DIFFERENT MEANINGS OF RELIGION (DHARMA) IN HINDUISM. (contd.)
By Swami Dwiroopanand. (Formerly Dr. H. K. Gandhi )
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7. Religion of Bilateral family relations.

Saapeksha Dharma in family relations in Puranas. Puranas are mythological scriptures of 3 imaginary deity Gods in Hinduism. They preach noble attitudes and morals in family living. (Sansar Dharma). Puranas were created after the 5th century BC.

Three different activities are going on in mother nature (Prakruti), namely 'Creation, Preservation and Destruction'. These activities are done by 3 imaginary (mystic) deity Gods- Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva (Hindu Trinity). These Gods have wives and children. They are also called Devas and Devies (Gods & Goddesses).

The Puranas preach practical daily religion in bilateral family relations like husband- wife, father- son etc., by telling funny stories of above deities. Journey of life always starts in bilateral family relation. The culture of bilateral behavior in family relations come from Puranas. Same person is a Husband, a Son, a Father, an Employer or Servant, and so on. Dharma of husband, Dharma of wife; Dharma of father, Dharma of son; Dharma of brothers, Dharma of friends, Dharma of teachers (Guru) and Dharma of students (Shishya) and so on are preached with Puranic stories.

All people want first material happiness and prosperity. Only when this need is satisfied, then only one thinks of spiritual life and God. One may believe in God or not but people are in need of some moral guidelines to remain happy, enjoy good health, family harmony, become rich and achieve success and noble goals (Siddhies) in life.

'Apeksha' means expectations. In family and social relations there are always bilateral expectations. Dharma is preached as mutual duties in bilateral family relations in the Puranic stories. There are duties for Fathers and Sons, duties of Brothers and Sisters, Husbands and Wives, Friends to Friends, Gurus and Shishyas (Teacher-student), Vaishyas and Shudras (Employer-Employee relations), Kings and People (Raja-Praja) and so on. 
Family Dharma is beautifully narrated in the epics of Mahabharat and Ramayan. Dharma teaches mutual care, indicates responsibilities, growth of love, and need of some sacrifices for family, social and national causes.

The Ramayana, Mahabharata and the Bhagavatum are popular Puranas. Various idols in Hindu temples seen today, come from the stories of these Puranas.

8. Idol and Guru Sampradays in Hinduism.

Sanatan Dharma was never an organized religion. Real Sanatan Dharma is forgotten today. Hinduism is divided into nearly 20,000 Idol worshipping and more than 1000 living Guru worshipping (Sampradays) religious cults.

People in India and abroad today understand Hindu religion as worship of some living human Guru and/or idol of Puranic deity Gods and Goddesses. This trend had started after the four great Acharyas during the 7th to 15th Cent. AD.. Hinduism is getting more and more divided due to independent Gurus and Swamis teaching 'Spirituality and Gita' but ignoring political message of Krishna in the Gita and scientific achievements of recent years.

Secular Gurus build temples in big cities and in Himalayas, according to their whims and dreams. Some teach Yoga, spirituality and simple life style, but themselves enjoy all the comforts and luxuries of today's gifts of science like cellular phones, Air-conditioned rooms, TVs, Audio-Video tapes, luxurious cars and helicopters.

Summary:

The Sanskrit word 'Dharma' cannot be translated as Religion. The word Dharma has many meanings as observed above. Dharma gives guidelines to people for all circumstances and events occurring in life. Sanatan Dharma is a religion based on eternal truths and observations. Sanatan Dharma teaches noble attitudes of love and respect towards, mothers, fathers and elderly (GURU-JAN). It preaches universal love, art of satisfaction in life and need of good morals and some sacrifices.

Ved-Dharma, Arya Dharma, Varna-ashram Dharma, Sanatan Dharma etc., was always an open minded tradition of revision of moral values by dialogues, and guidance of philosophers. Debates of Dharma were arranged by noble kings. When one studies with open mind all world religions one will find some common factors in preaching of all great prophets. The essence could be summed up in a few words like love, truth, non-violence, equality of human beings, celibacy in sex life, tolerance for other faiths and worship of One God.

In the epics of Ramayan and Mahabharat love in family relations is preached in an indirect manner. These stories indicate how the lust of money and political power and false attachments lead to family conflicts, quarrels and wars.

Hindus must study the Gita and real heritage of Sanatan Dharma. They should use their donations to build residential Gandhi Ashrams for senior parents in local townships. The residential seniors can take care of Ashrams and give moral education to young children. Guests of community can also stay in such Ashrams. Such activities will provide real service and care for parents and help to preserve Vedic Heritage in USA, India and all countries of the world.

International Gita - Gandhi Dharma Sangh, (IGDS) is a new idea of United Universal Religion. Lovers of the Gita and Gandhiji as a Vibhooti of 20th century, must join IGDS. Details of IGDS are described in my book "Mahatma Gandhi, Ambassador of God for 21st Century". IGDS is revision (Dharma-Sansthapan) of Hinduism for the next century and millennium.

May God bless all intellectual and curious seekers of God and religions and inspire them to see good points in all religions of the world.

Nameste, Amen. 
Hari Om Tat Sat.
Om Shanti, Shanti, Shantihi.

From an unpublished book on Comparative World Religions - By Dr. H. K. Gandhi.