Thus Spake the Divine - Differentiation within Dharma

Thus Spake the Divine

Differentiation within Dharma

From this chapter to Chapter 8, Poojyasri Maha Periyava explains at length he most unique feature of the Hindu Religion, which is Varna Dharma. He puts forth His strong viewpoints in favour of Varna Dharma and emphasises that such Dharma leads to a united and harmonious society. Periyava also expresses His anguish over the collapse of Varna Dharma in recent times.

There are various kinds of occupational / vocational activities, which are essential for smooth functioning of a society and its prosperity. Some activities require intellectual effort and others involve physical effort. Therefore, the perception that one profession is superior and another is inferior is absolutely incorrect.

For each one of our families, we need rice, salt, clothing, books and so on. But for that, would each of us engage in agriculture for producing rice or will we be producing salt or printing books? The one, who is engaged in agriculture, is doing so for getting produce not only for him but also for others; the one who weaves clothing, does it for all.

Likewise, people are into business to meet the needs of the entire society, apart from their own requirements. Some people engage in war to protect their people. Likewise, to ensure prosperity for the entire world, some people engage in spiritual activities, such as meditation, pooja and yagas. Religions codes within Hinduism have only been framed in a manner that people of various professions carry out their tasks for the mutual benefit of the entire society.

What is the basis for distribution of such activities within a society? If we say, based on their capability, then all would tend to over-estimate their capabilities. If we say based on their mental attitudes, then all would like to take up only prestigious white collar activities. In that case, what would happen to other types of activities? How can activities be distributed among all people to ensure that every social requirement is met? The issue here is not just distributing activities among people.

The activities have to be continued generation after generation. That is the reason why Varna Dharma was framed to distribute professions based on what people had traditionally been doing.

Whichever the profession, if one carries it out deeming it as a directive from Lord Parameshvara for the well-being of the society, then that itself brings in well being for individuals of every profession. When doing a profession, no one is inferior or superior to anyone.

This article is a snippet from the Book Thus Spake the Divine, is available online at www.giri.in and across Giri Trading Agency Private Limited, A chain of Speciality Stores dealing in all kinds of products needed in Indian Culture and Tradition.

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