On YouTube
स्वधर्म क्या है? || आचार्य प्रशांत, श्रीकृष्ण पर (2018)
आचार्य प्रशांत
8.2K views
7 years ago
Svadharma
Paradharma
Soul
Ego
Realization
Compassion
Non-violence
Humanism
Description

Acharya Prashant explains the concept of 'Svadharma' (one's own nature or duty) as that which arises directly from the soul and one's own realization, rather than from external traditions, scriptures, or the advice of others. He contrasts this with 'Paradharma' (another's duty), which is imposed by society or intellect and is described as fearful because it suppresses one's authentic self. He clarifies that 'Dharma' is the ultimate conviction that dissolves the ego and serves as the final duty leading to liberation. He emphasizes that true Dharma is rooted in love and understanding, not in rote learning or social conformity. The speaker addresses the misconception that spiritual realization leads to a lack of productivity or neglect of worldly responsibilities. He asserts that a truly spiritual person is the most useful to the world, acting as the 'salt of the earth' and the source of compassion and non-violence. He argues that without the influence of Dharma, human society would descend into a 'jungle raj' driven by greed and jealousy. He criticizes the modern trend of dismissing religion as a cause of conflict, pointing out that even scientific progress and social order rely on values like honesty and integrity, which are fundamentally religious in nature. Acharya Prashant also critiques the superficiality of modern 'humanism' and the tendency of people to hide their religious inclinations out of a sense of shame or a desire to appear 'modern.' He explains that the desire for self-improvement and progress is itself a search for the 'highest good' that Dharma provides. Finally, he notes that the impact of any teaching, whether religious or political like Marxism, depends entirely on the intention of the practitioner. Just as medicine can be poison and food can be harmful if misused, the value of Dharma lies in how it is applied toward the welfare of the self and others.