Manava Dharma

Author(s): Bhurmal Shastri, Nihalchandra Jain
Publisher: Aacharya Gyansagar Vagartha Vimarsha Kendra

Page 26

4/MANAV DHARMA
Description :
"Dhartitee Dharma" means the eternal reality of the matter, when sustained is called 'Dharma' or religion. But the concern is with the living beings or souls, hence we should rather say reversely that 'Dharma' is the name of well directed efforts of a living being. And in more specific explanation " शीर्ष शीर्षे मति भिन्ना" according to this proverb every living being has different opinion or wisdom. Generally speaking, opinion or wisdom can be divided into three categories. One is that effort which provides deep grief to onself and creates problem and obstacles for others also viz. meat eating etc. This is called 'KUDHARMA' () or also an evil action or sin. Second effort is that which is pleasing to one but very unpleasing to others viz. wearing of a 'Pagri' or a small size turban which is pleasentful to a Marwari but very unpleasentful to an inhabitant of U.P. because he likes to put on a cap which is not liked by a Marwari. Such an effort may be denoted with the word 'ADHARMA (37). The third effort is that which removes the sufferings and provides with all pleasures and peace to all living beings. Such an effort is named as 'Saddharma' (H) or righteous Dharma. There may be difference between 'Kudharma' and 'Adharma' but Dharma or pure religion is one of all living beings, where there is no scope of pregmentation (). For example a lie may be told in many ways but the truth is always one because it is related with the reality of a matter. So is the Dharma and that is
आत्मनः प्रतिकूलानि परेषाम् न समाचरेत् ।
(Atmanah Pratikulani Paresam Na Samacharet) It means that which appears an evil to oneself, should not be done for others. But even then the followers of religion have admitted it in many different ways. To clarify it, e.g.: the suckers of a sugercane either starts it sucking from the top or from the botttom or by making its small round pieces to suck it or by extracting the juice and drinking it, but its sweetness exists in every case. Many people have admitted Kudharma or Adharma as the real Dharma and being adament on this view, they started a feeling of contention with each other. The religion, which was the path of happiness, peace and bliss, has become the root of all contradictions.
Our elders have explained three causes- Land, Wealth and Woman of this quarrel, which the history reveals us. But today quarrels and disputes in the name of religion is much more visible than for Wealth, Land or Woman. Not only this, but every day new disputes are seen among amongst the followers of one and the same religion or section.