Dharma

Baba explains Dharma as, “the disciplining of the human will for doing right action always.” Right conduct is to be achieved through unerring exercise of the human will. Right conduct is an indispensable component of a well-integrated personality. It is the conformation of human will and it’s doing, (abidance) in right action.

Under the Indian concept, Dharma, all duties and obligations of man-physical, moral, social, religious and spiritual are encompassed. It regulates all the activities of man from dawn to dusk, from birth to death.

In essence, Dharma implies right moral conduct, which will be conducive to one’s own well-being, as well as the well-being of all. Dhaaryati iti Dharmah, it is said. Dharma is that which sustains and upholds the whole universe, it is that which keeps up the law and harmony in the creation. Everyone is but a link in the chain of creation, and, just as each link needs to be in a sound condition for the sound functioning of the chain, so also, each one’s conduct should be perfect for the perfect condition and the orderly functioning of the universe.

Besides the virtuous and righteous way of living, we should have a regular and constant dedication of all activity as worship of the Lord. Thus there should be a spiritual orientation in addition to the moral basis in whatever we do in our life. Dharma is the first and the basic ideal among the four Purusharthas of life, viz. Dharma, Artha, kama and Moksha.

Sathyam vada Dharmam chara (Speak truth. Practise dharma).

Truth and Righteousness are the two pillars on which the mansion of human life rests. Dharma is the practical application in real life of the ideal of Truth i.e to put into action your words is Right Action (Dharma). For all these Love is primary. Love in action is righteousness.

In the ‘Dharma Vahini’, Swami says,

“Whoever subdues his egoism, conquers his selfish desires, destroys his bestial feelings and impulses, and gives up the natural tendency to regard the body as self, he is surely on the path of Dharma. He knows that the goal of Dharma is the merger of the wave in the Sea, the merging of the self in the Over-self.”