Dharma- Cosmic Law and Order

Email

Whatsapp

Facebook

Pinterest

Twitter

Copy link

The monograph Dharma (The Cosmic Law and Order) is authored by Dr. Nithyanantha Bhat, in which he explores the concept of Dharma from the Vedas, Upaniṣads, and travels through the Itihasa period, discussing its relevance in the modern social context. With only about 60 pages and nine chapters, it covers a broad spectrum of perspectives. Dr. Bhat extensively reviewed the opinions and thoughts of various modern thinkers. The Vedic concept of rta, which evolved into satya and dharma and at times transformed into Bhakti and godliness, is explored comprehensively by him. The author considers all aspects and dimensions of dharma in this monograph, making it immensely beneficial for researchers and laymen alike.

The book compiles all the definitions of dharma from Sanskrit texts into one comprehensive resource along with providing the original sources, making it a convenient go-to source for ready material on the subject. I extend my congratulations to Dr. Nithyanantha Bhat for authoring this insightful work, and eagerly anticipate many more informative books in the future.

The monograph Dharma (The Cosmic Law and Order) is a Golden Jubilee publication by Sukṛtindra Oriental Research Institute, authored by Dr. Nithyanantha Bhat. In this concise work, Dr. Bhat explores the concept of dharma from the Vedas, Upaniṣads, and travels through the Itihasa period, discussing its relevance in the modern social context. With only about 60 pages and nine chapters, it covers a broad spectrum of perspectives.

Dharma, an untranslatable term in Sanskrit, encom- passes duties, rights, righteousness, justice, ethical values, and moral principles underlying philosophical thought. According to Manu, it includes indicators such as endurance, tolerance, self-control, integrity, purity of body-mind-speech, as well as restraint of the senses, intellect, learning, truth, and absence of anger. Manu later condensed these into the five virtues of non-violence, truth, integrity, purity, and controlling the sense organs. Sanatana-dharma is not a rigid dogmatic concept but a flexible and dynamic way of life, and that is the reason why it has survived so many onslaughts, invasions and attempts at uprooting it. For instance, while truth is upheld as the highest value, the perennial dharma advises against speaking harsh truths upfront, displaying practical, matured wisdom. Furthermore, dharma is not propagated by a single individual; it is a cumulative contribution of thousands of thinkers to the eternal flow of dharma.

Having read a number of scholarly works on the Concept of Dharma in Hinduism, I developed a wish to write a brief account of what Dharma is and its significance for the benefit of common readers. I have tried to briefly explain the meaning of Dharma, and highlight the explanations of Dharma as reflected in the ancient Indian scriptures such as the Vedas, the Upanisads, Srimad Bhagavata, the Ramayaņa, and the Mahabharata. Emphasis is given to the subject Dharma and human society, and also the significance of Dharma in the present day world.

I express my gratitude to Mahamahopadhyaya Dr. G. Gangadharan Nair, recipient of President's Certificate of Honour, for having examined my work and given me valuable suggestions. I am grateful to Dr. Gauri Mahulikar, Academic Director, Chinmaya International Foundation, Veliyanad, for having written an illuminating Foreword to my book.

I hope my book will be of use to those who are interested in having the basic awareness about the concept of Dharma in Hinduism.