Theory and Practice of Dharma in Governance

The concept of Dharma, deeply rooted in ancient Indian scriptures, carries profound and multifaceted meanings. Its origins can be traced back to the Ṛgveda, where it derives from the root "dhṛ," signifying to uphold, support, or nourish. In the context of governance, understanding Dharma provides invaluable insights into sustaining and nurturing society, ensuring stability and prosperity.

Fundamental Meaning of Dharma

In its most fundamental sense, Dharma is depicted as upholding, supporting or sustaining. This foundational understanding aligns with the root word "dhṛ." The concept of Dharma encompasses the principles of sustenance, truth, and cosmic order, often personified as a deity with omniscient qualities. This broad understanding allows for a comprehensive approach to governance, ensuring policies are rooted in ethical and moral principles that sustain the societal framework.

Dharma and Satya (Truth)

Upanishadic thought, particularly evident in the Bṛhadāraṇyaka Upanishad, often equates Dharma with Satya (Truth). This connection underlines the intrinsic nature of Dharma as being in harmony with the ultimate truth. In the governance context, this principle emphasizes the importance of aligning policies and actions with fundamental truths and ethical standards that sustain societal order. Governance that adheres to Satya ensures transparency, accountability, and trust among the populace, fostering a stable and just society.

Dharma as a Personified Deity

Dharma is also personified as a deity, poetically captured in verses like "Ādityacandrā vanilonalasca dharmascha jānāti narasya vṛttam," where Dharma is seen as an all-knowing entity, aware of individuals' actions and conduct. This personification highlights the role of governance in overseeing and upholding the moral and ethical standards of society. By viewing Dharma as a guiding force, policymakers can create a governance framework that nurtures ethical behavior and societal welfare.

The Functions and Powers of Dharma

In the Ṛgveda, various verses illustrate the functions and powers of Dharma. For instance, Ṛgveda 6.70.1 states, "dyava pr̥thivī varuṇasya dharmāṇā viskabhite anāre bhūri retasā," signifying that Dharma sustains the whole world. Similarly, Ṛgveda 5.63.7 emphasizes that Dharma, through the divine principles of Mitra and Varuna, upholds the cosmic order. These verses underscore the universality of Dharma and its role in maintaining the balance and harmony of the cosmos, principles that can be translated into governance by ensuring policies that sustain environmental and societal equilibrium.

Enjoined Karmas and Duties

The Yajña Jaiminīya Pūrvamīmāṃsā Sūtra (1.1.2) describes Dharma as the outcome of enjoined Karmas and duties. It emphasizes that actions aligned with Dharma not only provide material benefits but also lead to higher spiritual fulfillment, as noted in the Vaiśeṣika Sūtra: "yathā ābhudaya niḥśreyasa siddhiḥ sa dharmaḥ." In governance, this translates to the duty of leaders to enact policies that not only address immediate needs but also contribute to the long-term spiritual and moral development of society.

The Triadic Nature of Dharma

Dharma is often depicted as having three arms: Yajña (sacrifice), Adhyayanam (study), and Dāna (charity), as mentioned in the Chāndogyopaniṣad (2.23). Additionally, Manusmṛti (2.6) asserts that Dharma is rooted in the Vedas, the memory of Vedas, acts of Sadhus, and the contentment of self. This triadic nature of Dharma underscores the comprehensive approach required in governance, balancing ritual, knowledge, and benevolence. Leaders and policymakers can draw from these principles to create a balanced and inclusive governance model that nurtures all aspects of societal well-being.

Sustaining Principles of Dharma

The essence of Dharma, deeply rooted in Indian philosophical thought, is that of sustenance or avadhāraṇa. This concept posits that without Dharma, the essence of an object ceases to exist. For instance, the intrinsic functions of seeing in the eye and hearing in the ear are the core Dharma of these sensory organs. Extending this concept to human existence, Prāṇa, or the life force, is the Dharma of a human being, embodying Sattva (purity, reality). In governance, sustaining principles of Dharma ensures that policies are life-affirming and nurturing, contributing to the overall vitality and well-being of society.

The Pursuit of Happiness

This sustaining principle, Dharma, can be fueled by various aspects of life such as desires, purpose, fame, kinship, and closeness to loved ones. These elements contribute to perceived happiness. However, true Dharma points towards Ātmānanda – the inherent, self-generated bliss. This bliss sustains Dharma within us, a discovery made by rishis and sages in the Indic traditions. Governance that fosters environments for achieving Ātmānanda can create a more harmonious and fulfilling society.

States of Consciousness and Happiness

The understanding of Dharma and happiness is further enriched by the concepts of Jāgrat (waking state), Svapna (dreaming state), and Suṣupti (deep sleep state), which are pivotal in Indian philosophy, particularly Vedānta. These states provide a framework for understanding the different levels of consciousness and their relation to happiness and fulfillment.

Jāgrat (Waking State)

In the waking state, conscious awareness of the external world through sensory experiences links happiness to external stimuli and interactions, often transient and dependent on external factors. Governance that focuses solely on this state may lead to policies that prioritize material and immediate pleasures over long-term well-being.

Svapna (Dreaming State)

In the dreaming state, happiness is internally fabricated within dreams, reflecting subconscious desires but remains impermanent and illusory. Governance that considers the subconscious aspirations of its people can create policies that address deeper societal needs and aspirations, moving beyond mere material satisfaction.

Suṣupti (Deep Sleep State)

The deep sleep state, marked by the absence of sensory perception and mental activity, is associated with true bliss (Ānanda), free from the dualities of waking and dreaming. It suggests inherent and unchanging happiness connected to pure consciousness. Policies that promote mental peace and well-being can help individuals achieve a state akin to Suṣupti, leading to a more balanced and peaceful society.

Ātma-Sukha: Transcendental Happiness

Indian seers identified a state transcending Suṣupti, unveiling Ātma-Sukha, an expansive reservoir of happiness surpassing sensory pleasures. In Ātma-Sukha, one experiences profound joy and contentment without relying on sensory perception. This state represents a deeper, more sustained form of bliss characterized by self-awareness and consciousness, embodying a deep, intrinsic joy at the core of one's being. Governance that facilitates the pursuit of Ātma-Sukha can lead to a society that values inner contentment over external materialism.

Balancing Bhoga and Yoga

Achieving a balance between Bhoga (sensory pleasure) and Yoga (spiritual practice) is vital for a sustainable lifestyle that upholds Dharma. This balance emphasized in the Mahābhārata, is crucial for governance. Bhīṣma, in his dialogue with Yudhiṣṭhira, underscores that a king's primary duty is to maintain Dharma, Artha (wealth), Kāma (desire), and Mokṣa (liberation). This journey begins with Dharma and culminates in Mokṣa, essentially optimizing the Yoga state. Governance must strive to create a framework that supports this balance, ensuring policies that nurture both material and spiritual well-being.

Institutionalizing Dharma

Practicing moderation and avoiding extremes is key to Dharmic practice. In policy parlance, institutionalizing Dharma involves integrating it into individual, familial, and national (Rashtra) life. Practices of Yoga and the pursuit of Ātma-Sukha are designed to be communal, ingrained in the cultural ethos. They teach detachment from sensory pleasures, not out of deprivation but to attain a higher state of contentment and well-being. Institutionalizing these practices within governance can foster a culture of moderation, ethical behavior, and holistic well-being.

The broad synchrony between the external cosmos and the biological system within is captured in the Indic milieu as “Yat piṇḍande, tat brahmāṇḍe.” This axiom reflects the inherent cycles within ourselves as manifestations of the eternal cycles of the cosmos and Ṛtam-satyam. Understanding these cycles from Jagrit to Nidra, and from Indriya Sukha in Svapna to Ātma Sukha, is essential for achieving a balance between Bhoga and Yoga, vital for sustainable governance that upholds Dharma. Governance rooted in these principles can create a balanced, ethical, and prosperous society, ensuring the well-being and fulfillment of its people at all levels of existence.

Authored by Sushant Gangoli. Published by Brhat.