How do we know what dharma, or the right thing to do in a given situation is?

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To,
All  Members,

Dharma as a value, like honesty and non-violence, has to be interpreted in a given situation. 

 These values are universal but the interpretation is subjective, depending upon time, place and conditions. 

 We face many conflicting situations where we need to interpret what a given value means in a given situation. 

 It is possible to commit mistakes when we interpret these values, as we are limited in knowledge and wisdom. 

 To decide what is right or wrong in a given situation may require a lot of information and wisdom, which we may or may not have. 
We can only make a judgment based on our best intentions and live by it. 

 We cannot expect to be always right. 

 The result of our actions may not always be in accordance with our intentions. 

 Thus, following dharma is a process of learning. 

 Sometimes our intention may not be to violate dharma, but our judgment of the situation may be wrong. 

 However, we can learn from those mistakes and perhaps be a better judge of the situation the next time. 

 swami Viditatmananda ji .

 Sri Ramakrishna Mission 

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