The Hindu Article - Broad scheme for human conduct

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Date:23/01/2003 URL:

http://www.thehindu.com/2003/01/23/stories/2003012303720800.htm

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Miscellaneous - Religion

 

Broad scheme for human conduct

 

CHENNAI JAN.23 . The Vedas, which are the primary scriptures of

Hinduism, are eulogised as the breath of the eternal, the reason

being that they were not composed by anyone. They do not have a

beginning or an end in time and were revealed to the sages. The name

Hinduism by which it is popularly known is a misnomer in the strict

sense of the term as it has been a way of life and not a faith

propounded by a teacher. Hence the name Sanatana dharma or Vaidika

dharma is more appropriate to refer to it. These names indicate that

this way of life is eternal and based on the Vedas. Moreover, the

Vedic religion being very ancient the necessity for a name to

distinguish it arose only when other religions came into existence.

 

The Vedas describe the nature of the Ultimate Reality (Brahman). They

are divided into two major sections, the Karma Kanda and the Jnana

Kanda. While the former deals with rituals and sacrifices that are to

be performed according to one's station in life, the latter comprises

the Upanishads, which are philosophical in nature. Hence the

preoccupation here is totally with the goal of liberation from

worldly bondage, which is the ultimate goal of human life. The topic

of worship is also discussed in the Vedas, as it is intrinsic to the

subject matter of spirituality.

 

In his discourse, Sri B.Sundar Kumar said the tenets of Dharma

enshrined in the Vedas had come down to mankind through Swayambhu

Manu. Dharma is an all-encompassing principle and hence no one is

exempt from it. The logic of this scheme for human conduct is that it

differs for every individual. It takes into consideration the fact

that every person's make-up is different. Even though human faculties

are identical, each person is different because of the latent

impressions in the mind (Vasanas) acquired over several lives. The

Karma (the result of man's actions), which is responsible for birth

is different for each person and this makes him unique. A qualified

doctor prescribes medicine after assessing the condition of the

patient because what is good for one may be disastrous for another.

Similarly, Sanatana Dharma has devised a system under which each

individual can follow the tenets prescribed for him. The regulations

governing a priest's life will be different, for instance, from that

of a warrior's. But, both will ultimately realise the same objective

in their lives by discharging their duties, according to Vedic way of

life.

 

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