What is Dharam ?

Centuries ago, there was a Gurukul where a number of students used to be taught by an old and experienced teacher. The teacher used to teach them many subjects like Sanskrit, Ganit, and amongst others one subject would be 'Dharam'. After years of teaching, it was time to send them home. So, he finally took a written test of all subjects except the subject 'Dharam'.

After passing, all students were going back to their homes, and wondering all the way, why the teacher did not take a test for the subject 'Dharam'. One of them even said "Guruji always told us that Dharam is the base of a human life and without it a man can not succeed in any form of life. But still, he didn't even care to mention it while we left"

As they were moving, they noticed a lot of cactus thorns lying on the road. The students carefully crossed the hurdle, and proceeded for their homes. One of them stopped by, and started collecting the thorns into his bag. On being prompted by his colleagues, he said "We were fortunate to see these thorns and saved ourselves, but what if somebody doesn't see them and gets hurt. My conscious does not allow me to avoid this potential danger to some passerby. I am not going unless I remove all these thorns, no matter how much time it takes!" On this, the teacher emerged from behind the tree, where he was hiding.

The students were surprised to find that the teacher was following them all the way. The teacher said "Yes, I was listening to your conversation, as to why I did not take your test for the subject 'Dharam'. Actually, Dharam is not something to say or listen, it's of no use if you do not practically implement it in your life. I had intentionally spread these thorns in your way, and the one boy proved that he has actually understood the lessons of Dharam. Dharam is indeed to pluck thorns from others way or to sacrifice oneself to make someone's life better. If you do not respect/love other living beings, or try to create hurdles in someone's path, you are far from understanding what 'Dharam' is !"

We are so fortunate that Guru Sahib has always taught us to respect other beings/other faiths. Not just by Hukam, Guru Sahib has lead by example. See the Shaheedi of Guru Arjun Dev ji, Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib ji and the sacrifices of Guru Gobind Singh Ji and various Sikhs from time to time. These are stories of selfless service to the society. That is what Sikhism stands for !

with thanks : Shabad Vichar

SikhsIndia
www.sohnijodi.com
www.sikhsindia.blogspot.com
www.RWABhagidari.blogspot.com