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Chapter Three
SWADHARMA
1. WHAT IS SWADHARMA?
T
here is no proper equivalent in English for the the Sanskrit term 'Dharma'. It is generally rendered as 'duty', 'righteousness'. Any action that is best calculated to bring Sreyas (liberation) and Abhyudaya (exaltation), is Dharma. That which brings well-being to human beings is Dharma. The word Dharma comes from the root 'Dhri' which means 'to support' or 'to hold on'. That which upholds is Dharma. By Dharma people are upheld As it supports and holds together it is called Dharma. That which secures preservation of being is Dharma. 'Swadharma' means one's own duty in accordance with the Varnashrama or caste and order of life which are founded according to the Gunas or qualities born of the nature of man.
God, religion and Dharma are inseparable Man evolves through the practice of Dharma according to his caste and order of life, and eventually attains Selfrealization, the ultimate goal of life, which brings infinite bliss, supreme peace, unbroken joy, highest knowledge, eternal satisfaction and immortality.
The mark of Dharma is Achara (good conduct).
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