the basis of fundamental principles. And the most cherished values were summed up by Sarvajna Narayana thus,<blockquote>मातृवत्परदारेषु परद्रव्येषु लोष्टवत् | आत्मवत्सर्वभूतेषु यः पश्यति स पण्डितः ||{{Citation needed}}~~</blockquote><blockquote>~~''mātr̥vatparadāreṣu paradravyeṣu loṣṭavat | ātmavatsarvabhūteṣu yaḥ paśyati sa paṇḍitaḥ ||''</blockquote>Meaning: One who treats every woman (other than his wife) as equal to his own mother, treats (rejects) another's wealth as if it were a clod of earth, treats every living being as his own self is really a learned/wise person.

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The 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. Infact, it is the common territory and common values of life evolved and cherished by the people of Bharatavarsha that have by far, 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. In fact, many values of life were evolved on the basis of fundamental principles. And the most cherished values were summed up by Sarvajna Narayana thus,<blockquote>मातृवत्परदारेषु परद्रव्येषु लोष्टवत् | आत्मवत्सर्वभूतेषु यः पश्यति स पण्डितः ||{{Citation needed}}

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''mātr̥vatparadāreṣu paradravyeṣu loṣṭavat | ātmavatsarvabhūteṣu yaḥ paśyati sa paṇḍitaḥ ||''</blockquote>Meaning: One who treats every woman (other than his wife) as equal to his own mother, treats (rejects) another's wealth as if it were a clod of earth, treats every living being as his own self is really a learned/wise person.<ref name=":8" />

This advice, if followed by an individual, does not land him in misery or loss of mental happiness. A few more such important values are

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#Daya (दया | Compassion)

#Simple Life reflecting sparing use of Natural Resources

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#Seva and Paropakara (सेवा परोपकारः च | ~~Service~~)

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#Seva and Paropakara (सेवा परोपकारः च | Selfless service)

#Tyaga (त्यागः | Sacrifice)

#Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam (वसुधैव कुटुम्बकम् | World is one Family)

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Thus, all the rules of righteous conduct in every sphere of human activity evolved from times immemorial in this country, falls within the meaning of the word "Dharma". It unites, sustains life and applies to all human beings; and does not create conflict. These values that form the basis of dharma are discussed further in the article '[[Values Based On Dharma (धर्माधिष्ठितगुणाः)|Values based on Dharma (धर्माधिष्ठितगुणाः)]]'

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Thus, all the rules of righteous conduct in every sphere of human activity evolved from times immemorial in this country, falls within the meaning of the word "Dharma". It unites, sustains life and applies to all human beings; and does not create conflict.<ref name=":8" /> These values that form the basis of dharma are discussed further in the article '[[Values Based On Dharma (धर्माधिष्ठितगुणाः)|Values based on Dharma (धर्माधिष्ठितगुणाः)]]'

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It is also to be noted that the rules of Dharma were meant to regulate individual conduct in such a way as to restrict the rights, liberty, interest and desires of an individual as regards all matters to the extent necessary in the interest of other individuals, i.e., society, at the same time making it obligatory on the part of society to safeguard and protect the individual in all respects through its social and political institutions. Shortly put, Dharma regulated the mutual obligations of individuals and society. Therefore, it was stressed that the protection of Dharma was in the interest of both the individual and the society.<ref name=":3" /> Aptly, in modern thought processes, the dharmika paradigm encompasses<ref>Rajiv Malhotra (2011), Being Different.</ref>

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It is also to be noted that the rules of Dharma were meant to regulate individual conduct in such a way as to restrict the rights, liberty, interest and desires of an individual as regards all matters to the extent necessary in the interest of other individuals, i.e., society, at the same time making it obligatory on the part of society to safeguard and protect the individual in all respects through its social and political institutions. Shortly put, Dharma regulated the mutual obligations of individuals and society. Therefore, it was stressed that the protection of Dharma was in the interest of both the individual and the society.<ref name=":3" /><ref name=":8" />Aptly, in modern thought processes, the dharmika paradigm encompasses<ref>Rajiv Malhotra (2011), Being Different.</ref>

#integral unity (dharmika tattvajnana)

#perspective of life (dharmika jeevana drshti)

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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 childhood. 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 '[[Samskaras (संस्काराः)|Samskara]]'.

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[[Adi Shankaracharya (आदिशङ्कराचार्यः)|Adi Shankaracharya]] in his commentary on the [[Vedanta (वेदान्तः)|Vedanta]] Sutra has explained this process thus:-<blockquote>संस्कारो हि नाम गुणाधानेन वा स्याद् दोषापनयनेन वा ।{{Citation needed}} ~~</blockquote><blockquote>~~''saṁskāro hi nāma guṇādhānena vā syād doṣāpanayanena vā ।''</blockquote>Thus, when knowledge of rules of Dharma and of Dharma abiding nature is ingrained in the mind of an individual, it acts as antigen against the six enemies inherent in him and always makes him conform to dharma. That is why 'Dharma' is given the pride of place by our ancestors. This aspect is declared in Mahanarayanopanishat thus,<ref name=":3" /><blockquote>धर्मो विश्वस्य जगतः प्रतिष्ठा । लोके धर्मिष्ठं प्रजा उपसर्पन्ति । धर्मेण पापमपनुदति । धर्मे सर्वं प्रतिष्ठितम् । तस्माद्धर्मं परमं वदन्ति ।79.7|<ref>[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 Mahanarayanopanishad].</ref>~~</blockquote><blockquote>~~''dharmo viśvasya jagataḥ pratiṣṭhā । loke dharmiṣṭhaṁ prajā upasarpanti । dharmeṇa pāpamapanudati । dharme sarvaṁ pratiṣṭhitam । tasmāddharmaṁ paramaṁ vadanti ।''</blockquote>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.

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[[Adi Shankaracharya (आदिशङ्कराचार्यः)|Adi Shankaracharya]] in his commentary on the [[Vedanta (वेदान्तः)|Vedanta]] Sutra has explained this process thus:-<blockquote>संस्कारो हि नाम गुणाधानेन वा स्याद् दोषापनयनेन वा ।{{Citation needed}} ''saṁskāro hi nāma guṇādhānena vā syād doṣāpanayanena vā ।'' </blockquote>Thus, when knowledge of rules of Dharma and of Dharma abiding nature is ingrained in the mind of an individual, it acts as antigen against the six enemies inherent in him and always makes him conform to dharma. That is why 'Dharma' is given the pride of place by our ancestors. This aspect is declared in Mahanarayanopanishat thus,<ref name=":3" /><blockquote>धर्मो विश्वस्य जगतः प्रतिष्ठा । लोके धर्मिष्ठं प्रजा उपसर्पन्ति । धर्मेण पापमपनुदति । धर्मे सर्वं प्रतिष्ठितम् । तस्माद्धर्मं परमं वदन्ति ।79.7|<ref>[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 Mahanarayanopanishad].</ref>

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''dharmo viśvasya jagataḥ pratiṣṭhā । loke dharmiṣṭhaṁ prajā upasarpanti । dharmeṇa pāpamapanudati । dharme sarvaṁ pratiṣṭhitam । tasmāddharmaṁ paramaṁ vadanti ।''</blockquote>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.

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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.

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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.<ref name=":8" />

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" />

== धर्मनिष्ठायाः प्रयोजनं महत्त्वं च || Need and Importance of Adhering to Dharma ==

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Sarvajna Narayana in his inimitable style, in the "Hitopadesha" (words of wisdom), expounds the distinction between human beings and animals and says that man's legitimate claim to superiority over the animals would be valid only if he conforms to Dharma. He says,<blockquote>आहारनिद्राभयमैथुनञ्च सामान्यमेतत् पशुभिर्नराणाम् | धर्मो हि तेषामधिको विशेषो धर्मेण हीनाः पशुभिस्समानाः ||~~</blockquote><blockquote>~~''āhāranidrābhayamaithunañca sāmānyametat paśubhirnarāṇām | dharmo hi teṣāmadhiko viśeṣo dharmeṇa hīnāḥ paśubhissamānāḥ ||''</blockquote>Meaning: Consumption of food, sleep, fear and enjoyment of physical pleasure are common to man and animal. But, 'Dharma' is a special attribute of man. Bereft of 'Dharma', man is equal to animal.

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Sarvajna Narayana in his inimitable style, in the "Hitopadesha" (words of wisdom), expounds the distinction between human beings and animals and says that man's legitimate claim to superiority over the animals would be valid only if he conforms to Dharma. He says,<blockquote>आहारनिद्राभयमैथुनञ्च सामान्यमेतत् पशुभिर्नराणाम् | धर्मो हि तेषामधिको विशेषो धर्मेण हीनाः पशुभिस्समानाः ||

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''āhāranidrābhayamaithunañca sāmānyametat paśubhirnarāṇām | dharmo hi teṣāmadhiko viśeṣo dharmeṇa hīnāḥ paśubhissamānāḥ ||''</blockquote>Meaning: Consumption of food, sleep, fear and enjoyment of physical pleasure are common to man and animal. But, 'Dharma' is a special attribute of man. Bereft of 'Dharma', man is equal to animal.

Therefore, everyone should conform to dharma (right conduct). Otherwise, one is no better than an animal.

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Also, ultimately, in this ephemeral world, what survives for an individual is the Dharma practiced by him during his life time and not anything or anyone else. Therefore, everyone should conform to Dharma in day to day life. This aspect is indicated in Manusmrti as follows:<ref name=":3" /><blockquote>नामुत्र हि सहायार्थं पिता माता च तिष्ठतः । न पुत्रदारं न ज्ञातिर्धर्मस्तिष्ठति केवलः । । ४.२३९ । ।~~</blockquote><blockquote>~~एकः प्रजायते जन्तुरेक एव प्रलीयते । एकोऽनुभुङ्क्ते सुकृतं एक एव च दुष्कृतम् । । ४.२४० । ।<ref name=":2">Manusmrti, [https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%AE%E0%A4%A8%E0%A5%81%E0%A4%B8%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%83%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%83/%E0%A4%9A%E0%A4%A4%E0%A5%81%E0%A4%B0%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A5%E0%A5%8B%E0%A4%A7%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%83 Adhyaya 4].</ref>~~</blockquote><blockquote>~~''nāmutra hi sahāyārthaṁ pitā mātā ca tiṣṭhataḥ । na putradāraṁ na jñātirdharmastiṣṭhati kevalaḥ । । 4.239 । ।''~~</blockquote><blockquote>~~''ekaḥ prajāyate jantureka eva pralīyate । eko'nubhuṅkte sukr̥taṁ eka eva ca duṣkr̥tam । । 4.240 । ।''</blockquote>Meaning: When one departs from this world to the other World, neither father nor mother, neither son nor wife will accompany him. Only the "Dharma" practiced by an individual follows him even after death. A person takes birth alone and dies alone, (thereby) he alone enjoys or suffers the consequences of his evil deeds. Similarly,<ref name=":3" /> <blockquote>मृतं शरीरं उत्सृज्य काष्ठलोष्टसमं क्षितौ । विमुखा बान्धवा यान्ति धर्मस्तं अनुगच्छति । । ४.२४१ । ।~~</blockquote><blockquote>~~तस्माद्धर्मं सहायार्थं नित्यं संचिनुयाच्छनैः । धर्मेण हि सहायेन तमस्तरति दुस्तरम् । । ४.२४२ । ।<ref name=":2" />~~</blockquote><blockquote>~~''mr̥taṁ śarīraṁ utsr̥jya kāṣṭhaloṣṭasamaṁ kṣitau । vimukhā bāndhavā yānti dharmastaṁ anugacchati । । 4.241 । ।''~~</blockquote><blockquote>~~''tasmāddharmaṁ sahāyārthaṁ nityaṁ saṁcinuyācchanaiḥ । dharmeṇa hi sahāyena tamastarati dustaram । । 4.242 । ।''</blockquote>Meaning: Once a person dies, his relatives cremate the body and leave for home. Only the Dharma performed by him during his life time remains with him. Therefore, it is essential that a person should conform to Dharma during his life time.

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Also, ultimately, in this ephemeral world, what survives for an individual is the Dharma practiced by him during his life time and not anything or anyone else. Therefore, everyone should conform to Dharma in day to day life. This aspect is indicated in Manusmrti as follows:<ref name=":3" /><blockquote>नामुत्र हि सहायार्थं पिता माता च तिष्ठतः । न पुत्रदारं न ज्ञातिर्धर्मस्तिष्ठति केवलः । । ४.२३९ । ।

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एकः प्रजायते जन्तुरेक एव प्रलीयते । एकोऽनुभुङ्क्ते सुकृतं एक एव च दुष्कृतम् । । ४.२४० । ।<ref name=":2">Manusmrti, [https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%AE%E0%A4%A8%E0%A5%81%E0%A4%B8%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%83%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%83/%E0%A4%9A%E0%A4%A4%E0%A5%81%E0%A4%B0%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A5%E0%A5%8B%E0%A4%A7%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%83 Adhyaya 4].</ref>

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''nāmutra hi sahāyārthaṁ pitā mātā ca tiṣṭhataḥ । na putradāraṁ na jñātirdharmastiṣṭhati kevalaḥ । । 4.239 । ।''

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''ekaḥ prajāyate jantureka eva pralīyate । eko'nubhuṅkte sukr̥taṁ eka eva ca duṣkr̥tam । । 4.240 । ।''</blockquote>Meaning: When one departs from this world to the other World, neither father nor mother, neither son nor wife will accompany him. Only the "Dharma" practiced by an individual follows him even after death. A person takes birth alone and dies alone, (thereby) he alone enjoys or suffers the consequences of his evil deeds. Similarly,<ref name=":3" /> <blockquote>मृतं शरीरं उत्सृज्य काष्ठलोष्टसमं क्षितौ । विमुखा बान्धवा यान्ति धर्मस्तं अनुगच्छति । । ४.२४१ । ।

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तस्माद्धर्मं सहायार्थं नित्यं संचिनुयाच्छनैः । धर्मेण हि सहायेन तमस्तरति दुस्तरम् । । ४.२४२ । ।<ref name=":2" />

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''mr̥taṁ śarīraṁ utsr̥jya kāṣṭhaloṣṭasamaṁ kṣitau । vimukhā bāndhavā yānti dharmastaṁ anugacchati । । 4.241 । ।''

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''tasmāddharmaṁ sahāyārthaṁ nityaṁ saṁcinuyācchanaiḥ । dharmeṇa hi sahāyena tamastarati dustaram । । 4.242 । ।''</blockquote>Meaning: Once a person dies, his relatives cremate the body and leave for home. Only the Dharma performed by him during his life time remains with him. Therefore, it is essential that a person should conform to Dharma during his life time.

The above verses indicate that the observance of Dharma by individuals throughout their lives is essential not only for their happiness but also for the happiness of other individuals who constitute the family and society. This means every one should live without exploiting or harassing others. Every day he should acquire 'Punya' (merit of good deeds) by acting in accordance with Dharma without causing injury or trouble to other living beings. This alone gives real happiness. One should conform to Dharma and accumulate the merit of good deeds slowly and gradually.

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The above verses also caution every individual not to indulge in securing illegitimate wealth, thinking that one is doing so for the benefit of ones's family, relatives and friends and points out that if one does so, all of them would only share and enjoy the wealth and property so earned but as far as the consequences of such evil deeds are concerned one alone has to suffer. Similarly, if one conforms to 'Dharma' during the life time, that will remain associated with one's name for ever after death. Thus, 'Dharma' is the everlasting friend. Even if by conforming to Dharma, an individual suffers any inconvenience or hardship still there would be happiness because of the satisfaction of conforming to Dharma. This is also the message of the Bhagavad Gita which says,<ref name=":3" /><blockquote>उद्धरेदात्मनात्मानं नात्मानमवसादयेत् । आत्मैव ह्यात्मनो बन्धुरात्मैव रिपुरात्मनः ॥६- ५॥<ref>Bhagavad Gita, [https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%AD%E0%A4%97%E0%A4%B5%E0%A4%A6%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%97%E0%A5%80%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%BE/%E0%A4%86%E0%A4%A4%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AE%E0%A4%B8%E0%A4%82%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%AE%E0%A4%AF%E0%A5%8B%E0%A4%97%E0%A4%83 Adhyaya 6].</ref>~~</blockquote><blockquote>~~''uddharedātmanātmānaṁ nātmānamavasādayet । ātmaiva hyātmano bandhurātmaiva ripurātmanaḥ ॥6- 5॥''</blockquote>Meaning: With the aid of mind one can uplift himself (by his own good deeds) or can bring about his downfall (by his own misdeeds ). Thus, it is one's mind which could become either one's friend or enemy.

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The above verses also caution every individual not to indulge in securing illegitimate wealth, thinking that one is doing so for the benefit of ones's family, relatives and friends and points out that if one does so, all of them would only share and enjoy the wealth and property so earned but as far as the consequences of such evil deeds are concerned one alone has to suffer. Similarly, if one conforms to 'Dharma' during the life time, that will remain associated with one's name for ever after death. Thus, 'Dharma' is the everlasting friend. Even if by conforming to Dharma, an individual suffers any inconvenience or hardship still there would be happiness because of the satisfaction of conforming to Dharma. This is also the message of the Bhagavad Gita which says,<ref name=":3" /><blockquote>उद्धरेदात्मनात्मानं नात्मानमवसादयेत् । आत्मैव ह्यात्मनो बन्धुरात्मैव रिपुरात्मनः ॥६- ५॥<ref>Bhagavad Gita, [https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%AD%E0%A4%97%E0%A4%B5%E0%A4%A6%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%97%E0%A5%80%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%BE/%E0%A4%86%E0%A4%A4%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AE%E0%A4%B8%E0%A4%82%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%AE%E0%A4%AF%E0%A5%8B%E0%A4%97%E0%A4%83 Adhyaya 6].</ref>

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''uddharedātmanātmānaṁ nātmānamavasādayet । ātmaiva hyātmano bandhurātmaiva ripurātmanaḥ ॥6- 5॥''</blockquote>Meaning: With the aid of mind one can uplift himself (by his own good deeds) or can bring about his downfall (by his own misdeeds ). Thus, it is one's mind which could become either one's friend or enemy.

This is true. Because, if one cultivates good thoughts in the mind through good samskara and performs good deeds, one uplifts oneself. The height of one's rise is directly proportional to the good thoughts one has entertained and performed. While the down fall is also directly proportional to the sinful thoughts one entertained and the evil deeds one indulged in. Therefore, realising that in the final stage of life, the sole and lone friend of an individual who survives is Dharma, every individual should conform to Dharma in every sphere of activity. This is the only sure way of securing real success and real happiness in life.

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Also, an orderly society that is capable of protecting the rights of individuals, can come into existence only if everyone acts according to Dharma. That is also the reason why the necessity of scrupulous practice of Dharma is forcefully expressed. In fact, the aspect of Dharmacharana is sought to be impressed on every student. The Shikshavalli (Chapter 2, lesson 8) of the Taittiriya Upanishad says,<blockquote>युवा स्यात्साधु युवाऽध्यायकः । आशिष्ठो द्रढिष्ठो बलिष्ठ ॥ तस्येयं पृथिवी सर्वा वित्तस्य पूर्णा स्यात् । स एको मानुष आनन्दः ॥~~{{Citation needed}}~~</~~blockquote>~~<~~blockquote~~>''yuvā syātsādhu yuvā'dhyāyakaḥ । āśiṣṭho draḍhiṣṭho baliṣṭha ॥ tasyeyaṁ pr̥thivī sarvā vittasya pūrṇā syāt । sa eko mānuṣa ānandaḥ ॥''</blockquote>Meaning : Happiness is this, youth should be of good character, learned, resolute and strong (morally and physically). Then only the earth will be full of prosperity and wealth. This is the measure of human happiness.

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Also, an orderly society that is capable of protecting the rights of individuals, can come into existence only if everyone acts according to Dharma. That is also the reason why the necessity of scrupulous practice of Dharma is forcefully expressed. In fact, the aspect of Dharmacharana is sought to be impressed on every student. The Shikshavalli (Chapter 2, lesson 8) of the Taittiriya Upanishad says,<blockquote>युवा स्यात्साधु युवाऽध्यायकः । आशिष्ठो द्रढिष्ठो बलिष्ठ ॥ तस्येयं पृथिवी सर्वा वित्तस्य पूर्णा स्यात् । स एको मानुष आनन्दः ॥<ref>Taittiriya Upanishad, Brahmanandavalli, [https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%A4%E0%A5%88%E0%A4%A4%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%B0%E0%A5%80%E0%A4%AF%E0%A5%8B%E0%A4%AA%E0%A4%A8%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%B7%E0%A4%A6%E0%A4%A4%E0%A5%8D/%E0%A4%AC%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%B9%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AE%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%A8%E0%A4%A8%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A6%E0%A4%B5%E0%A4%B2%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B2%E0%A5%80#%E0%A5%A5_%E0%A4%85%E0%A4%B7%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%9F%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%8B%E0%A4%BD%E0%A4%A8%E0%A5%81%E0%A4%B5%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%95%E0%A4%83_%E0%A5%A5 Anuvaka 8]</ref>

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''yuvā syātsādhu yuvā'dhyāyakaḥ । āśiṣṭho draḍhiṣṭho baliṣṭha ॥ tasyeyaṁ pr̥thivī sarvā vittasya pūrṇā syāt । sa eko mānuṣa ānandaḥ ॥''</blockquote>Meaning : Happiness is this, youth should be of good character, learned, resolute and strong (morally and physically). Then only the earth will be full of prosperity and wealth. This is the measure of human happiness.

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This lesson that the real happiness and prosperity of any nation is directly proportional to the number of men of character it has produced, through proper education and environment is highly enlightening. Thus, a 'State of Dharma' is required to be always maintained for peaceful co-existence, happiness and prosperity.<ref name=":3" />

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This lesson that the real happiness and prosperity of any nation is directly proportional to the number of men of character it has produced, through proper education and environment is highly enlightening. Thus, a 'State of Dharma' is required to be always maintained for peaceful co-existence, happiness and prosperity.<ref name=":3" /><ref name=":8" />

=== धर्मपुरुषार्थः ॥ Dharma Purushartha<ref name=":4" /> ===

Due to the vitality of 'Dharma', it is given the foremost rank in the scriptures, among the four main aims of human aspiration or the Purusharthas viz. Dharma, Artha, Kama and Moksha. Dharma alone is the gateway to Moksha, to infinite bliss, supreme peace and highest knowledge. Dharma is considered the first, foremost and the primary Purushartha. Through the practice of Dharma alone can one ever hope to achieve the crowning glory of all human endeavours, viz. Moksha which is the best and the highest of all desirable things.

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We see everyday human beings indulging in all sorts of crimes, misappropriation, corruption just to achieve their selfish purposes. This ultimately ruins them and their families and also adversely affects the society as a whole. Every individual should, therefore, 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.

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It is a matter of common knowledge that a person indulges in wrongs in day-to-day life on account of greed and being actuated by 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). 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 [[Atman (आत्मन्)|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 the Paramatma (the almighty), it is incapable of compromising with the wrong acts of a human being within whose body it resides for the time being. Manusmriti expounds this aspect thus,<ref name=":3" /> <blockquote>यत्कर्म कृत्वा कुर्वंश्च करिष्यंश्चैव लज्जति । तज्ज्ञेयं विदुषा सर्वं तामसं गुणलक्षणम् । । १२.३५ । ।<ref name=":5" />~~</blockquote><blockquote>~~''yatkarma kr̥tvā kurvaṁśca kariṣyaṁścaiva lajjati । tajjñeyaṁ viduṣā sarvaṁ tāmasaṁ guṇalakṣaṇam । । 12.35 । ।''</blockquote>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. That, the act is a papa (पापम्).

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It is a matter of common knowledge that a person indulges in wrongs in day-to-day life on account of greed and being actuated by 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). 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 [[Atman (आत्मन्)|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 the Paramatma (the almighty), it is incapable of compromising with the wrong acts of a human being within whose body it resides for the time being. Manusmriti expounds this aspect thus,<ref name=":3" /> <blockquote>यत्कर्म कृत्वा कुर्वंश्च करिष्यंश्चैव लज्जति । तज्ज्ञेयं विदुषा सर्वं तामसं गुणलक्षणम् । । १२.३५ । ।<ref name=":5" />

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''yatkarma kr̥tvā kurvaṁśca kariṣyaṁścaiva lajjati । tajjñeyaṁ viduṣā sarvaṁ tāmasaṁ guṇalakṣaṇam । । 12.35 । ।''</blockquote>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. That, the act is a papa (पापम्).

Therefore, the atma always tells the man who has committed the offence, that he has committed a papa. If a person commits theft, his atma will always be telling him "You are a thief. You have committed theft". Similarly, if a person commits murder, his atma will always be saying "You are a murderer". It does not allow him to have peace of mind. It constantly reminds him of his misdemeanors. Thus, he loses mental happiness.

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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 as follows:

* 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.

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* Similarly, in the course of doing an illegal act, the atma 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 rouses the conscience of an individual in a verse which is intended to be part of an exhortation to witness. It reads,<ref name=":3" /><blockquote>आत्मैव ह्यात्मनः साक्षी गतिरात्मा तथाऽऽत्मनः । माऽवमंस्याः स्वमात्मानं नृणां साक्षिणमुत्तमम् ॥८.८४||<ref name=":6" />~~</blockquote><blockquote>~~''ātmaiva hyātmanaḥ sākṣī gatirātmā tathā<nowiki>''tmanaḥ । mā'</nowiki>vamaṁsyāḥ svamātmānaṁ nr̥ṇāṁ sākṣiṇamuttamam ॥''</blockquote>Meaning : The atma itself is the witness of the Self and the Self is the refuge of the atma. Do not despise your own atma, the supreme witness to the acts of men.

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* Similarly, in the course of doing an illegal act, the atma 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 rouses the conscience of an individual in a verse which is intended to be part of an exhortation to witness. It reads,<ref name=":3" /><blockquote>आत्मैव ह्यात्मनः साक्षी गतिरात्मा तथाऽऽत्मनः । माऽवमंस्याः स्वमात्मानं नृणां साक्षिणमुत्तमम् ॥८.८४||<ref name=":6" /> ''ātmaiva hyātmanaḥ sākṣī gatirātmā tathā<nowiki>''tmanaḥ । mā'</nowiki>vamaṁsyāḥ svamātmānaṁ nr̥ṇāṁ sākṣiṇamuttamam ॥''</blockquote>Meaning : The atma itself is the witness of the Self and the Self is the refuge of the atma. Do not despise your own atma, the supreme witness to the acts of men.

Thus, 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. In modern parlance, the atma is the witness, the atma is the police, the atma is the judge. The atma 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 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, 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. Hence, Manu again warns every individual in the following words.

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<blockquote>अधर्मेणैधते तावत् ततो भद्राणि पश्यति । ततः सपत्नात् जयति समूलस्तु विनश्यति ॥{{Citation needed}}~~</blockquote><blockquote>~~''adharmeṇaidhate tāvat tato bhadrāṇi paśyati । tataḥ sapatnāt jayati samūlastu vinaśyati ॥''</blockquote>Meaning : Those who indulge in adharma attain immediate success and secure fulfillment of their desires. They overpower their opponents. But ultimately their ruin down to the roots is certain.

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<blockquote>अधर्मेणैधते तावत् ततो भद्राणि पश्यति । ततः सपत्नात् जयति समूलस्तु विनश्यति ॥{{Citation needed}}

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''adharmeṇaidhate tāvat tato bhadrāṇi paśyati । tataḥ sapatnāt jayati samūlastu vinaśyati ॥''</blockquote>Meaning : Those who indulge in adharma attain immediate success and secure fulfillment of their desires. They overpower their opponents. But ultimately their ruin down to the roots is certain.

This is the warning to those who indulge in adharma to achieve their unlawful objects. Therefore, the universally applicable and eternally valid advice flowing from the verse is "When an evil thought comes to your mind and the atma tells you that it is an evil one you should make every effort to get over your weaknesses, greed, anger or other feelings created by the other enemies inherent in man", even if it be at the instigation of your own kith and kin.

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In fact, the pleasure and happiness a man secures and enjoys by helping others in any manner, who are in need of such help is more than the pleasure he gets by spending money purely for selfish purposes.

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Therefore, the whole purpose and object of education must be to develop good qualities in individuals and enable them to rise to a divine level higher than human beings. And not to degrade himself to the level of an animal at any rate. This aspect has been forcefully brought out in the Nitishataka as follows:<ref name=":3" /> <blockquote>एते सत्पुरुषा: परार्थघटका: स्वार्थं परित्यज्य ये सामान्यास्तु परार्थमुद्यमभृत: स्वार्थाऽविरोधेन ये ।~~</blockquote><blockquote>~~तेऽमी मानुषराक्षसा: परहितं स्वार्थाय निघ्नन्ति ये ये निघ्नन्ति निरर्थकं परहितं ते के न जानीमहे ।।७५।।<ref>[https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%A8%E0%A5%80%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%B6%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%95%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%8D Nitishataka.]</ref>~~</blockquote><blockquote>~~''ete satpuruṣā: parārthaghaṭakā: svārthaṁ parityajya ye sāmānyāstu parārthamudyamabhr̥ta: svārthā'virodhena ye।''~~</blockquote><blockquote>~~''te'mī mānuṣarākṣasā: parahitaṁ svārthāya nighnanti ye ye nighnanti nirarthakaṁ parahitaṁ te ke na jānīmahe।।75।।''</blockquote>Meaning: Persons who render selfless service to other human beings are the greatest. Persons who carry on their profession, avocation or business with self interest, but without exploiting and causing any injury to those who deal with them are good. But those who give trouble to or exploit others in utter selfishness are demons in human form. While, those who destroy that which is beneficial to others for no reason are indeed indescribable.

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Therefore, the whole purpose and object of education must be to develop good qualities in individuals and enable them to rise to a divine level higher than human beings. And not to degrade himself to the level of an animal at any rate. This aspect has been forcefully brought out in the Nitishataka as follows:<ref name=":3" /> <blockquote>एते सत्पुरुषा: परार्थघटका: स्वार्थं परित्यज्य ये सामान्यास्तु परार्थमुद्यमभृत: स्वार्थाऽविरोधेन ये ।

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तेऽमी मानुषराक्षसा: परहितं स्वार्थाय निघ्नन्ति ये ये निघ्नन्ति निरर्थकं परहितं ते के न जानीमहे ।।७५।।<ref>[https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%A8%E0%A5%80%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%B6%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%95%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%8D Nitishataka.]</ref>

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''ete satpuruṣā: parārthaghaṭakā: svārthaṁ parityajya ye sāmānyāstu parārthamudyamabhr̥ta: svārthā'virodhena ye।''

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''te'mī mānuṣarākṣasā: parahitaṁ svārthāya nighnanti ye ye nighnanti nirarthakaṁ parahitaṁ te ke na jānīmahe।।75।।''</blockquote>Meaning: Persons who render selfless service to other human beings are the greatest. Persons who carry on their profession, avocation or business with self interest, but without exploiting and causing any injury to those who deal with them are good. But those who give trouble to or exploit others in utter selfishness are demons in human form. While, those who destroy that which is beneficial to others for no reason are indeed indescribable.

The above moral code is a clear exposition of the principle laid down in Manusmrti. It is only great people who sacrifice their all for the welfare of society. But in the nature of things, all cannot be great. However, every individual can afford to be good. For this purpose, every individual should carry on his profession or avocation or business, which he undertakes to earn his livelihood, in a manner in which while he gets reasonable remuneration or profit, he does not exploit the misery of others. If the number of such persons who are good is larger in any society, there will be peace and happiness in the society. But instead, if people who selfishly carry on their profession, trade or business or avocation to make more money, and for this purpose consider that the misery of others is their opportunity and take advantage of the hardship or misery of others, they are just demons in the form of human beings. The word "demon" refers to the quality of persons whose nature is exploitation i.e. giving trouble to others to secure or fulfill their own unlimited and immoral desires. This is at the root of the erosion of professional ethics in all professions and avocation, including noble professions such as those of lawyers, doctors and teachers.

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In fact, the consequences of not controlling desires which arise in the mind are explained in the Bhagvadgita thus,<ref name=":3" /><blockquote>ध्यायतो विषयान्पुंसः सङ्गस्तेषूपजायते । सङ्गात्संजायते कामः कामात्क्रोधोऽभिजायते ॥२- ६२॥~~</blockquote><blockquote>~~क्रोधाद्भवति संमोहः संमोहात्स्मृतिविभ्रमः । स्मृतिभ्रंशाद्बुद्धिनाशो बुद्धिनाशात्प्रणश्यति ॥२- ६३॥<ref>Bhagavad Gita, [https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%AD%E0%A4%97%E0%A4%B5%E0%A4%A6%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%97%E0%A5%80%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%BE/%E0%A4%B8%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%99%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%96%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%AF%E0%A5%8B%E0%A4%97%E0%A4%83 Adhyaya 2].</ref>~~</blockquote><blockquote>~~''dhyāyato viṣayānpuṁsaḥ saṅgasteṣūpajāyate । saṅgātsaṁjāyate kāmaḥ kāmātkrodho'bhijāyate ॥2- 62॥''~~</blockquote><blockquote>~~''krodhādbhavati saṁmohaḥ saṁmohātsmr̥tivibhramaḥ । smr̥tibhraṁśādbuddhināśo buddhināśātpraṇaśyati ॥2- 63॥''</blockquote>Meaning : When a man begins to think of securing anything in the first instance, attachment to that develops. Attachment leads to desire; when the desire is not fulfilled it leads to anger; anger in turn leads to loss of sense of good and bad; this loss leads to destruction of sound discretion and finally; the loss of sound discretion leads to total destruction and the man perishes.

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In fact, the consequences of not controlling desires which arise in the mind are explained in the Bhagvadgita thus,<ref name=":3" /><blockquote>ध्यायतो विषयान्पुंसः सङ्गस्तेषूपजायते । सङ्गात्संजायते कामः कामात्क्रोधोऽभिजायते ॥२- ६२॥

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क्रोधाद्भवति संमोहः संमोहात्स्मृतिविभ्रमः । स्मृतिभ्रंशाद्बुद्धिनाशो बुद्धिनाशात्प्रणश्यति ॥२- ६३॥<ref>Bhagavad Gita, [https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%AD%E0%A4%97%E0%A4%B5%E0%A4%A6%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%97%E0%A5%80%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%BE/%E0%A4%B8%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%99%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%96%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%AF%E0%A5%8B%E0%A4%97%E0%A4%83 Adhyaya 2].</ref>

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''dhyāyato viṣayānpuṁsaḥ saṅgasteṣūpajāyate । saṅgātsaṁjāyate kāmaḥ kāmātkrodho'bhijāyate ॥2- 62॥''

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''krodhādbhavati saṁmohaḥ saṁmohātsmr̥tivibhramaḥ । smr̥tibhraṁśādbuddhināśo buddhināśātpraṇaśyati ॥2- 63॥''</blockquote>Meaning : When a man begins to think of securing anything in the first instance, attachment to that develops. Attachment leads to desire; when the desire is not fulfilled it leads to anger; anger in turn leads to loss of sense of good and bad; this loss leads to destruction of sound discretion and finally; the loss of sound discretion leads to total destruction and the man perishes.

To sum up, the solution to the above problems which are posing a serious threat to humanity is :

# For whomsoever it is possible to sacrifice their all for the welfare of humanity or the human society concerned, to do so.

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# For all others, to carry on their profession, avocation, trade or business in such a way as to render ~~service~~ to Society taking only reasonable remuneration or profit.

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# For all others, to carry on their profession, avocation, trade or business in such a way as to render seva to Society taking only reasonable remuneration or profit.

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

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This is the 'Dharma' of every individual that was evolved as a preventive measure to combat the six enemies (Arishadvarga) inherent in every individual.<ref name=":3" />

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This is the 'Dharma' of every individual that was evolved as a preventive measure to combat the six enemies (Arishadvarga) inherent in every individual.<ref name=":3" /><ref name=":8" />

== References ==

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~~[[Category:Dharmas]]~~

[[Category:Dharmas]]

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