How can I live a truly happy life?
At Dharmic Academy, we begin with this simple yet profound question
Most of us strive for happiness but if you look closely, this happiness is fleeting. What we really want is lasting joy. It is not about the intensity of a moment, but a steady state of lasting joy and contentment that endures even as external circumstances change. At the heart of our seeking is this enduring state of joy and fulfilment.
Understanding Dharma in our own context can lead us to it.
CHAPTER 1
Understanding Dharma
Though Dharma has been defined in various places, Mahabharata has the most profound and life nurturing articulation. Across its many stories, dialogues, and dilemmas, it examines the complex and often conflicting dimensions of human life.
It shows that there is no single, rigid definition, but a context-sensitive understanding for Dharma that guides right action.
“सुखस्य मूलां धर्म:”
That which leads to joy is Dharma. Dharma is the inherent alignment between your own natural tendencies and the larger order of existence. At its core, it places the relationship of the self with oneself and with others at the centre. When lived in alignment, Dharma naturally brings clarity in thought and action.
— Acharya Chanakya
प्रभवार्थाय भूतानां धर्मप्रवचनं कृतम्।
यः स्यात्प्रभवसंयुक्तः स धर्म इति निश्चयः ।।
शान्ति १०९.१० ।
All the sayings of dharma are with a view to nurturing, cherishing, providing more amply, enriching, increasing, enhancing, all living beings: in one word, securing their prabhava. Therefore, whatever has the characteristic of bringing that about is dharma. This is certain.
— Chaturvedi Badrinath, Mahabharata
प्रभवार्थाय भूतानां धर्मप्रवचनं कृतम्।
यः स्यात्प्रभवसंयुक्तः स धर्म इति निश्चयः ।।
शान्ति १०९.१० ।
All the sayings of dharma are with a view to nurturing, cherishing, providing more amply, enriching, increasing, enhancing, all living beings: in one word, securing their prabhava. Therefore, whatever has the characteristic of bringing that about is dharma. This is certain.
— Chaturvedi Badrinath, Mahabharata
CHAPTER 2
Dharma In Life
Life often feels like a series of conflicts, moments of friction both within ourselves and in our relationships with the world around us. These moments rarely look the same, yet the unhappiness they create follows us from one stage of life to the next—changing form, but never fully leaving.
School
Expectations vs Curiosity
Youth
Passion vs Stability
Marriage
Responsibility vs Freedom
Adulthood
Duty vs Aspiration
Retirement
Rest vs Purpose
The conflicts never vanish.
They simply change form, stage by stage. Different words, same struggle. And somewhere in all this, the most essential question slips out of sight
What will truly make me Happy?
Understanding of Dharma in your life's context leads to clarity on this.
CHAPTER 3
Dharma Applied
Dharma as natural tendencies helps you dissolve tensions and inner conflicts before they arise. When you recognize what comes to you effortlessly, you stop forcing yourself into roles that don't fit. Choices and actions flow naturally from your true nature, allowing you to pursue your aspirations in a guilt free manner.
Understanding dharma keeps joy and harmony in center. Thus, the mind no longer needs to constantly prioritise one aspect over another, so decisions stop feeling like constant trade-offs.
Dharma evolves with every stage of life. In school, it may mean exploring genuine interests. In youth, choosing aligned careers. In marriage, nurturing relationships. In adulthood, balancing various roles. In retirement, discovering purpose beyond work.
Dharma as natural tendencies helps you dissolve tensions and inner conflicts before they arise. When you recognize what comes to you effortlessly, you stop forcing yourself into roles that don't fit. Choices and actions flow naturally from your true nature, allowing you to pursue your aspirations in a guilt free manner.
Understanding dharma keeps joy and harmony in center. Thus, the mind no longer needs to constantly prioritise one aspect over another, so decisions stop feeling like constant trade-offs.
Dharma evolves with every stage of life. In school, it may mean exploring genuine interests. In youth, choosing aligned careers. In marriage, nurturing relationships. In adulthood, balancing various roles. In retirement, discovering purpose beyond work.
FINAL CHAPTER
Dharmic Academy Intervention
At Dharmic Academy, we help you understand Dharma in the context of your own life — to recognize your natural tendencies and live in alignment with them. This understanding enables you to fulfil your aspirations and desires in a balanced, guilt-free, and deeply fulfilling manner.
Ritualized Learning
Learning becomes a continuous journey from understanding to living the wisdom through practical exercises and reflection.
Meet the Team
Dhrupad Vipat
Facilitator
Nikhilesh Ghushe
Program Director
Akhilesh Ghushe
Facilitator
Kunal Sharma
Facilitator
Dhrupad Vipat
Facilitator
Nikhilesh Ghushe
Program Director
Akhilesh Ghushe
Facilitator
Kunal Sharma
Facilitator
