Dharma is the very essence and substratum which upholds, nourishes, sustains and integrates the universe. Sweetness is the dharma of sugar, sweet-less sugar is a myth. Values uphold one’s character, nourish one’s life, sustain joy, give meaning to life and integrate society. Hence values are called Dharma. At a deeper level the Lord Himself is called Dharma, for He is the very essence of the world of names and forms and the One who sustains and nourishes it. The scriptures related to Dharma are called Dharma Shastras. In the language of management, Dharma Shastras are the “Science of Desire Management”. They help us manage our desires and ultimately sublimate them by giving us a dina charya (daily plan) and a jivan charya (life plan). The right understanding of the words ‘Hindu’, ‘philosophy’, ‘religion’, ‘religious sect’ (sampradaya), and ‘secular rule’ (dharma raja), would foster more harmony amongst mankind. In their own unique styles the great master Gurudev Swami Chinmayananda, Guruji Swami Tejomayananda, and Swamini Vimlananda have simplified the above-mentioned aspects of dharma.
