In our culture, we often talk about Dharma. Many people relate it to any religion. But in actual it has a broader sense. Dharma is the only 5hings that differentiate us from.animal kingdom. To elaborate on this, Sanskrit has given us following verses :
आहर निद्रा भय मैथुनं च सामान्यमेतत पशुभिर्नराणाम्
धर्मो हि तेषाम् अधिको विशेषो धर्मेण हीना पशुभिः समाना
Aahaar nidra bhaya maithunam cha saamaanyametat pashubhirnaraanaam
Dharmo hi tesham adhiko vishesho dharmena heenaa pashubhih samaana.
Aahar = hunger, desire for food.
Nidra = sleep.
Bhaya = fear, painful emotion raised by danger.
Saamanya = common
Pashu = beasts, animals.
Naraanam = mankind.
Dharma = Dharma is distinct from religious practices or beliefs, focusing on ethical behavior and a universal framework for living.
Vishesh = especial, beyond ordinary.
Heena = without, not having.
Samaana = similar to.
i.e Hunger, sleep,fear and sexual desire are the instincts which are common between mankind and beasts (animals). It is especially 'Dharma;' that mankind possesses additionally, and a person bereft of 'Dharma' is like a beast.
The common word 'Religion' used to translate 'Dharma' in English does not encompass the true meaning of the word "Dharma'. In Sanskrit, it also includes besides belief in or worship of Gods, righteous behavior, doing such acts which are beneficial to humankind, abiding with the norms set out by the laws of the Country or the community.
Highlighting on the various similarities between a human and an animal, the author Say how the righteous behaviour keeps the human stand apart. Humans transmit knowledge and cultural practices through generations, shaping their behavior and beliefs. While some animals demonstrate social learning, human culture is more complex and widespread, influencing everything from social structures to artistic expression.
