The slightest twitch of the archer while his bow is pulled back can change the trajectory of the arrow dramatically. That is why taking some time to understand your dharma can change the course of your life. Dharma is a complex word but it boils down to your responsibility to yourself and the principles you hold dear. It is a personal code of conduct for success and evolution.
The Classical Sanskrit noun dharma is a derivation from the root dhṛ, which means “to hold, maintain, keep”, and takes a meaning of “what is established or firm”, and hence “law”. It is derived from an older Vedic Sanskrit stem dharman, with a literal meaning of “bearer, supporter”. – Wikipedia
Where do Behavioral Incentives Come From?
In society we have laws placed on us usually as a means to maintain civilized behavior. In religion we have rules based on moral character to keep us in good standing with God. Our behavior is shaped by a fear of punishment either from God or the state. These codes of conduct come from external sources.
Dharma is different because it shapes our behavior from within. The incentive for aligning with your dharma doesn’t come from a fear of external punishment. Instead it emphasizes spiritual growth, personal direction, and wisdom as things that come from turning our attention inward.
This is not to negate the importance of external laws and social or religious codes. It is more about bringing attention to our inner relationship with self. It is a spiritual path to confidence, self-actualization and wisdom.
Hinduism describes dharma as the natural universal laws whose observance enables humans to be contented and happy, and to save himself from degradation and suffering. Dharma is the moral law combined with spiritual discipline that guides one’s life. – Subhamoy Das
Ego Traps
We all seek validation and praise. It makes us feel valued and seen. Yet many of the ways that we seek validation can leave us feeling anxious, insecure and used. Some examples of this can be:
- People Pleasing: Trying to seek love and validation by impressing others often causes us to betray ourselves.
- Perfectionism: Placing expectations so high that you set yourself up for constant let-downs. This can lead to beating ourselves up and living in shame.
- Chasing Material Wealth: Believing that you only have value if you are rich with a big mansion and a fancy car can be destructive to self-worth.
- Social Status: Feeling that you need to be a movie star, a CEO, or a politician to be seen is a trap.
Inner Guidance vs External Gratification
Sometimes being true to yourself and your dharma can come at a cost. For example a soldier who believes that war is unethical and refuses to fight can face legal charges. It takes a lot of courage and confidence to face external disapproval for being true to yourself.
Being dishonest in business might allow you to become rich. Though you can now buy a big mansion and a fancy car you have betrayed yourself. Being true to your dharma requires you to respond to your inner-guidance.
Discovering your dharma is not about going somewhere and finding something. It is not outside of you, but rather, it arises from going within. –Sahara Rose
Coherence between our inner selves and the world around us is a powerful place to be. We often struggle to accomplish anything when we are out of alignment with our own true nature. Inherent within the principle of dharma is a sense of trust in one’s self. This translates to a deeper faith in the divine. That’s why dharma is a powerful spiritual path.
Dharma is a cosmic principle that is difficult, if not impossible, to define. Our Dharma is our true place in the cosmic process: in time, in space, in awareness, in thought, deed and desire. The eternal principle of Dharma determines the harmonious functions of the cosmic machine. In order that we fulfil our role in the divine play we must behave within our Dharma. That is, we ought to do the right thing, at the right time, In the right way, and for the right reason. By this we attain balance. To establish balance within ourselves ensures our own welfare and the welfare of society. And opens the path prepared for us by the divine. – Ramesh Manocha
The Cosmic Flow
When we are aligned with our dharma it is as if a force greater than ourselves is propelling us. Obstacles fall away and we feel our place within the flow of life. It is like a surfer that has caught the perfect wave. We all love that feeling when we know we are in the right place at the right time.
The accomplished musician spent much time practicing scales and the surfer missed many waves on their journey to mastery. We also have tools that are meant specifically for attuning us to our dharma:
- Meditation: Quieting the mind allows us to tune into our inner-voice and intuition.
- Yoga: When our bodies are strong and flexible we become more in tune with ourselves.
- Diet: Healthy nourishment allows for physical health and mental clarity.
Mastering Yourself
Self mastery allows us to take the wisdom of inner discipline and apply it to the external world. An example of this would be to create harmonic social relationships. In this way dharma encompasses our whole life, extending from our center and affecting everyone and everything around us.
We are engaged in a lifelong friendship with ourselves. Our community provides reflection, support and feedback. This is why we reach towards each other through media and community. Yet chasing praise or running from scorn within our social groups is a dead-end. When the dust settles we must always remain aligned with our true selves.
Dharma is a personal code of conduct for success and evolution. It brings us closer to the divine through our relationship with self. When we keep ourselves distracted in chaos we will not hear our personal calling. If we are not in tune with this inner wisdom we are flying blind without purpose.
