The Crux of "Dharma and Life"

"Dharma and Life" is a significant work by Pandit Shriram Sharma Acharya, the founder of the Gayatri Pariwar and a revered spiritual leader. This text provides deep insights into the importance of dharma (righteousness, moral law) in shaping an individual’s life and the broader society. Through this work, Acharya Shriram Sharma seeks to explore the interconnection between dharma, spirituality, and human existence, offering a holistic view on how one can live in alignment with divine principles to lead a purposeful and meaningful life.

The crux of "Dharma and Life" revolves around understanding dharma as a universal force that governs not just individual behavior but also the ethical and moral fabric of society. It highlights the importance of living a life that is rooted in truth, righteousness, and service to humanity.

1. Understanding Dharma

Dharma is often described as the moral law or righteous path that upholds the order of the universe. In the context of "Dharma and Life," Pandit Shriram Sharma Acharya elaborates on dharma as the fundamental guiding force in a person's life. Dharma is not merely about ritualistic practices or religious obligations; it is about aligning oneself with higher values and divine laws that transcend all individual and social considerations.

• Dharma as a Universal Principle: It is the cosmic law that governs the balance of nature and human affairs. It is universal and applies to everyone, regardless of nationality, caste, or creed. Dharma connects humans to the divine order and helps maintain harmony in the universe.

• Personal Dharma (Svadharma): Each individual has a personal dharma, which refers to one’s duty or responsibility based on their role in life. For instance, a student’s dharma is to study, a parent’s dharma is to raise their children with wisdom and care, and a leader’s dharma is to govern with justice and compassion.

• Universal Dharma: There are also universal principles of dharma that apply to all human beings, such as truth, non-violence, compassion, selflessness, and justice. Upholding these values leads to the creation of a peaceful, harmonious, and spiritually awakened society.

2. Dharma and the Evolution of Consciousness

Pandit Shriram Sharma Acharya connects dharma with the evolution of human consciousness. He teaches that following dharma is essential for the spiritual progress of an individual. By aligning with divine law, a person begins to transcend their limited, ego-driven self and moves towards a higher state of consciousness.

• Spiritual Evolution: Dharma serves as a guiding force that elevates one’s consciousness from the material to the spiritual. The more an individual practices dharma, the more they awaken to their true nature (the soul, the atman), ultimately leading to self-realization and liberation (moksha).

• Purification of the Mind: Dharma purifies the mind, emotions, and intellect, which are often clouded by desires, attachments, and ignorance. Through practicing dharma, one can achieve mental clarity, inner peace, and a profound understanding of life’s higher purpose.

3. The Role of Dharma in Family and Society

One of the most important aspects of dharma in Acharya Shriram Sharma’s teachings is its role in family life and society. According to him, dharma is essential not just for personal well-being but also for the welfare of the larger community.

• Family as a Microcosm of Society: Dharma governs relationships within the family—between husbands and wives, parents and children, and siblings. The ethical foundation of these relationships is based on love, respect, mutual care, and support.

• The Social Order: Dharma plays a central role in ensuring a just and ethical society. A society that adheres to the principles of dharma will naturally be one that is equitable, compassionate, and free of injustice. In contrast, when dharma is neglected, society falls prey to chaos, disharmony, and corruption.

• Duty to Serve Society: A person’s dharma is not confined to their personal life; it extends to their responsibilities towards society and the environment. Every individual has a duty to contribute to the welfare of others—this is the foundation of the concept of selfless service (seva) in dharma.

4. Dharma and the Pursuit of Happiness

Acharya Shriram Sharma stresses that true happiness does not lie in material acquisition or temporary pleasures, but in living in accordance with dharma.

• Inner Peace and Contentment: When one lives a life aligned with dharma, they experience inner peace and contentment, irrespective of external circumstances. Dharma helps individuals to navigate the ups and downs of life with equanimity.

• Freedom from Suffering: By adhering to the moral and ethical guidelines of dharma, an individual avoids the negative consequences of unwholesome actions (bad karma), which can lead to suffering, and instead cultivates a life of joy, peace, and spiritual fulfillment.

5. Dharma and the Importance of a Guru

In "Dharma and Life," Pandit Shriram Sharma emphasizes the importance of a spiritual teacher (guru) in understanding and following dharma. The guru’s role is crucial because they provide guidance, wisdom, and inspiration on the spiritual path.

• Guru as the Guide: The guru helps an individual navigate the complexities of life and teaches them how to apply dharma in everyday situations. Without the guidance of a guru, it is easy to stray from the righteous path.

• Learning from Sacred Texts: Acharya Shriram Sharma also emphasizes the importance of studying sacred texts like the Vedas, Upanishads, Bhagavad Gita, and the Ramayana to understand the principles of dharma. The teachings of these texts, when followed properly, lead to spiritual awakening and moral integrity.

6. Dharma as a Tool for Social Reform

Acharya Shriram Sharma believes that dharma is the cornerstone of social reform and transformation. He stresses that the world is in need of moral rejuvenation, and this can only be achieved when individuals and communities begin to embrace dharma.

• Creating a Righteous Society: By living according to the principles of dharma, individuals contribute to the establishment of a society that is grounded in justice, equality, peace, and spiritual awareness. This societal transformation, according to Pandit Shriram Sharma, is essential for addressing the problems of poverty, inequality, and social unrest in the world.

• The Role of the Youth: Pandit Shriram Sharma calls upon the youth to take on the mantle of dharma and lead the efforts for social reform. Young individuals, when taught the importance of dharma, have the potential to bring about massive changes in society.

7. The Connection Between Dharma and Global Harmony

Pandit Shriram Sharma extends the concept of dharma beyond individual and societal levels to encompass global harmony. In his view, dharma has the power to unite people across borders and cultures, bringing about universal peace.

• Global Consciousness: He emphasizes that we live in a global village, and dharma calls for a sense of unity and interconnectedness. The practice of dharma fosters an awareness of the collective good, where humanity works together to preserve the planet and ensure a harmonious existence for all beings.

• Spiritual Awakening of Humanity: Acharya Shriram Sharma envisions a world where individuals and nations are spiritually awakened, guided by the eternal principles of dharma. In this world, there is no violence, no injustice, and no discrimination—only love, compassion, and mutual respect.

8. Practical Application of Dharma

Pandit Shriram Sharma also emphasizes that dharma is not just a theoretical or abstract concept—it must be practically applied in daily life. The core of his teachings in "Dharma and Life" is that:

• Dharma is in daily actions: It’s not just about religious rituals, but about how one behaves in day-to-day life. Practicing honesty, integrity, respect, and non-violence in all interactions is a reflection of dharma in action.

• Living with Purpose: The practice of dharma brings purpose to life. It’s about living with intention, performing one’s duties to the best of one’s abilities, and contributing positively to the world.

Conclusion: The Timeless Relevance of Dharma

The crux of "Dharma and Life" is that dharma is the foundation of a meaningful, peaceful, and spiritually fulfilled life. By understanding and living according to the principles of dharma, individuals can