The Doctrine of Righteousness (Dharma) or Dharma Sastram.

As per Indian way of life, we have two dimensions in our life. One is ‘material life’ and the other is ‘spiritual life’.In the material life our wants are unlimited. When one want is satisfied the other rises in us. Thus we find it very difficult to satisfy our wants. However for spiritual life the only way which was taught to us by our Rishis and Vedapurushas, is to follow the path of “Righteousness” that is “Dharma”.The word ‘Dharma’ is having different meanings at different contexts which are explained in our scriptures in detail. But in this context we derive a meaning for ‘Dharma’ as ‘righteousness’. This is otherwise a scriptural law, a code of conduct evolved by our elders.This land of holy Bharath has seen many Rishies, Yogis, the great elders. They led this path of “Righteousness” and were happy throughout their life. Their life is a role model for us to follow.The great Rishi ‘Apasthamba’ states that Yam Kriyamanam Aryaha Prashamsanthi Tham Dharmam Ithyasakshathe” that is whatever action which is well received and appreciated by our Yogis, Mahathmas those actions are all known as ‘Dharma’.If any action results in sorrow or bad effects it is ‘Adharma’.We should try to follow Dharma to our maximum ability and we should avoid all actions of Adharma.It is our great ambition and endeavour to give a detailed code of conduct as explained in our sastras, Vedas and followed by our great seers and elders. _With this ambition, we now bring out this small book explaining various tips in our day to day life to follow the path of Righteousness. Our scriptures lay down various codes of conduct to enable us live comfortably, enjoying mental peace. They do not completely prevent us from doing our daily activities like bathing, eating, and sleeping they merely state that it would be beneficial if they are done properly and in a disciplined manner ,Let us also know them.For example When we return after doing outdoor work, we wash our feet before entering the house. After taking meals and also on other occasions, we wash our feet for the sake of cleanliness. Also, while washing we must keep both our feet together and stand facing west. This alone will help increase our life span, say the scriptures. Further, we should not rub one foot against the other as this will lead to poverty. Both the feet must become completely wet when washing. It is because a small portion was not wet that Saturn caught hold of King Nala and the King experienced several ordeals-the Mahabharata informs us.The subject dealt in this book is classified into different Headings for your convenience. We pray God of Dharma and our Bhagwan to help us to follow this eternal and blissful path.
“Veda Vidyalankaara’’ “Vidya Rathnam’’ ‘’Salakshana Vidwan’’ “NANNILAM’’ Brahmasri’ V. RAJAGOPALA GANAPATIGAL Editor & Publisher “Vaithikasri’’ Tamil & Sanskrit Monthly Magazine
ETHICAL ETHICS Daily Rituals PART – 1
Our scriptures lay down various codes of conduct to enable us live comfortably, enjoying mental peace. They do not completely prevent us from doing our daily activities like bathing, eating, and sleeping. They merely state that it would be beneficial if they are done properly and in a disciplined manner. It is therefore said Let us also know them.
Washing the feet:
When we return after doing outdoor work, we wash our feet before entering the house. After taking meals and also on other occasions, we wash our feet for the sake of cleanliness. While washing we must keep both our feet together and stand facing west. This alone will help increase our life span, say the scriptures. Further, we should not rub one foot against the other as this will lead to poverty. Both the feet must become completely wet when washing. It is because a small portion was not wet that Saturn caught hold of King Nala and the King experienced several ordeals-the Mahabharata informs us.
ETHICAL ETHICS Don’t! Don’t!! Don’t!!! PART – 2
1. Don’t enter a temple that is not lit with any lamp. Don’t do pooja without bell.
2. Don’t keep sandal in copper container while doing worship.
3. Men should not extinguish burning lamps when used in pooja.
4. Don’t worship wearing wet clothes.
5. Don’t circumambulate abishekam the temple during Abisekam time (Holy bath of the deity)
6. Don’t offer prayers when the temple is closed or when the Lord is in procession or when the curtain of the sanctum is drawn.
7. Women should not break pumpkins.
8. Don’t have oil bath if you are returning after a haircut or coming from a crematorium.
9. Don’t bathe in hot water during unclean periods (Theetu) caused by birth, death, NewMoon days and on the first day of a month.
10. Don’t undertake auspicious functions during months when two new Moon days occur.
11. Don’t draw Kolams (decorative drawings on the floor) with single lines for auspicious functions.
12. Don’t greet or prostrate before persons who are sleeping or wearing wet clothes.
13. Don’t scratch the head with both the hands at the same time.
In this book this type of Clarifications Sastra More Then 240 Subjects
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