in the context of this whole and the benefits derived from the generous
giving of all constituents of reality. The meaning of dharma as duty,
broadly conceived, and not conflated with caste requirements, requires
a lifestyle that is deeply informed by a sense of obligation and generous
self-giving for all that one receives. Although, as noted before, dharma
has been explicated almost singularly with reference to caste obligations
(varna dharma), the tradition recognized the necessity for universal
ethical norms (sadharana dharma) binding on all human beings
and governing their relationships. There are various lists offered in
sacred texts and these include nonviolence, compassion, self-control,
truthfulness, concern for the welfare of all beings, justice, forgiveness,
and non-stealing. The Golden Rule of “not doing to others what
one would not like done to one’s self” is an effective summary of the
meaning of sadharana dharma (Organ, 1970:215–21). Today, there is
a need for an explication of the liberative meaning of these universal
ethical norms and a rejection of dharma as implying the unequal rights
and privileges of caste. Dharma must become synonymous with the
common good and applied rigorously in the quest for justice.