Dharma – That Which Upholds
Talk By Dr. Jayadeva in Parisamvad
Yoga and Total Health, April 2013
"We are discussing ‘Dharma’ - that which upholds. Even though it is a very important subject, everyone keeps way from Dharma, takes it as religion, or various such things. In our present-day language, we would rather follow ‘Adharma’. Most of us are black marketers; we may not admit it but we are all busy in collecting money by hook or by crook. If we are in the profession, we learn the tricks, how to do only a little good and keep the people coming to us again.
So truly speaking. Dharma is not there today in our blood. Whereas in our culture, this is a very important thing. People were always having thoughts, whether their action would harm others, whether it is unjust, whether it is religious, whether it was irreligious. And up to a point of time in our country’s history, people followed it. In fact, the first Pope who visited India said at the time of departure at the Mumbai airport, “When I look at Indians, they are the most ethical, pure people.” That is a great comment.
There are some people who believe in this idea. But we all don’t believe in it. Our argument is, “If I go too much for all this, I won’t make money. I won’t be able to look after my family, who will take care of me when I am old? So let' me make as much as I can.” This is the honest attitude, though dishonestly we say, “No, no, I don’t do that, I try to do good of the people.” But Dharma is the basis and that is what builds up the entire structure. The personality that contains knowledge, wisdom, is only such an individual who has that balanced state - dutiful, sensible. and altruistic. And when one behaves like that, then even gains are there. If you honestly look at the society, some of the richest people are very honest. They are sincere, hardworking and openly say whatever is correct. But there are only few, very few of such people.
Unfortunately, most of us are interested in quick money. Nowadays this has been increasing, so the end result is that most of the people become corrupt, crooked and what not. So it is a good topic Dharma - “that which you really want to avoid!”