Samanya Dharma- Swami Sivananda

Every religion has a generic form or Samanya-Rupa and a specific form or Visesha-Rupa. The general form remains eternally the same. It is never changed by any circumstance whatsoever. It is not affected at all by changes of time, place, surroundings and individual differences. This aspect of religion is called Sanatana or eternal. That which changes according to the change of time, place and surrounding circumstances is the external aspect or ritual, of Dharma.

Samanya Dharma is the general Dharma or law for all men. Varnasrama Dharmas are special Dharmas which are to be practiced by particular castes and by men in particular stages of life. The Samanya Dharmas must be practiced by all, irrespective of distinctions of Varna and Asrama, creed or color. Goodness is not the property of any one class, creed, sect or community. Every man should possess this virtue.

© "All About Hinduism" by Swami Sivananda, published (1997) by The Divine Life Society, Shivanandanagar 249 192. Reprinted with permission.

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