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While Rita denotes
the mental perception and realisation of truth and Satya denotes the exact true expression
in words of the truth as perceived by the mind, Dharma is the observance of truth in the
conduct of life.In fact, Dharma is the way of life, which translates into action the truth
perceived by the man of insight as, expressed by him truly. In short, Rita is truth in
thought. Satya is truth in words and Dharma is truth in deed. Hence it is that the
Brhadaranyak -opanishad proclaims that which is Dharma is truth.
Therefore according to Indian thinkers, Dharma and truth are interchange
able words and the fundamental aspiration of man must necessarily be the pursuit of truth
in thought, word and deed. And they are convinced that this pursuit of truth is the
primary aim of life as it is bound to contribute to the prosperity and well being of
mankind. In the Tula dhara-Jajali Samveda of the Mahabharata Vyasa says that it is only
the person who is the friend of all and who is devoted to the welfare of all in thought,
word and deed, that knows what Dharma is.
Hence we see that when love and friendli- ness guide a
man’s character, conduct and action in life and by the ardent desire-of contributing
to the welfare and prosperity of all mankind, he is said to be a dharmishta or one who
follows Dharma in life.
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