Samanya Dharma And Vishesha Dharma

By Author: Chaitanya Kumari
Total Articles: 250
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Hinduism essentially divides Dharma into two broad categories - Samanya Dharma and Vishesha Dharma. Though both these classes elaborate on Dharmic precepts, there are a lot of differences. This article will attempt to provide a basic understanding of the major differences between Samanya Dharma and Vishesha Dharma. The write-up will speak about a few other salient, related points of the subject, too.

• The principles of Samanya Dharma are applicable to all human beings. They are universal. Virtues coming under “Samanya Dharma” make sure that there is orderliness in society. When even these basic values are disregarded, there will be utter chaos.
• On the other hand, Vishesha Dharma keeps changing from one person to another. Here, what is Dharmic for one individual might not be so for another person. For example, it is Dharmic for a warrior to deviate from “non-violence” while taking part in a battle to safeguard his country. But it is not so for the Brahmin class whose Dharma is to provide Vedic education to students.
Similarly, a young individual in the “Brahmacharya” stage is expected ...
... to adhere to his Vishesha Dharma of focusing on education, by simultaneously following celibacy. Trying to follow the lifestyle of a person in the “Grihastha” ashram will be Adharmic for “Brahmacharis.”
• Two more examples can be taken. Sometimes, a doctor might be compelled to conceal the truth to ensure that their patient does not receive a sudden shock. Likewise, a police officer may have to lie to apprehend a criminal. That is the “Vishesha Dharma” of those two professions. It does not mean that all people can emulate these behavioral patterns to fulfill their selfish motives.
• Hindu Dharma is evident in one aspect. It is Vishesha Dharma that supersedes in situations where Samanya Dharma and Vishesha Dharma are in conflict with each other.
• Another crucial point related to Samanya Dharma is worthy of special mention. An individual will never be successful in upholding their “Vishesha Dharma” if they do not first follow the precepts of “Samanya Dharma.” Adherence to Samanya Dharma creates a strong foundation; thereafter, a person won’t be hassled in abiding by the guidelines of their Vishesha Dharma.
• At this juncture, we have to highlight a significant facet of Samanya Dharma. There can be specific situations in life where it becomes permissible to temporarily set aside the Samanya Dharma principles. For instance, non-violence is among the most pivotal virtues encompassed under the purview of Samanya Dharma. It states that an individual has to refrain from all acts of violence that harm others.
But here is the exception. When someone approaches you with the intention of causing bodily harm to you, it is your right to fight back to protect yourself. In this circumstance, you may even be forced to physically injure the offender. This cannot be called “violation of Samanya Dharma.” That is an act of self-defense that is necessary to safeguard your life.
• When we take Vishesha Dharma of a person into account, it is observed that even that is not something that remains unchanged. Vishesha Dharma keeps changing with age and also the exact stage of an individual’s life. So, the Vishesha Dharma at the age of twenty might change by the time the age of fifty is crossed.
• Following “Samanya Dharma” becomes even more relevant for people who want to grow spiritually. The mind becomes free of all impure thoughts, and they can concentrate on various spiritual disciplines.

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