धर्मो रक्षति रक्षित:

Unite to Protect

and Preserve Dharma

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The sacred Bhagwad Gita has the following line – “धर्मो रक्षति रक्षित:” (Dharma will protect those who uphold Dharma). Upholding Dharma in present times is not limited to preserving and practicing Dharma, it also means protecting Dharma from various onslaughts. One such onslaught is the constant denigration or mockery of Hindu seats of faith. Denigration means displaying something in an undesirable manner, one that is different from its original form. On a spiritual level, it results in increased pollution due to the base Raja and Tama vibrations. So it is our duty to use all lawful means at our disposal to counter this Adharma. In this section you will see various kinds of denigrations and the Hindu Janajagruti Samiti’s efforts to stop these denigrations in order to preserve Dharmik values in the society.

Impact of Denigrations

1

Sentiments associated with the seats of faith are hurt

2

Sets unwanted examples for future generations

3

Creates a doubt about the credibility of the Divine

4

Cause exclusion of religious practices & facilitate gradual demise of certain important practices

How to stop ?

Tag on X

Tag the respective brand or individual and lodge your protest through posts

Send Email

Send an email to the individual or brand and lodge your protest.

Call

If the brand has a helpline number, call them and lodge your protest

Police Complaint

In case of repeat offenders lodge a police complaint with a lawyer’s help

Come across a denigration? Tell us…

FAQs

In the broad sense, denigration means displaying something in an undesirable form/shape, one that is different from its original form/shape. On a Dharmik / spiritual level any act or object that obstructs emanation of subtle sattvik vibrations of the Divine Principle can also be considered as denigration. (All creation is made of three kinds of vibrations – tamasik, rajasik and sattvik. Each creation has a combination of these three, with one being predominant. These are the subtlest of all basic qualities. The tamasik qualities are the most inferior and the sattvik are the most superior.) Denigration can find expression in a painting, sculpture, text, words, sentences, play, films etc. 

1. Divine symbols emanate Sattva component (or Divine vibrations).

2. A Divine symbol embodies the Divine being it represents. Hence, it represents Divine qualities and serves as a beacon for the common man to walk the right path in this life.

3. A Divine symbol serves as a source of inspiration to an individual, to live his life in a righteous manner.

4. For a believer in the Divine being, the symbol draws equal reverence. (In contrast, a non-believer finds it impossible to feel anything for the symbol, when he does not believe in the Divine.)

5. Because of such qualities and their nature, Divine symbols occupy a special place in the hearts and minds of the devout. Faith, which follows, is a by-product of this phenomenon.

6. Divinity of the mind is the ultimate stage in evolution of a man. To achieve this, he requires the help of some form/shape. Symbols serve this purpose. Note : For the current discussion, we will treat a human being and a Divine being as separate entities. However humans who have attained self realisation are included in the category of Divine beings.

1. Intentional : When the denigration is intended to hurt the feelings of the devout

A. Out of malice

Example: 1. Paintings by MF Husain

B. To destroy its importance and create confusion about it in the minds of people

Example: 1. Shri Ganesh depicted as Hitler, Laden and Bush

2. Unintentional: When the denigration takes place unknowingly

A. Out of ignorance

Example: 1. Deity Shiva depicted as Dog

B. For commercial gains

Example: 1. Shri Durga with whisky bottles in Her hand

C. Due to lack of pride for its qualities

Example: 1. Shrikrushna in shorts

A. Denigration can shatter faith of individuals and set unwanted examples for future generations.

B. Create a doubt about the credibility of the Divine and / or its symbol. Finally, it can even cause exclusion of religious practices, and facilitate gradual demise of certain important practices.

Character assassination tarnishes a person’s reputation. Commenting on a Politician / public figures misdeeds or sketching their cartoons, are examples where a difference of opinion can lead to a person being shown in bad light. This is a very base example of denigration. However denigrating the Divine questions the very relationship humans have with the Divine. It questions the one’s faith in Divinity and Its powers. It erodes moral, social and spiritual values. Therefore there is an urgent need to educate and oppose any denigration of Deities and Divine symbols, that may occur through any medium.

Freedom of expression does not mean absolute freedom. One’s freedom to express their thoughts cannot hurt the sentiments that the other person has for their faith. 

Any mockery of God is an attack on the sentiments that a devotee associates with that Deity. This is an attack on Dharma. Countering attacks on Dharma is the need of the hour. It is very much a part of the worship of that Deity. Thus, if we want to ensure our worship of the Deity is complete, we should be alert about denigrations and counter them in every legal manner possible.

You are not alone O Hindu! You have the power of Dharma with you. If every Hindu has this thought, then together we can counter denigrations of our Deities and Dharma. No one will even think of mocking them.

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