shivakannan
Member
It is very common today to hear the phrases "Dharma changes with time", "We can not live like people did in the 1950s", or "Nothing is wrong with change". Today, I am going to investigate how valid such phrases are, as such phrases are prone to misguide people.
Firstly, yes - Dharma does change with time, however, not according to how we want. Dharma changes in each yuga. For example, a woman begetting a child from the husband's brother if she becomes a widow without offspring was formerly allowed. However, such a practice is forbidden in the Kaliyuga. Similar is the cow sacrifice. (These examples are from the book Hindu Dharma which is a combination of part 1 and part 2 of Deivathin Kural by Kanchi Mahaperiyava).
Although, it is evident that Dharma changes with yuga, we have to understand, we have been in the Kaliyuga for over 5000 years. Hence, yuga-dharma is constant, and it is the same as it was 5000 years ago. Once, a person came to Mahaperiyava and asked - "Following shastras of the old days is difficult today, hence, could you please write us a Shastra we can follow in the moden days?" Sakshaat Dakshinamurti replied - "In 50 years you will say this Shastra is also difficult to follow and will want to change the rules again!" It is evident that Kanchi Mahaperiyava was never an advocate of changing the Shastric rules. We can not change Shastric rules just because there are rockets and computers today. Change in yugas are a reason for shastras to change - not computers and rockets.
Also, there is no need to come up with our own rules for kaliyuga - Rishis have already given Dharmashastras and rules corresponding to each yuga. We often use the change in times as an excuse to not follow the Shastras - it is extremely destructive. Some may ask, how can we follow old rules in today's world? For example, how can we be studying Vedas when other countries are making advancements in nuclear engineering? Will we not be overtaken? The answer is : I am not going to stand against studying science, however, make at least some effort to study the Vedas. However, for some excellent minded people, they do not care for money or competing against other countries and still adhere to the duty prescribed to them by the Shastras. I will say one thing - such people need not worry about anything as Bhagavan has given his word in the Gita : "Paritraanaaya Saadhunaam". He will protect such Brahmanas.
Just to be clear, I do not follow all the rules prescribed for me in the Shastras. I am also interested in technology and science. However, I never justify my laziness and ignorance towards following the Shastras. I admit it is wrong. Every now and then I try to see what new rules I can begin to follow. Such an effort must be made. My lifestyle is nothing compared to many people. However, I believe this will at least instigate some will in others to follow the Shastras, to whatever extent they can. Also, pray to Bhagavan to make you follow the rules you feel are difficult to follow. Surrender at his feet. He will help you follow the remaining rules you fail to follow, and he will help you lead a Dharmic life.
Jaya Jaya Shankara Hara Hara Shankara.
Firstly, yes - Dharma does change with time, however, not according to how we want. Dharma changes in each yuga. For example, a woman begetting a child from the husband's brother if she becomes a widow without offspring was formerly allowed. However, such a practice is forbidden in the Kaliyuga. Similar is the cow sacrifice. (These examples are from the book Hindu Dharma which is a combination of part 1 and part 2 of Deivathin Kural by Kanchi Mahaperiyava).
Although, it is evident that Dharma changes with yuga, we have to understand, we have been in the Kaliyuga for over 5000 years. Hence, yuga-dharma is constant, and it is the same as it was 5000 years ago. Once, a person came to Mahaperiyava and asked - "Following shastras of the old days is difficult today, hence, could you please write us a Shastra we can follow in the moden days?" Sakshaat Dakshinamurti replied - "In 50 years you will say this Shastra is also difficult to follow and will want to change the rules again!" It is evident that Kanchi Mahaperiyava was never an advocate of changing the Shastric rules. We can not change Shastric rules just because there are rockets and computers today. Change in yugas are a reason for shastras to change - not computers and rockets.
Also, there is no need to come up with our own rules for kaliyuga - Rishis have already given Dharmashastras and rules corresponding to each yuga. We often use the change in times as an excuse to not follow the Shastras - it is extremely destructive. Some may ask, how can we follow old rules in today's world? For example, how can we be studying Vedas when other countries are making advancements in nuclear engineering? Will we not be overtaken? The answer is : I am not going to stand against studying science, however, make at least some effort to study the Vedas. However, for some excellent minded people, they do not care for money or competing against other countries and still adhere to the duty prescribed to them by the Shastras. I will say one thing - such people need not worry about anything as Bhagavan has given his word in the Gita : "Paritraanaaya Saadhunaam". He will protect such Brahmanas.
Just to be clear, I do not follow all the rules prescribed for me in the Shastras. I am also interested in technology and science. However, I never justify my laziness and ignorance towards following the Shastras. I admit it is wrong. Every now and then I try to see what new rules I can begin to follow. Such an effort must be made. My lifestyle is nothing compared to many people. However, I believe this will at least instigate some will in others to follow the Shastras, to whatever extent they can. Also, pray to Bhagavan to make you follow the rules you feel are difficult to follow. Surrender at his feet. He will help you follow the remaining rules you fail to follow, and he will help you lead a Dharmic life.
Jaya Jaya Shankara Hara Hara Shankara.
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