why is dharma so important 1
TRANSCRIPT
Why is dharma so important?
The Dharma Dilemna
One of the most important ideas in Hinduism is that, as
well as following the Sanatana dharma, everyone
should follow the rules of their own class and life-
stage, for the sake of themselves and for the sake
of society.
How is dharma connected to Moksha?
• Dharma has an effect on your karma and leads you towards higher rebirths and finally Moksha
• Dharma also ensures society runs smoothly
• Individual religious duty becomes the cause of personal and universal happiness
The world’s longest poem Mahabarata has a section called ‘Bhagavad Gita’ or ‘Song of the Lord’ which
illustrates the importance of the idea of dharma.
Arjuna is a Kshatriya warrior. He is tricked out of his kingdom by
his relatives. He stands opposite them on a
battlefield.
Arjuna Krishna
Krishna is in disguise as
Arjuna’s charioteer – he is
a God
Arjuna asks ‘Should I fight? These are my relatives, is it
right I fight against them?’
What do you think the God Krishna’s answer should be?
Krishna replies ‘If there is more joy in doing one’s own duty
badly than there is in doing another man’s well’
What do you think this means?
Do you agree? Would a Hindu agree?
Krishna encourages Arjuna to fulfil his duty as a Kshatriya and right the injustice
with military force.
Copy down this quote
“ There is more joy in doing one’s own duty badly than there is in doing
another man’s well”
Use this quote and the idea of varna-ashrama-dharma to explain why
dharma is important to an individual and society
Bramacharyia Santana dharma
Grihasta Varna
Vanaprashta Brahmin
Sanyasia Kshatriya
Dalits Vaishyas
Karma Shudras
Ashramas Moksha
Word check – do you know what these Hindu words mean?