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Explore the complexities of Hinduism's Dharma principles, including duties, disciplines, and changing norms. Discover the impact of literature and the significance of good karma. Unveil the intriguing birth of Brahma.
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Dharma Duties • Patience (dhriti) • Forgiveness (kshama) • Piety or self control (dama) • Honesty (asteya) • Sanctity (shauch) • Control of senses (indraiya-nigrah) • Reason (dhi) • Knowledge or learning (vidya) • Truthfulness (satya) • Absence of anger (krodha). Dharmic laws govern not only the individual but all in society.
Dharma Disciplines • 1. Satya (Truth)2. Ahimsa (Non-violence)3. Brahmacharya (Celibacy, non-adultery)4. Asteya (No desire to possess or steal)5. Aparighara (Non-corrupt)6. Shaucha (Cleanliness)7. Santosh (Contentment)8. Swadhyaya (Reading of scriptures)9. Tapas (Austerity, perseverance, penance)10. Ishwarpranidhan (Regular prayers)
Changing Dharma • “Just as a doctor prescribes different medicines for different people according to their constitution and the nature of their disease, so also Hinduism prescribes different duties for different people.” • “Rules for women are different from the rules for men. The rules for different Varnas (castes) and Ashramas (the four stages of life) vary.” (“Understanding Hinduism”)
Universal Rules of Dharma There are four fundamental virtues that all Hindus are asked to adhere to regularly 1. Non-violence 2. Truth 3. Purity 4. Self-control Good dharma = Good karma
How does literature impact Dharma? “In the matter of Dharma, the Vedas are the ultimate authority. You cannot know the truth about Dharma through any source of knowledge other than the Vedas.” (“Understanding Hinduism”)
Mirror Image Theory The four stages of life may, somewhat improbably, be associated with the four parts of the Vedas:
p.s. … Brahma’s Birth • Brahma is self-born in a lotus flower that grew from the navel/bellybutton of Vishnu at the beginning of the universe !