Wherefore Is Dharma? Poem by Rm. Shanmugam Chettiar

Dharma is a Sanskrit word, ancient,
With no common root word, unlike many,
In the archaic Indo-European languages,
And has exclusive Indic origin.

In Rig Veda, Dharma is used to mean
Something foundational to rituals.
In Manu Shastra, Dharma is handled
To refer to people's code of conduct.

In the Ramayana, Dharma refers
To human character forming virtue.
In the Mahabharata, Dharma holds
As the one that precedes power and wealth.

Dharma is foundational principle
Of the world and Life according to Buddha.
Dharma means the principles of movement and
Adharma means Stillness from Jainism.

Kautilya states Dharma is humanity,
Which will suffer without a just king.
Its translation in Greek is ‘eusebeia':
Religious behavior to keep God happy.

Republic of India records Dharma
As religion in true sense as it is.
Dharma in a nut shell can be defined
As the righteous human character.
10.11.2016