Datta Maata 71: The connection between this body and righteousness (dharma)

Dharma and this body:

The Vedas declare – Dhāranāth dharmaha, which means ‘That which holds this world and supports it is dharma (righteousness). It is also related to the behavioral aspects of humans.

In this definition, we find two sub-theories. Dharma is followed by humans. It is dependant on their mind and body. The human behavior itself is dharma which depends on the society as well. We must understand the boundaries of these two concepts.

To follow dharma, the body (kshetra) acts as a tool. The world is the field. A writer preserves his paper and pen. Similarly, the seeker must protect his body and the world. A poem cannot arise either from a pen or a paper. Likewise, dharma cannot be born from the body or the world. Then, from where does it take birth? It is born from the actions that are based on both of these. Hence, seeker must take good care of his world. Protecting the body implies avoid neglecting it. In other words, it means to keep the body under his control.

Here, the word ‘body’ also refers to the mind. Now, taking care of one’s world implies that one must befriend good people and fulfill the responsibilities towards the society honestly. When both these aspects are taken care of, the universal welfare and dharma flourish themselves.

Let us therefore implement what we have learnt because however much is spoken about this subject it always falls short.

Body is the kshetra. The Lord within is the kshetrajna. This means that in order to see the God who is all-pervading, who is omniscient, we must also keep our body in hale and healthy condition.

There are many who neglect the body in the name of meditation, fasts and by going to the forest. They only end up in the hospital and nowhere else. This only makes the relatives suffer because they have to bear the hospital charges for the treatment of the disease. Taking care of this body is a dharma.

One must nurture it properly by eating the right food that is necessary for its survival and drives the senses in the right direction. By doing so, one must try to see God. This is what for the body is given to us by God. This body is very important to know the vast tattva (principle) of Paramatma. It must not be sacrificed. We must go through this. That itself is the true dharma.

Jai Guru Datta! Sri Guru Datta!