Benefit of others is the foremost Dharma

An ascetic (Sadhu) was performing maun sadhana (silent penance) and while adhering to his vow, he didn’t speak for months. He used to live in a secluded hut just outside the village while remaining busy in the seeking of higher goal. He was highly admired by everyone in the adjacent villages. 

One day, a cow managed to escape the butcher and started running towards the outskirts of the village. The same ascetic was sitting under the tree outside his hut. The cow rushed across him towards the forest. After a while the butcher landed there and asked, “Dear Sir, I know you always tell the truth. Can you please tell me in which direction the cow went?”

In a very confused state of mind, the ascetic pointed in the right direction. But, he was filled with feelings of remorse from within as soon as he realized that the butcher is going to find the cow and kill her. He heard the inner voice saying, “You have committed a sin by telling the truth in this case. If a minor lie could have saved the life of the holy cow, then that course of action would have been righteous action as per the Dharma.   

Various faiths around the world propound upon the performing virtuous deeds, speaking the truth, being honest, performing charity, performing prayers, holy rituals and many other sacred deeds. Along with all of these, Sanatan Dharma upheld all the actions that are performed for the benefit of others selflessly. Swami Tulsidas said:

Par-hit sam nahi dharam hai bhai;  par-pidan sam nahi admahi !

Translation: There is no Dharma superior to the benefit of others; There is nothing more foolish that harming the others.

Life is such a wonderful journey that it presents many challenging moment when the seeker become confused about the right course of action, as per the Dharma. During such moments, one should remember that whatever actions brings you closer to your own true inner Self, in other words whatever action is beneficial for everyone around you or whatever action brings you inner peace is the right course of action to follow. 

A mother giving bitter medicine or harsh scolding to the child for the benefit of child’s health or goodness is Dharma. A teacher giving punishment to the student for their progress is also Dharma. As per the story told above, even a minor lie for saving the life of someone, without any selfish motive is also Dharma.