Importance of धर्मशास्त्र and Its Reflection in the Present-Day Society

Abstract

One of the fundamental principles of religion is that we should perform our duties with piety and to the best of our ability, without any attachment or concern for the results. The श्रीमद्भगवद्गीता also says that by grasping धर्म, we need to master our mind and senses to follow the right rules. By following धर्म, we can purify our mind as well as heart, advance on the spiritual path, and attain fulfillment in life. A disciplined mind is always capable of making wise decisions.

धर्म is the path to permanent peace and happiness. The second chapter of the श्रीमद्भगवद्गीता states that “the self-controlled man, freed from attraction and repulsion by restraining the senses and moving among objects, attains true peace.” It also says, “There can be no peace to a mindless man; and who does not have peace, how is it possible to be happy?

The Sanskrit स्मृतिशास्त्र or धर्मशास्त्र emphasizes the universal धर्म principles of truthfulness, non-violence, duty, justice, compassion, and integrity, which creates a clear link between spirituality and ethics and paves the way to liberation. Those who possess and actualize these qualities are characterized by divine qualities that enable them to rationalize their human existence and progress toward liberation.