Manav Dharma Marathi

This Jain text, "Manav Dharma Marathi" (Humanity's Dharma in Marathi) authored by Dada Bhagwan, published by Dada Bhagwan Aradhana Trust, is a guide to living a life of true humanity. The core principle emphasized throughout the book is "I will not cause anyone the kind of suffering that causes me suffering."

Here's a comprehensive summary of its key teachings:

The Essence of True Humanity:

• Empathy and Not Causing Suffering: The fundamental tenet is to understand that whatever causes you pain or suffering, you should not inflict that upon anyone else. This involves putting yourself in the other person's shoes and considering their feelings.
• The Golden Rule: The book reiterates the principle of treating others as you wish to be treated – giving to others what you like for yourself and not doing to others what you dislike.
• Beyond Rituals and Dogma: True humanity is not about adhering to specific religious rituals, sects, or having prejudices. It transcends religious labels and focuses on the conduct of an individual. The text clarifies that merely refraining from casteism is not the definition of human dharma.

Defining and Practicing Human Dharma:

• Empathy in Action: When faced with a situation that causes you pain, the practice of humanity is to consider how the other person might feel and avoid causing them similar pain. This applies to various scenarios, from dealing with employees to finding lost money.
• Honesty and Integrity: The book stresses returning lost property, like money, to its rightful owner by using advertisements and verifying ownership. Keeping what is not rightfully yours is not human dharma.
• Ethical Behavior in Transactions: When dealing with money, whether borrowed or found, the principle of returning it or using it responsibly for good causes (if the owner cannot be found) is paramount. The thought process should be: "If I had lent money and it wasn't returned, how would I feel?"
• Respect for Others' Property and Feelings: This extends to not coveting or misusing what belongs to others. The book uses examples like a woman's chastity or a child's well-being, emphasizing that just as you would not want your loved ones harmed, you should not harm others.
• Self-Reflection and Intention: The book encourages constant self-reflection, asking oneself how they would feel in a similar situation. The intention behind actions is crucial. If the intention is to cause harm, it deviates from human dharma.
• Understanding Consequences: The text highlights that every action has a consequence, and the universe operates by a natural law. Actions lead to corresponding reactions and destinations in future lives (humanity, animal realm, divine realm, hellish realm).
• The "Super Human" (Divine Man): This is presented as an advanced stage of humanity where an individual, despite being wronged, continues to help the other person. Such individuals possess divine qualities.
• The Importance of Correct Understanding: The book stresses that true human dharma stems from genuine understanding, not just from reading or hearing about it. This understanding is best gained from a qualified spiritual teacher who embodies these principles.

Key Points on Behavioral Guidance:

• Dealing with Mistakes (Self and Others): When someone under your responsibility makes a mistake, offering sincere advice is acceptable. If conflict arises, apologize and accept the mistake. The intention should not be to cause suffering.
• Avoiding Selfishness and Anger: Selfishness is described as a state where one's happiness is solely derived from their own gains. Anger, especially towards those who are weaker or dependent, is strongly discouraged and considered a significant transgression against human dharma.
• The Nature of Giving and Receiving: The book advises against creating dependency through charity. Instead, providing opportunities for people to earn a livelihood through their own efforts is encouraged. Blind charity that fosters idleness is detrimental.
• The Illusion of "Helping": The text critiques superficial acts of "helping" that are driven by ego or a desire for recognition. True service comes from a place of genuine empathy and understanding, not from a sense of superiority.
• The Role of Developed Understanding: The book acknowledges that the manifestation of human dharma can vary based on cultural backgrounds and individual development. However, the core principle of not causing suffering remains universal.

The Ultimate Goal:

While practicing human dharma is highly commendable and reduces negative karma, the ultimate goal, according to Dada Bhagwan, is Self-Realization (Moksha). Human dharma is a crucial step in preparing oneself for this ultimate liberation. It purifies one's actions and thoughts, leading towards a state of pure consciousness.

In essence, "Manav Dharma Marathi" is a practical guide to cultivating a life of compassion, empathy, and ethical conduct, emphasizing that true humanity lies in the conscious effort to avoid causing pain to any living being. It serves as a foundation for spiritual progress and ultimately, liberation.