nn 1,2

1.4.1 dharma

Q: Ba'ba, how does one discriminate between Dharmic and Adharmic action, specially in very hard to discriminate situations. Also, elaborate more on Dharma. Ananda Marga is a Dharmic Mission. How to align the organization to become a voice of Dharma?

First, one must understand Dharma. It can not be easily understood. It must be realized. If you say to a young person, what is Dharma? That person may say, it is to fight. But if someone older is asked they will say,' Dharma must be realized. One cannot know Dharma by mere external activities, nor can it be known solely by thinking. It must be known through deep self-inquiry.' It is not the Dharma of a human being, but the Dharma of the Supreme which must be realized. The Dharma of a human being is to seek that knowledge, that Supreme Entity. So, this is Dharma. Now, many people may say 'I represent Dharma, I fight for Dharma, I am Dharmic' but what is the truth? How to tell who is Dharmic, who is not?

Dharma emanates from the Cosmic Nucleus. It is the birthright of all. But very few possess Dharma. They struggle to realize it, they fight for it, they even give their lives for it. But those who possess Dharma are very rare. That is why, so many wars are fought, so many battle waged. So few possess this great quality. That is what causes so little understanding. But there are those who by dint of sadhana have become united with the will of that Supreme Entity. They have aligned themselves with the Divine flow of Cosmic Love. They do not want anything, they do not hurt others, but they lift the society upwards towards noble ideals.

Now, how to tell those who are established in Dharma? They can be known, not by their slogans, but by their kind and compassionate stance. They may be stern, but sterness will result in benefit to all. They do not say, 'my cause is the only important one.' They do not proclaim themselves above others. They say ' I am a simple man, I have no great ambition, I will not condemn you, I will not impose myself, but I will do my very best to aid you.' The results of their actions are benign.

So, Dharma is a rare possession. But it is an ideal that all must strive to realize. It comes when individuality becomes subdued and Supreme Consciousness finds expression. So, all that is to that end is for Dharma. Human beings have one Dharma, that is to establish themselves in the Supreme. Carry the flag of Dharma to all! Never falter, be fast in your adherence to this.

As for Ananda Marga, it is based upon this principle, this Cosmic ideation. All social philosophy, all political philosophy, all is being given for that end; so that human beings may have the opportunity to realize their Dharma. So, Ananda Marga has ideation of Dharma. That is not to say that human beings do not falter when they attempt to understand and to implement the tenets of Dharma. But if you falter, pick yourself up, brush yourself off and start a new. Never become disheartened. That Supreme Entity is guiding and blessing each and every individual whose struggles to understand, to establish themselves in Dharma.

Oh my children, be great!"