The objective of an ideal social structure is imbibing of virtues like loyalty unto Dharma (Righteousness) and Nation, being dutiful, morality, virtuous conduct etc., by the entire society. Dharma is an important component for attaining this objective; for, it is only on the support of Dharma that human beings flourish, meaning, upliftment of their materialistic and spiritual life takes place and they attain Moksha (Final Liberation). This article explains why to save Hinduism and importance of protecting Dharma.
1. History of Dharmarakshan (Protection of Dharma)
A. Incarnation
From Era to Era, God has repeatedly incarnated Himself, has destroyed demons which attacked ‘Sanatan Vedic Dharma’, meaning, ‘Hindu Dharma’ and has thereby set before us the ideals pertaining to protecting Dharma. Incarnations such as Shriram, Shrikrushṇa and Parashuram are especially well – known in this context.
B. Reinstaters of Dharma
From the 5th Century B.C., Buddhist philosophy became dominant. Subsequently, Adi Shankaracharya countered its ideology and re – established the superiority of Hindu Dharma.
C. Saints and Sages
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By giving various examples from the Holy text Shrimadbhagwat, Saint Eknath motivated the society to fight against adharma (Unrighteousness); this was akin to Shrikrushṇa motivating Arjun.
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A Mughal officer had taken into custody one of the disciples of national Guru Samarth Ramdas Swami. When the Guru learnt about it, He Himself went to that officer, beat him up and rescued the disciple.
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Once, while sailing on a passenger ship, a foreigner started spitting venom against Hindu Dharma. At that very moment, Swami Vivekanand caught hold of his neck and said, “If you utter one more word, I will throw you overboard (into the ocean)!”
D. Kings and Emperors
King Dahir (7th Century), Pruthviraj Chauhan (12th Century), King Krushnadevaraya (15th Century), Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj (16th Century) and Bajirao Peshwa (18th Century) were some Hindu kings and emperors who used to save Hinduism from attacks of foreigners.
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Mughals had built several mosques by destroying Hindu temples in Bharat. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj destroyed some of these mosques and rebuilt temples in their place.
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Punyashlok Ahalyabai Holkar went all the way to Kashi (Varanasi) from Indore and renovated the temple of Shri Vishweshwar that had been destroyed by Aurangazeb.
2. Importance of protecting Dharma
A. From the spiritual perspective
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A dictum in Dharma says, ‘He who sees with open eyes the destruction of Dharma becomes great sinner, while he who strives to protect Dharma, becomes deserving of Mukti (Liberation)’.
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He who protects Dharma, is protected by Dharma (God).
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The God who dwells in us is the same as one who dwells in our Dharma-brethren. Will God who dwells in us be ever pleased with us when on the one hand we try to please Him with our Dharmacharan (Abiding by Dharma) and sadhana (Spiritual practice), while on the other hand we remain insensitive to the attacks on brethren belonging to our Dharma ?
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It is utmost important to perform every activity as per kal (Time). Protecting Dharma is abidance of Dharma that has become necessary as per the The Guru Principle too teaches us appropriate abidance by Dharma as required by kal. Devotee Arjun became dearer to Shrikrushṇa because he fought Kouravs for protecting Dharma. In short, when we are active for protecting Dharma, we are graced by God.
B. From the perspective of national interest
Sanatan Dharma and only Sanatan Dharma is the very life of Bharat. The end of Sanatan Dharma will mark the end of Hindustan. Thereafter, any amount of politics or social reforms or even pouring the entire wealth of Deity Kuber (Treasurer of Deities) on each and every child of this country will prove to be futile.
C. Do this to protect Dharma and save Hinduism!
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Prevent denigration of Deities and patriots that takes place through pictures, advertisements, plays, get-togethers, newspapers, different products etc.! Refuse to buy products that denigrate Deities and patriots!
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To prevent Idol-breaking and thefts taking place in temples, educate trustees of temples and associated villagers !
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To prevent the killings of Hindu leaders and Saints, take self-defence training and thereby develop the ability to defend yourself!
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Launch agitations against the unjust arrests of Hindu Saints and their subsequent harassment in the prison!
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Educate Hindus on the anti-Hindu conspiracies such as attacks on religious processions of Hindu, cow-slaughter and ‘Love Jihad’!
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Legally oppose anti-Dharmik acts such as making of laws like ‘Anti-blind faith Bill’, ‘Temple takeover Bill’, so also the Government policies such as declaring temples as illegal and demolishing them!
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Oppose religious conversion of Hindus that is taking place either by luring them or by force!
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Lodge complaints with the Police against those who criticise Hindu Dharma, Deities, Holy texts, Saints and patriots!
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Prevent malpractices such as forcible collection of funds, vulgar dancing, eve–teasing, gambling and consumption of alcohol in religious festivals and fairs.
D. Common steps in the act of protecting Dharma
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Education : Educate the individual who is causing harm to Dharma and prevent him / her from causing further harm!
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Protest : If the act of causing harm to Dharma continues even after attempts to educate, lodge protests in various ways; for example, write letters, send protest messages by fax ’ or E-mail; contact directly over the phone!
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Memorandums : Submit memorandums to Government requesting it to stop harm to Dharma!
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Register complaints with the local Police against the individual / firm for having hurt your religious sentiments!
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Lawful agitations : If the harm to Dharma continues despite the aforementioned measures, protest in a lawful manner! If we protect Dharma through such measures with a sense of duty, we will become eligible for God’s grace. Sanatan Sanstha and Hindu Janajagruti Samiti are putting up a fight within the legal framework, for the cause of protecting the Nation and Dharma. You too can participate in their mission!
2. Establishing a Dharmarajya is our duty unto Dharma!
Most of us do not want the present system of governance that is fraught with a number of problems. Instead, we wish to have an ideal governance that will provide happiness, stability, peace and security. When we think of ideal governance, one example that immediately comes to our mind is Ramrajya (Shriram’s Kingdom). Many of us wonder, why should we not be destined to enjoy such a Ramrajya? If we strive in that direction, Ramrajya of the earlier time can descend on earth even today.
Reference : Sanatan Sanstha’s Holy text ‘Abiding by and protection of Dharma‘ and ‘Fundamental analysis of Dharma‘
