Dharma

Publisher's Note

'Dharma' is understood by some, misunderstood by some more, practiced by many and criticized by many more, ignored by many and realized in its essence by a rare few.

We are glad to present to our readers a compilation of three articles by Param Pujya Gurudev Swami Chinmayananda, Param Pujya Guruji Swami Tejomayananda and Swamini Vimalananda which will enhance our understanding, remove a few misunderstandings and help in practice and realize the essence of Dharma.

We acknowledge with gratefulness the editing efforts of Smt. Radhika Krishnakumar, Chennai and the aesthetic cover design of Shri Krishnamurthy and Shri Ramesh of Mayapuri Graphics, Chennai.

This cause of spreading 'Dharma' is sponsored by members of the Chinmaya Mission Jakarta, Indonesia. We invoke the blessing of our Dharma Gurus on them.

Back of the Book

Dharma is the very essence and substratum which upholds, nourishes, sustains and integrates the universe. Sweetness is the dharma of sugar, sweet-less sugar is a myth.

Values uphold one's character, nourish one's life sustain joy, give meaning to life and integrate society. Hence values are called Dharma. At a deeper level the Lord Himself is called Dharma, for He is the very essence of the world of names and forms and the one who sustains and nourishes it.

The scriptures related to Dharma are called Dharma Shastras. In the language of management, Dharma Shastras are the "Science of Desire Management". They help us manage our desies and ultimately sublimate them by giving us a dina charya (daily plan) and a jivan charya (life plan).

The right understanding of the words 'Hindu' 'Philosophy', 'religion' 'religious' sect' (Sampradaya) and 'secular rule' (dharma raja), would foster more harmony amongst mankind.

In their own unique styles the great master Gurudev Swami Chinmayananda, Guruji Swami Tejomayananda and Swamini Vimalananda have simplified the above mentioned aspects of dharma.