Finding Dharma
“Generally society is divided into brahmanas, ksatriyas, vasiyas, sudras, brahmacaris, vanaprasthas, sannyasis and grhasthas. Everyone must act according to his position and try to please the Supreme Personality of Godhead, for that will make one’s life successful. This was instructed in Naimisaranya: “O best among the twice-born, it is therefore concluded that the highest perfection one can achieve, by discharging his prescribed duties [dharma] according to caste divisions and order of life, is to please the Lord Hari.” (SB 1.2.13) Everyone should act according to his occupational duties just to please the Supreme Personality of Godhead. Then everyone will be happy.” (SB 7.15.66)
There are two verses which Krishna repeats twice, practically verbatim, in the Bhagavad-gita. Firstly, Krishna reminds Arjuna of the need to embrace one’s material duties: “It is far better to discharge one’s prescribed duties, even though faultily, than another’s duties perfectly. Destruction in the course of performing one’s own duty is better than engaging in another’s duties, for to follow another’s path is dangerous.” (BG 3.35). Beyond this, Krishna tells Arjuna of the ultimate duty: “Engage your mind always in thinking of Me, become My devotee, offer obeisances to Me and worship Me. Being completely absorbed in Me, surely you will come to Me.” (BG 9.34)
These two verses relate to the absolute necessity of embracing sva-dharma, or worldy duty in this life, and simultaneously perfecting sanatana-dharma, or ultimate duty in spiritual life. In order to fulfil these purposes and navigate the material world, Narada Muni also described manusya-dharma (qualities of civilised beings) which forms the foundation of a successful life.
Find your Dharma In recent times, a common theme has repeatedly surfaced in the modern world: the need to find your purpose, your nature, your contribution and calling. This is not a new message, since the sages of yore repeatedly stressed this. Here’s an exercise: grab a piece of paper, pick up a pen, and quickly scribble down your name using your non-writing hand. Unless you’re ambidextrous, the experience is usually common to all – it’s slow and tiring, requires excessive effort and attention, feels uncomfortable and abnormal, and usually concludes in a lousy looking attempt. This is exactly what we experience when we operate outside of our dharma (nature, or unique function in life). We live in a noisy world, and, in the midst of it, struggle to hear the heart. Tuning into our inner calling, however, is where the real journey begins, otherwise we may well be careering down a no-through road. Happy and fulfilled people utilise wisdom and guidance to accurately understand what makes them tick. It’s a simple but neglected principle of life.
Live your Dharma The problem can, however, go beyond this. Just as difficult as finding your dharma, is to wholeheartedly live your dharma. Even when we know what we are ‘hard-wired’ for, too many things deviate us from the path we should be treading. The expectations of others, the desire for praise and accolade, the restlessness and intrigue of trying new things, and the perpetual illusion that the grass is greener on the other side, are all factors which lure us towards the unnatural, and set us up for disappointment and failure. Honest living is about doing what you are truly meant for, however big or small, in whatever field or arena, regardless of pressure and public opinion. Everyone, without exception, has something unique to bring to the table. We only have to find it and feed it.
Beyond your Dharma Dharmic living doesn’t mean boring or average living, or avoidance of challenge and risk. In fact, it’s quite the opposite – to capitalise on strengths, cover our weaknesses, develop naturally, and focus all energy in a way which yields maximum impact. In the name of dharma we should not become lazy or lethargic – it’s meant to be a life which dynamically bends you without breaking you. Dharmic living also incorporates the willingness, flexibility and readiness to sometimes act outside of our dharma. The spirit of sacrifice is at the heart of character development. In fact, being strongly situated in our dharma should render us more capable and equipped to respond to the unpredictable needs of the day. Following your dharma should not be an excuse to circumvent the essential mood of being a flexible, selfless servant.
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