Story 3: The True Meaning of Dharma (Gita short and easy stories)

 Story 3: The True Meaning of Dharma

(On stage, there is a beautifully arranged, cozy setting. Grandfather’s room is depicted with a comfortable chair, a table adorned with a copy of the Gita, and a pair of spectacles. Rahul bursts in energetically, holding his mobile phone.)

Rahul (excitedly):
"Dada ji! Dada ji! Listen… Mom and Dad have said that from now on I can learn about the Gita from you every night and even record videos. So, please tell me quickly—what does your Gita say Dada ji?"

Dada ji (smiling):
"Very well, Rahul! So, you’ll be coming to listen to the Gita with me at this time every day? Now, first, tell me—what have you learned so far?"

Rahul (dashing in like a galloping horse):
"Dada ji, I’ve learned that just as the Kauravas and Pandavas reside, within us. these three also reside. They are our mind like Mom’s, our intelligence like Dad, and the stubborn child, which are our senses."

Dada ji (with delight):
"Excellent, Rahul! Now, tell me—whom should we consult to get things done?"

Rahul:
"We must consult the mind that acts like a rein—our intellect, which is like a Dad’s charioteer, and the mind that functions like Mom’s guiding reins, Dada ji."

Dada ji:
"Bravo, my dear! Now, let’s begin today’s video."
(Dada ji picks up the Gita from the table and, holding it in his hand, greets it with folded hands.)

Rahul (in astonishment):
"Wait a minute, Dada ji—why did you greet the book by joining your hands?"

Dada ji:
"Rahul, this is our sacred scripture—the voice of God. The Gita’s verses are  God words, so we must show our respect."

Rahul:
"Alright, Dada ji. Shall I also greet it with folded hands?"

Dada ji:
"Yes, dear Rahul, You are very insightful."
(Rahul joins his hands in greeting.)

Dada ji (opening the book):
"Today, we shall recite the very first verse of the first chapter. Repeat the verse with me, Rahul."

Rahul:
"But Dada ji, I don’t know Sanskrit."

Dada ji (chuckling):
"Just as you can sing Korean or Spanish songs, you can recite this verse as well. Remember, I taught you the Gayatri Mantra and the Hanuman Chalisa, didn’t I?"

Rahul:
"Yes, Dada ji! I remember. Should I recite it now?"

Dada ji:
"Splendid—but save that for later. Let’s recite the verse now; the video is rolling, isn’t it?"

(Both recite the verse together.)

Dhṛitarāśhtra uvācha
Dharma-kṣhetre kuru-kṣhetre samavetā yuyutsavaḥ
māmakāḥ pāṇḍavāśhchaiva kimakurvata sañjaya 1.1
"Dhritarashtra said:
'In the holy land of Kurukshetra, where the great battle is set to unfold, what have my sons and the sons of Pandu done, O Sanjaya?' (1.1)"

Dada ji: Rahu, the very first word of the Gita’s opening verse is 'Dharma.' Do you know what Dharma means?"

Rahul:
"Yes, Dada ji, Dharma means religion—like Hindu, Muslim, Sikh, Christian."

Dada ji:
"Not quite, Rahul. Dharma actually means duty."

Rahul (surprised):
"Duty? How so, Dada ji?"

Dada ji:
"Think about it—when you go to school, you are called a student. And what is a student’s duty? To study. So, what is your Dharma?"

Rahul:
"My Dharma, my duty, is to study."

Dada ji:
"Exactly right! At home, as a son, your duty is to obey your parents and fulfill your responsibilities.

Rahul:
"Dada ji, what is my Dharma when I am outside?"

Dada ji:
"Then, my dear, your Dharma becomes one of humanity—following the laws of society and the government, performing your tasks with discipline, helping others, and living harmoniously with everyone. That is the duty of humanity."

Rahul:
"So, Dada ji, we all fulfill our Dharma by doing our duty, wherever we are. Then what about 'religion'? Isn’t that Dharma too?"

Dada ji:
"Rahul, religion refers to how we connect with the Divine. You may call it God, Paramatma, Allah, Jesus—whatever your heart feels. From the moment we are born until we grow old, as living beings, our duty is never to forget the Divine, irrespective of age or gender. That is the essence of every human’s Dharma—to remain connected to God."

Rahul:
"So, forming a relationship with God is what religion truly is, Dada ji?"

Dada ji:
"Yes, my dear. For a human being, the true meaning of Dharma is precisely that. Just as we honor our elders at home, we show love and reverence to God through our prayers, establishing a bond with the Divine. To be human is to love all of God’s creations."

Rahul:
"Now, I understand the true meaning of Dharma, Dada ji. My first Dharma is to love God, my second is the duty of a son, and my third is the duty of a student."

Dada ji:
"Well done, Rahul. Now, tell me—what is about to happen in the Gita?"

Rahul:
"A war is about to go."

Dada ji:
"And what is the duty of the soldiers who take part in war?"

Rahul:
"To fight in the battle."

Dada ji:
"Exactly. This is what the opening verse signifies—it is the field of Dharma, the realm of duty. This verse is spoken by Dhritarashtra. Do you know who was Dhritarashtra?"

Rahul:
"Yes, he was a king and the father of the Kauravas."

Dada ji:
"But was he following Dharma or not ?"

Rahul:
"He was not following Dharma because he did not properly uphold a king’s duty. Even if he had performed his religious rituals, he would still have been considered Adharmi (unrighteous)."

Dada ji:
"Yes, Rahul, that is correct. Similarly, think of Ravana—devotee of Lord Shiva, yet he was religious but he failed to follow the duty of humanity. He even abducted Sita."

Rahul:
"And Dada ji, Ravana used to kill sages too, which is why he was not fully dharmi."

Dada ji:
"Thus, Adharm is defined by the failure to perform one’s duties, while Dharm is defined by faithfully upholding them. Do you understand, Rahul?"

Rahul:
"Yes, Dada ji, now I truly understand the meaning of Dharma."

Dada ji:
"Rahul, now complete your duty by going to sleep, and let me rest too."

Rahul:
"Yes, Dada ji, may I sleep here with you?"

Dada ji:
"No, Rahul. You must go to school in the morning and fulfill your duty as a student. Go now, to your room."

Rahul:
"Yes, Dada ji. Jai Shri Krishna!"
(Rahul heads to his room and falls asleep.)