Manu Smriti and Dharma

Manu Smriti quotes that, in this world Dharma alone will stand by any person. According to Mahabharata the Dharma of a man in distress being different from that of a man who is strong. However, Lord Krishna in Bhagavadgita says that one's own duty, though devoid of merit, if preferable to the duty of another well performed. Another's duty/Dharma is fraught with fear. In other words, they explain Dharma in nutshell if one preforms his duties/Dharma without fear with skill that alone will protect him. Nevertheless, we need to respect all Dharmas not withstanding their own drawbacks. We need to develop universal love and look at things with equality and judicious mind. Krishna also says that whatever a great man does, that very thing other men also do; whatever standards he sets up, the generality of men follow the same. Krishna further says that senses are set to be greater than the body; but greater than the senses is the mind. Greater than the mind is the intellect; and what is greater than the intellect is He, the Self. Krishna further explains Arjuna knowing that which is higher than intellect, one has to control his mind. When Arjuna questions Krishna that it is very difficult to control mind, Krishna agrees saying "No doubt, mind is difficult to control, but by practice and detachment one can control the mind".

I have shared my views on the aspect of Dharma co-relating with Krishna, that in difficult times Dharma alone will come to one's rescue.

Continuing my views on "Dharma" at times it is difficult to understand what is Dharma. We are in quandary. To quote examples, HiranyaKashyapu, son of Kashyapa Prajapathi, after obtaining boons from Creater declares himself as Eshwara and makes a rule in his country that everyone should worship him. Ultimately he was killed by the Lord and Prahlada succeeds him. Prahlada follows absolute democracy and allowing his citizens to carry on their worship as per their wishes. After Prahlada his son Virochana makes a rule that every citizen in his country shall worship Lord Vishnu only and all 'havis' offered in Yagnas to Vishnu only. Indra opposes this and kills Virochana. Lord Vishnu gets angry on the act committed by Indra and tells him that he will never support him. Son of Virochana, Bali, occupies heaven and conquers Indra. When this is the state of affairs, Adithi mother of Indra, seeks the help of Lord Vishnu and requests him to pardon his son. The merciful Lord agrees and takes birth in the womb of Adithi as Vamana,conquers Bali, restores his Kingdom to Indra. All this very clearly shows that right from Hiranya Kashyapu,except Prahlada, everybody followed what they think is Dharma. In this context I would like to mention that when it is difficult to understand what is Dharma depending on the circumstances, we need to seek devine help to show us the right path/guidance. Prayers in such circumstances will give positive results. I seek your kind views. 

S.Govindan