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Disclaimer: Due apologies, if this article sounds cryptic. Actually it is not and cursory knowledge of Indian world-view will make this post crystal clear.
For the purpose of establishing dharma, first and foremost, one has to understand the subtle undercurrents of Mahakaala Mahadeva (great time). One has to do the tapasya(to strive for) to ensure one is in sync with the mind of Mahadeva just like Sri Raama worshipping Rameshwara before invading Lanka and Arjuna obtaining Paashupata before Kurukshetra great war. Once we are sure that one is in sync with Mahadeva and that He is amicable with the way you are and the way you intend to do your further tapasya, one has to do following.
2. Understand the swabhava and sthiti of the system and decide whether one is better suited to uphold word of dharma OR spirit of dharma. This is very crucial choice. One may wish to be a 'Krishna', but one has to analyze in step 1 whether one possess the capability to be one? Perhaps one is more akin to Uddhava OR Bhishma OR Shikhandi and doing that role would suite one. This has to be decided. Wrong choices lead to heart-breaks and incomplete tasks. This happens due to wrong judgement of self out of misplaced sense of self-righteousness. This is the first filter where most of the 'candidates' fail.
3. Understand the swabhava and the sthiti of the Loka (people/target market) whom one wishes to mobilize
4. Understand the swabhava and sthiti of recipient. If possible gain the knowledge using all three proofs acknowledged by Shaastras in Nyaya and Samkhya - Pratyaksha (direct observation), Anumaana (intra and extrapolation), Shabda (history).
5. Do necessary changes and make 1, 2 and 3 mutually acceptable and comfortable.
6. Try and judge whether Mahadev requires Dharma to be upheld in Word OR in spirit. This is second filter where many other candidates fail.
7. Once one has accomplished (Siddha artha) these 6 six steps, action must begin.
If one has passed through these 6 rigorous steps of self-examination (Aatma-Pariksha), the confusion seldom arises. Of course, one has to keep returning to each of steps 2-5 and check how system is behaving and change 1 accordingly. One cannot change 1 indefinitely (different 'jeevas' have different degree of malleability. Once one reaches that point, stop and hand over the reigns to your shishya (disciple/successor).
This is the most important parameter. While one is going through these 6 steps, one has to train disciples and pass on your understanding in them and let them blossom in their own capacity. When one reaches the point when one can no longer remain malleable and hence relevant, one retires. the civilzed disciples take over the mantle and the movement continues. Failure to produce disciples is the third filter.
For establishment of dharma, one may need to perform in various actions which are dharmik OR asurik over long period of time. The ability of making right choice at right moment depends upon how truly has one made Mahakaala amicable.
If this is done, the deeds per se do not matter. The deeds are usually judged OR perceived by people based whether they were dharmik or not. Some times, it is necessary to follow the system with strict adherence to the premises and laws, just to imprint about the minds of followers the necessity and urgency of doing so.
Sometimes, however, for the greater good, some rules need to be bent, others need to be broken so that the spirit of dharma is salvaged which is being held hostage by puritans and literalists. Both orthodox literalists and unorthodox mavericks are required for the cause of establishment and protection of Dharma in society. One can understand their role by understanding the following simple 2/2 matrix.
Spirit of Dharma followed Spirit of Dharma not followed
Word of Dharma followed Sri Raama Duryodhana
For dharma to be established, one needs to make examples. And for making examples, Ravana is as important and necessary as Raama.
What is Asura? What is meant by being Aasurik? Does being 'aasurik' always mean being 'Adhaarmik'?
Asura refers to a compulsive leadership model. Compulsive and seemingly autocratic leadership per se is not Adharmik on its own as long as there is a robust mechanism of relieving the compulsive leader from his responsibilities once he has served his purpose of establishing OR protecting the Dharma. This is done is two ways- either by changing the leader OR by changing the behavior of leader. More often than not, it is difficult to let go power after having acquired it so meticulously.
This is where being Krishna OR Raama OR Parashurama comes into picture. These "leaders" gave away their power effortlessly after achieving what they had decided of achieving during their tapasya (the 6-step thought process mentioned above). Being Krishna is not enjoying joys oflife alone. Being Krishna is being able to give everything up in moment and stay "untouched" by all attachments.
Only such leader can do what Parashurama OR Krishna OR Raama did and digest the 'Karma-Fala' arising out of those actions. Otherwise, one descends into being Ghori OR Gazni OR Aurangzeb or Stalin OR Hitler OR Sahastraarjuna OR Raavana and countless other Asuras in space and times. This is where the circle of this thought process completes itself which started with this article on necessity of concept of Avatar in Indian narrative. It is far more beneficial if society performs the duties well avoiding the total breakdown of the dharmik system. Dharma will be re-established at all costs, if it breaks down, this is sure. But the cost required for the same can be avoided if the state, society and individuals follow and protect the Dharma in the system by taking the necessary small but timely measures.
Saavadhaan !!!!
Only such leader can do what Parashurama OR Krishna OR Raama did and digest the 'Karma-Fala' arising out of those actions. Otherwise, one descends into being Ghori OR Gazni OR Aurangzeb or Stalin OR Hitler OR Sahastraarjuna OR Raavana and countless other Asuras in space and times. This is where the circle of this thought process completes itself which started with this article on necessity of concept of Avatar in Indian narrative. It is far more beneficial if society performs the duties well avoiding the total breakdown of the dharmik system. Dharma will be re-established at all costs, if it breaks down, this is sure. But the cost required for the same can be avoided if the state, society and individuals follow and protect the Dharma in the system by taking the necessary small but timely measures.
Saavadhaan !!!!
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 2.5 India License.
