Dharma in Manusmrti: Agent of social cohesion and equilibrium
As?rama; Dharma; Family; Law; Manusmrti; Marriage; Politics; Society and Social Cohesion; Varna
Dharma, through its role as a moral ideal and through its manifestations that permeate every part of the society, binds all the individuals in Manu's society as envisaged in Manusmrti. It serves as a common value and dictates common goals for the people that could be attained by functioning for the good of the institutions they belong to and, ultimately, for the survival of the society. Social institutions like marriage, family, varna system, as?rama system, political system and legal system were structured with accurate positions and roles for their efficient and smooth functioning. They were made to function compatibly with each other to ensure the survival of the society. Manu carefully avoided conflicts and competitions in the society. Thus, by acting as a cohesive agent, Dharma, as a foundational moral principle, integrates both individuals and the institutions to maintain the equilibrium of Manu's state. 2013 Journal of Dharma: Dharmaram Journal of Religions and Philosophies (Dharmaram Vidya Kshetram, Bangalore), ISSN: 0253-7222.
Journal of Dharma, Vol-38, No. 4, pp. 399-418.
Dharmaram College, Centre for the Study of World Religions
Radhakrishnan V.K., Department of Philosophy, Christ University, Bangalore, India