We face many problems and challenges in our life; AJIT KUMAR BISHNOI elucidates how we must ascertain the solution by following dharma path
The word dharma is defined in an English dictionary as truth, which is just one aspect of dharma. Righteousness comes a little closer, which is defined as morally right and good. This word is better defined in a Sanskrit dictionary, which gives dharma several meanings. Some of them are: Duty, goodness, action according to bona fide scriptures, justice, purity and being cultured. Dharma is based upon several good qualities such as truthfulness, mercy, humility, compassion, love, forgiveness, dutifulness, tolerance, patience, faith, etc. However, dharma transcends all these; it is paramount.
The following examples will clarify the last point. Mothers routinely lie to their children. For example, a child demands something, which she is unable to provide due to money constraints. She convinces him that something else that she can afford is better. Here dharma transcends truthfulness. Two children are fighting and the younger one is the offender. Their mother takes the elder one aside and asks him to be more careful in future because the younger one is still not old enough to understand things properly. The elder one is told to tolerate and try to avoid such fights. Here dharma is above justice. The third example is that of a highly talented girl having been placed third in a competition, which she should have won. The explanation: Such early success will make her proud, and could come in the way of her reaching her potential. This conduct of the judges was according to dharma, though they acted unfairly.
In life, we all face many problems and challenges. How we tackle them determines the quality of our lives. How should we tackle any problemIJ The answer is simple. We must ascertain what the solution is according to dharma. Once we are certain, we should go ahead and implement it.
Now let’s see why dharma is supreme. In the Bhagavad Gita, lord Krishna states that whenever there is decline in dharma and there is ascendency of adharma, I incarnate myself. In the next verse, he reaffirms the message, ie he incarnates in different yugas for re-establishing dharmic principles. Now we can understand why dharma is more important than anything else, and why one should always follow it. If we tread the path of dharma, god will assist us because he upholds dharma in all circumstances.
Therefore, wise persons first establish what dharma is in any circumstance. This one can do with the help of bona fide scriptures like the Bhagavad Gita, talking to realised souls and following the examples of great souls. Then, one must follow it in a practical way no matter how difficult or painful it is. And, finally, the result must be left to god — the protector of dharma.
The following stories will illustrate what has been stated earlier. In a family, the father is acting irresponsibly. The mother takes full care of her children. Obviously, they love her and their father not so much. But the mother never involves her children in her difficulties with her husband. She tackles him on her own because she does not wish her children to become hateful of their father. That would damage their psyche, which is worse than any victory she will achieve with their help.
The next story is of a principal, who had brought his school to the top of all local schools by working diligently. The head of the Trust which ran the school was pleased with him. They decided not to seek capitation fee from new entrants. Everything was done on merit and based on dharma. The head died and his son succeeded him. He asked the principal to start collecting capitation fee. The principal resigned. His new job took him to a school quite far from his local residence but he did not mind. He applied himself there to make that school the very best. I welcome your comments.
Bishnoi is a spiritual writer and can be reached at spiritual@ajitbishnoi.com
