Aptavani-2
9
Nature of religion (Dharma)
What is the definition of dharma (religion)?
That which reverts to its original nature (dharma) and then
brings forth the result, is called religion. That means it takes hold
within and decreases the kashaya (anger, pride, deceit and
greed) within.
The nature of anger, pride, deceit and greed (kashaya
bhaav) is such that they will not decrease. Rather, they keep
increasing within. They will not decrease by one’s own efforts.
They will decrease through religion (dharma) as defined above.
Where will one attain such a religion? From a Gnani Purush. It
should be a religion certified by the Gnani. Thereafter, use of just
two words of the Gnani Purush, words that are laden with the
energy that brings exact results (vachanbad), words that
awaken and maintain awakened awareness (jagruti), will
shatter the veils of ignorance to release tremendous energies
from within.
That which brings forth results is religion (dharma). That
which does not bring forth a result is not religion (adharma).
What is the result? Religion decreases one’s kashays.
They become lighter, lesser and ultimately they leave. As they
decrease and lessen, one’s inner energy and bliss increases. One
becomes aware of the amazing inner energies that express.
Where did all these energies come from? That is dharma
(religion). If not, the spinning toy (term Dadashri uses for the
plight of the human being who enters one life after the other by
creating karmas through ignorance, the analogy being the
spinning top which stops spinning at death) remains the same