सुखस्य मूलं धर्म:। धर्मस्य मूलं अर्थ:।
अर्थस्य मूलं राज्स्य। राज्स्य मूलं इन्द्रियजय:।
Dharma, a concept as ancient as Indian civilization itself, transcends mere religious practice, representing a holistic way of life that encompasses spiritual, ethical, and social dimensions. Rooted in the Sanskrit word dhr meaning ‘to up hold’ or ‘to sustain’, and related to Latin word firmus meaning ‘firm’ or ‘stable’, dharma is the very essence that binds individuals, societies, and the universe in harmony. It forms the foundation for a just and prosperous nation, guiding political, social, and economic systems towards holistic development. Every aspect of existence, from human beings to the vast complexities of nature, operates according to its own unique dharma or inherent duty or purpose.
As Dharma transcends ritual and religious doctrines it forms the moral and ethical bedrock upon which societies could flourish. Keeping this as our premise, we shall delve into Deendayal Upadhyaya’s profound interpretation of dharma, understanding how it shapes Integral Humanism while comparing it with Swami Vivekananda’s vision of dharma as a force that upholds social and cosmic order. Their insights together, offer a timeless vision for creating a just, harmonious and prosperous society based on universal values of dharma.
Swami Vivekananda’s understanding of dharma is rooted in the Bhagavad Gita emphasizing that dharma is not just religious rituals but the essential nature and duty of each individual. He stated that dharma is the highest virtue in Indian polity and thought, and in the words of Swami Vivekananda “Dharma connotes both social and moral order. Its regulatory principle dharma is akin to the vedic concept of rta (the cosmic order), it is an end in itself, and rule of action”. (Vohra, Vivekananda and the Making of Enlightened Citizen: An Explication)
Swami Vivekananda’s understanding of dharma states that dharma protects and upholds, and people should stand up for it fearlessly. People should live for others and that loving and serving others is expansion and hating and exploiting is contraction.
Swami Vivekananda highlighted Sanatan Dharma as universal, governing all beings and emphasizing the oneness of existence. He stressed the importance of fulfilling one’s svadharma according to their abilities, advocating for karma yoga (selfless action) to serve others without attachment. He also believed that dharma includes social service, where serving humanity is akin to serving God, and that spirituality and worldly duties should harmonize. He underscored moral principles like truth and compassion as fundamental to living in accordance with dharma for both personal growth and societal welfare.
Similarly, Deendayal Upadhyaya, illuminated the multifaceted nature of Dharma as the guiding principle for Integral Humanism, and how it became the foundation of both individual conduct and social governance.
A key distinction that Deendayal Upadhyaya provides between Dharma and Religion, emphasizes that “the fundamental principles of Dharma is eternal and universal”(Deendayal Sansar, Dharma and Religion) and transcends all boundaries of faith. It encompasses a broader understanding of moral, social, and ethical duties, guiding both personal life and also national and global governance. Deendayal Upadhyaya believed that the distortion of Dharma is largely the result of foreign education, particularly the British translation of Dharma as religion, which limited its true meaning.
Deendayal Upadhyaya also emphasized the role of Dharma in nation-building. He viewed the nation, or ‘Rashtra’ as an organic and spiritual unity with a collective consciousness, called ‘Chiti’, which reflects shared values and traditions. He believed that a democratic government, ‘Jana Rajya’ must be rooted in Dharma. “Since Dharma is supreme, the ideal of state has to be ‘Dharma Rajya’”, where true democracy combines freedom with ethical governance. (Deendayal Upadhyaya, Integral Humanism: An Analysis of Some Basic Elements, Pg 113)
At the individual level, Dharma refers to personal moral duties and responsibilities. Deendayal Upadhyaya’s understanding of ‘Swadharma’ highlights that each person has unique duties based on their societal role and stage of life. This encourages the individuals to act according to societal well being. For Deendayal Upadhyaya virtues like self-discipline, compassion, and humility are essential for living a Dharmic life.
Deendayal Upadhyaya‘s idea of Integral Humanism is anchored in the four purusharthas – Dharma, Artha, Kama, and Moksha– which are the primary objectives of human life in Indian philosophy. He believed that individual and societal well-being are intertwined, and both must coexist in harmony. Upadhyaya critiqued the western materialism for overemphasizing Artha and Kama while neglecting Dharma and Moksha.
For him Dharma, or righteousness, is the most crucial purushartha, representing the ethical principles that guide individual actions towards societal well-being. It ensures that duties are performed justly, fostering social responsibility. Artha, or material prosperity must be pursued within the framework of Dharma and arguing that wealth benefits the society while not fostering greed. Kama, or desires, must be controlled and aligned with Dharma, ensuring personal fulfillment without selfish excess. Finally, Moksha, or liberation, is the ultimate goal, but it should not be pursued in isolation. It must complement a life grounded in Dharma, material well being, and controlled desires. The fulfillment of Artha and Kama on the basis of Dharma is considered as development of humanity and the living of such a life provides Moksha.
For Deendayal Upadhyaya, Dharma is the foundation of social order and national identity, representing the ideals and moral compass of a nation, akin to “the soul of an individual” (Integral Humanism, Lecture 3). He argued that when Dharma is abandoned, the nation loses its essence. Legal frameworks alone cannot maintain social harmony; a true nation rises when individuals and states voluntarily follow ethical principles.
Deendayal Upadhyaya advocated for a decentralized governance, where local communities participate actively, ensuring decisions are rooted in Dharma rather than rigid ideologies. This allows the societies to endure even under external/ foreign rule.
Deendayal Upadhyaya’s vision of economy is deeply rooted in the idea of Dharma. He argued that economic systems should focus not only on material wealth and industrial output, but must be aligned with the moral and ethical well-being of the society. This will be possible only when the economic activities are sustainable, equitable and in harmony with nature.
Unlike communism, which he believed suppressed individual freedom, or capitalism, which he saw as fostering greed. “Deendayal Upadhyaya does not consider both western policy and methodology of the economy to be favorable for India”(Deendayal Upadhyaya’s Concept of Antyodaya and Analysis of Economic Policy), his economic philosophy was based on a balanced approach, “with India’s resources and skill based on economy, and to make the country self-reliant” (Deendayal Upadhyaya’s Concept of Antyodaya and Analysis of Economic Policy). According to him, wealth generation must serve society and lead to the upliftment of the most vulnerable of the society, all while under the guiding principles of Dharma.
To sum up, Deendayal Upadhyaya’s vision of Dharma in Integral Humanism offers a holistic framework for individuals, society, and governance. His emphasis on ethical conduct, social harmony, and the moral purpose of governance provides a blueprint of a just and prosperous society. By aligning personal and collective actions with Dharma, Deendayal Upadhyaya believed that both individuals and nations could achieve lasting peace, harmony, and well-being. Swami Vivekananda and Deendayal Upadhyaya articulated a comprehensive understanding of Dharma that emphasizes ethical conduct, social responsibility, and moral purpose of governance. By aligning personal and collective actions with Dharma, they believe that both individuals and society can achieve lasting peace, harmony, and well-being.
This blog is prepared under the supervision of Prof. Sampadananda Mishra, Director, Centre for Human Sciences, Rishihood University.
Research Assistant, Integral Humanism Initiative, Centre for Human Sciences, Rishihood University.
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