Manav Dharma Oriya

This document is the Oriya translation of "Manav Dharma" (Human Dharma) by Dada Bhagwan, published by Dada Bhagwan Aradhana Trust. The book focuses on the principles of human behavior and ethics as expounded by Dada Bhagwan.

Here's a summary of the key themes and teachings presented in the text:

Core Principle of Human Dharma:

• Empathy and Not Causing Suffering: The most fundamental aspect of human dharma, repeatedly emphasized, is to not cause suffering to anyone. The core idea is to put yourself in the other person's shoes and consider how you would feel if you were in their situation. If you wouldn't like to be hurt, then you should not hurt others. This is presented as the primary guiding principle.

Understanding and Practicing Human Dharma:

• The Golden Rule: The book articulates the Golden Rule in various ways: "What you don't like, don't do to others." And conversely, "What you like, do to others."
• Consequences of Actions: Every action has a consequence. If you cause harm, you will experience similar harm. This principle is rooted in the understanding of karma.
• Righteousness vs. Self-Interest: True human dharma is not about serving your own selfish interests. It's about considering the well-being of others. The text criticizes people who only act out of personal gain and disregard the impact of their actions on others.
• The Nature of Human Life: Human life is seen as a crucial junction. By adhering to human dharma, one can progress to higher realms or even attain liberation (moksha). Deviating from it leads to lower life forms.
• True Meaning of Human Dharma: The book clarifies that simply not belonging to a particular sect, not discriminating based on caste, or maintaining peace are not the entirety of human dharma. These are byproducts of true human dharma. The core is empathy and non-harming.
• The "Akram Marg" (Instantaneous Path): Dada Bhagwan's teachings are often referred to as the "Akram Marg," a shortcut to self-realization. This involves understanding the Self and the nature of the universe, leading to a state of liberation while living.

Illustrative Examples:

• Finding Lost Money: If you find lost money, the human dharma is to try and return it to the owner, considering the suffering the owner would experience.
• Dealing with Employees/Subordinates: When reprimanding someone, you should consider how you would feel if you were in their position. This leads to a more considerate approach.
• Interactions with Others: The principle of "what you don't like, don't do to others" is applied to various situations like harsh speech, causing offense, or mistreating others.
• Empathy for the Weak: The text highlights the importance of not exploiting the vulnerable and instead empowering them with means of livelihood rather than just providing charity.

Dada Bhagwan's Role:

• The "Gnani Purush" (Knower of the Self): The book introduces Dada Bhagwan (Ambalal M. Patel) as a Gnani Purush who attained complete self-realization and has the ability to impart this knowledge to others, enabling them to experience the same.
• Transmission of Knowledge: Dada Bhagwan empowered others, like Dr. Nirubben Amin and Deepakbhai Desai, to continue spreading this knowledge of self-realization.

Distinction between Human Dharma and Other Concepts:

• Human Dharma vs. Charity/Social Service: While acts of kindness and social service are good, true human dharma goes deeper, focusing on the internal state of not causing harm.
• Human Dharma vs. Moksha: Human dharma is a prerequisite for spiritual progress and ultimately for achieving moksha. It purifies the soul and prepares it for liberation.
• Variations in Human Dharma: The book acknowledges that the practice of human dharma can vary based on an individual's or culture's level of development, but the core principle of non-harming remains constant.

Key Takeaways:

• Self-Reflection: Constantly ask yourself, "How would I feel if this happened to me?"
• Non-Violence (Ahimsa) in Thought, Word, and Deed: This is the essence of human dharma.
• Responsibility: We are responsible for our actions and their impact on others.
• Spiritual Progression: By practicing human dharma, one progresses on the spiritual path, ultimately leading to liberation.
• Importance of Knowledge: True understanding of human dharma comes from the right knowledge, preferably from a qualified spiritual teacher.

In essence, "Manav Dharma Oriya" by Dada Bhagwan serves as a guide to living a life of compassion, empathy, and non-violence, emphasizing that the true essence of being human lies in causing no harm to any living being.