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DISCOURSE 79
words, there is no action or activity of a grihastha which is not included in the fat (thrivarg) or the three objectives. The three aspects of human life namely Dharma, Artha and Kama are mutually inter-related. You should carry out endeavours for the attainment of these three objectives in such a way that none of them is affected or neglected. The adoration of dharma, the endeavour to acquire wealth and the endeavour to fulfil your worldly desires must be mutually adjusted and made compatible with one another. None of them should be neglected and none of them should be pursued to the detriment of the others. Just as there should be no negligence, there should be no indulgence also. Only that man who possesses the quality of equanimity; and who does not give way to emotional excitements can save himself from the extremes of negligence and indulgence. We shall discuss these three objectives later but now I will try to define them. The commentator has given excellent definitions.
This is the definition of Dharma given by him, " यतोभ्युदयनिःश्रेयससिद्धिः स धर्मः (Dharma is that by which men can attain progress and perfect felicity.)
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The author of the grantha says in the very beginning of his work.
zent zemĝzi sìtea: „fazi aằmag: 1 धर्म एवापवर्गस्य पारम्पर्येण साधकः ॥
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Even in this sloka, he says that Dharma bestows upon us welfare and salvation. Artha (wealth) and Kama (fulfilment of desires) constitute welfare or progress. Apavarga means Moksha or Nishreyas.
WHAT IS DHARMA ?
Dharma is the name given to such activities and endeavours of the mind, voice and body as can bring us punya (merit) and can destroy our sinful karmas. Among our mental propensities and thoughts there are some which bring us punya (merit); some which impel us to gather sinful karmas; and some which
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