The Eight Principles of Dharma

Go Dharmic’s founder, Hanuman Dass, and Dr Nicholas Sutton, Professor at the Oxford Centre for Hindu Studies, formulated eight principles of Dharma grounded in sacred texts. They express the heart of Go Dharmic’s mission and campaigns. 

These principles, as part of Sanatana Dharma, are applicable for every one of us, regardless of caste, creed, colour, nation; regardless of belief.

It is the universal responsibility which each of us shares within the seat of our hearts. In the Mahabharata, Krishna shares that “Dharma is that which is best for the welfare of all living beings.”

It is these principles that will enable the flourishing of our world and we should make them the foundation of our lives.

Ahimsa (Non-harming) often articulated in scriptures as the highest of dharmas, means to reduce the harm we cause through thought, word and deed. It is more than a negative — what not to do — it is an active principle to reduce harm and will good. Of course, with every breath, we cannot avoid causing harm and so Tulhadara’s law is a useful one for us to follow:

Causing no harm to any living being, or at least as little harm as possible is the way of life that represents the highest expression of Dharma. That is the rule by which I live.

The sensible application of this law in a modern setting will inspire the end of the consumption of animals, the end of deforestation, and the end of unethical businesses. Let us tread lightly on this earth, cause as little harm as possible, and facilitate as much wellbeing.

Karuna (Compassion). The great Maharaja Yudhishthira chose to care for a dog rather than enjoy the spoils of Heaven. Choosing Dharma rather than bliss was his heart’s calling; with every decision we make, we have to select whether we will be motivated by the right action or a pleasurable one.

Seva (Selfless-Service), is acting without a selfish motive. To live a life of Dharma, one must be a peacemaker, working for the benefit of all beings, without seeking any personal benefit. Our Go Dharmic campaigns are developed by our community to be of service to all living beings and our Earth. Whether serving food to the poor, or educating young girls in India, it is all in the call of Dharma to help others without ego. Perhaps you can commit more time to work on campaigns with Go Dharmic and help to serve more people this Diwali?

Maitri (Friendship). To be the friend of all beings is the goal of one motivated by Dharma. To love all, serve all, and feed all, as we would our own family. The Buddha was once asked by his disciple Ananda whether friendship was an important part of Dharma, and the Buddha replied, “No Ananda, friendship is the entire Dharma.” Try to cultivate better friendships, especially among those who are working for Dharma.

Satyam (Truth). Neem Karoli Baba always said that total truth is necessary. Once we realise that we are all one, then we will see that whenever we lie to someone, we will be lying to ourselves. Truth is God and God is truth.

Shanti (Peace). We cannot have a peaceful world without bringing peace into our own hearts. Meditation on creating loving awareness will bring peace of mind, which will in turn warm our communities. We must ensure a daily practice of meditation based on purpose (sadhana). I, personally, have a daily practice of chanting a mantra, which I was given by Ram Dass, where I repeat: “I am loving awareness, I am loving awareness.”

Danam (Charity). Giving through charity can be incredibly liberating. Whether giving time, talent, or treasure, being philanthropically minded is important to fulfilling our human purpose and making us happy. Altruism is a wonderful part of human nature. We must work to relieve the suffering of others now and feel their pain as our own. Give more of yourself away this year to help make a difference to those who are voiceless, to our planet, to the poor. Donate from the heart and feel liberated by love.

Prema (Unconditional Love). Go Dharmic is a spoon serving the sweetness of unconditional love that was brought forth by Maharajji. Unconditional love is not just what Go Dharmic does, but it is who we are — loving awareness. It is God. It is humanity. It is integral to every aspect of our nature. Our call to Go Dharmic is a call to love and be love. 

 Let us dedicate all of our years to becoming love, through loving others. We drift away from this purpose every minute of every day—distracted by the world’s pushes and pulls—however being love is where all happiness exists. It is where God exists. Maharajji said that “Love is the strongest medicine; it is more powerful than electricity. I believe with every fibre of my being that the purpose of our lives is to be one with that love. — Hanuman Dass, GD’s Founder