HINDU ENCYCLOPEDIA

सनातन धर्म भूमिका

Meaning of "Freedom of an individual>"

Word

Freedom of an individual

Sanskrit

In General

The Hindhu Dharmic system respects the freedom of an individual and the different abilities and characteristics of different people. In the religious aspect, an individual is allowed to choose his own path and in social aspect he is told to follow the social norms and customs of the locality.

The Rishis have understood that to choke a man with too many rules and regulation is to kill their spirit. While rules are setup, the local customs and the tradition of forefathers were given importance. People find it easy to follow the tradition of their forefathers than the rules and regulation written in text and those rules which are imposed externally. In truth, Hinduism is practiced in every village with its own unique way and the makers of dharmic rules respect this natural multiplicity which is very dynamic. Also, different dharmic texts differ from each other without compromising the basic facts and this help to introspect on the text in the context of Vedas. Rules are formed in different period under different circumstances. Many texts differ from each other and the consensus is formed by introspection and this virtually rules out the possibility of any dogmatism.

Veda

Vedas always speaks positively and neglect the negative aspect, while it promote truth it do not say what to do when a person fail to perform. Vedas always talk about universal truth which are eternal and do not restrict people in religious or social matters. To Veda the force of karma is an uncompromising principle.

Purana

Purana showcase some ideal personalities and ask common man to follow them. Purana focus on practical life, so, it also gives ample freedom to its followers.

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Word Sanskrit IAST In General Veda Purana