What is Dharma, and why is it so important to uphold it in life? Our Loving Lord kindly explains it to us today.

Dharayiti iti Dharmah, it is said. Dharma is that which sustains and upholds the world. Every object in the world has certain unique qualities. The quality that is the vital essence of the object reveals its Dharma. For instance, it is the basic quality of fire to burn—burning is its Dharma. When the fire loses its capacity to burn, it ceases to be fire and becomes mere charcoal! Sweetness is the inherent quality of sugar. If sugar loses its sweetness, it is no longer sugar but sand! Champaka flower has the natural quality of exuding fragrance. If there is no fragrance in it, it is not Champaka. In the same manner, for man, the quality of Ananda (bliss) that flows from his heart is his inherent Dharma. But today, for external achievements, man forgets his inherent nature. Whether one is educated or not, there is one common Dharma: They should extend to others the same honour and regard which they expect others to show towards them. We should not do to others anything which if others do to us, will cause pain and unhappiness to us.