World of Philosophy

Author(s): Christopher Key Chapple, Intaj Malek, Dilip Charan, Sunanda Shastri, Prashant Dave
Publisher: Shanti Prakashan

Page 863

of both worldly prosperity, happiness and ultimate freedom abhyudayaniśsreyasasiddhih dharmah - Vaiśesikasūtra ). It is righteous path, righteous behaviour of individual and society based on truth and knowledge of unity, in spite of diversity and capable of bringing highest good to the whole creation. Duties, obligations. justice, rules of conduct and guidelines for actions come under the dharma since they are essential to the protection and perpetuation of the individual towards himself and the society. It reminds the duties and obligations of the individual towards himself and the society,as well as those of the society towards the individual. Thus, it is dharma,which makes it possible for men and women to live and function harmoniously in thier society by fulfilling their goals and at the same time contribution to the society at large. Thus the concept of 'Sanātanadharma' or Vaidikadharma in its implications and applications is basically governed by the truth and is directed primarily towards the welfare and perfection of mankind and indeed of the whole universe.
The concept of dharma involves the keen sense of duty. This evolved from a constant thinking on right and wrong of one's actions, doing what is good for oneself and for people around oneself or for the society as a whole, not only in the present or in the immediate future, but for all time to come, is right action, and it is duty of an individual. The reverse of it is wrong action and it is not to be resorted to, that is what the dharma teaches.
Dharma consists of many characteristics, such as, truthfulness, non-violence, non- stealing, purity of conduct, control of senses, wisdom, knowledge, non-anger, fearlessness and non-envy etc. Dharma establishes a stable foundation as the integration of internal and external, individual or social aspects of human life and existence. Here lies the true significance of dharma in social and humanistic sense. That means valuation leading to the development of harmony in individual and the society. It is also divine law, the inner voice of conscience. Therefore, ancient Indian seers asked us to be faithful to this moral law, that which binds the members of the human family together amd gives us a new sense of responsibility for the safety and happiness of the whole human family.It is Dharma-righteousness, nobility, proper conduct, a philosophy of life, which makes man or woman a worthy citizen of this world, cultured human being of the society.
The word Dharma is sometimes used in the sense of power of discrimination, choosing the path of right and wrong. Man is the roof amd crown of creation. He has capacity to discriminate and analyze his feeling as and when they arise and allow his actions to be guided and directed by his power of discrimination, instead of being driven and carried away
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