Geethartha Chinthane 29: What is the purpose of Bhagavad Avatar?

Team Udayavani, Sep 7, 2024, 6:53 AM IST

Dharma, beauty, Madi (traditional cleanliness), and similar concepts cannot be confined within a rigid framework. Imagine a thief who came to steal but also ended up killing someone. In such a scenario, people often think that killing is a greater crime than stealing. He could have just stolen and left, so why did he kill? This is an example of ‘Choradharma’ (the way of thieves).

Similarly, there are different types of dharma—Rajadharma (the duty of a king), Patidharma (the duty of a husband), Stridharma (the duty of a woman), and so on. How do we define beauty, or even Madi (cleanliness)? For instance, in North Indian temples, priests wear coats while performing rituals. We cannot rigidly say, “this is how it must be.” These practices should be understood based on the country, time, and occasion, and must align with one’s conscience.

The phrase ‘Dharmasya Charanam (Acharanam) Shreyah…’ means “Dharma must be practiced, and truth must be spoken.” However, it is difficult to decide what is true in certain situations. In such cases, one must rely on their conscience to guide them.

The Lord incarnates for two main purposes: to demonstrate the true nature of dharma and to reveal Himself as God. This is why policies like Vidura Neeti exist. These policies are guidelines—meant to direct people in the right course of action in certain situations.

~ Sri Sugunendra Theertha Swamiji of Paryaya Sri Puthige Sri Krishna Matha

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