What Is True Dharma? "Dharmam yo baadhtay"

Religions, faiths, and ideologies often clash in the name of righteousness -  

and each one claims to be the only true religion or ideology. 

How does one know which faith or Dharma is right or true Dharma?

The Mahabharata, a profound epic that has shaped Indian thought for millennia, offers a deeply relevant reflection on what true dharma really means.

                "Dharmam yo baadhatay dharmo na sa Dharmah kudharm tat 

                Avirodhaat tu yo Dharmah sa Dharmah Satyavikram"

                                                 (Mahabharata, Vana Parva 131/11):

Sanskrit Verse 

                         धर्मं यो बाधते धर्मो न स धर्मः कुधर्म तत् ।

                         अविरोधात् तु यो धर्मः स धर्मः सत्यविक्रम ।

English Translation:

O King Satyavikrama!

That which obstructs or hinders another's dharma is not dharma—it is kudharm (false or corrupted dharma).

That which is established without opposing others' dharma is the True Dharma.

                                     ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Interpretation:

Any belief system or practice - by claiming to be superior to all others - rejects and seeks to suppress or dishonor other belief systems, is not true dharma—it is kudharm (false or corrupted)

True Dharma does not thrive by conflicting with or destroying others; it stands firmly on truth, compassion, and humanity, encouraging people to walk on the righteous path without animosity or exclusion -  without denouncing others.
                       ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

                                   A Culture Rooted in Compassion
Ancient Indian scriptures, such as the Vedas, Upanishads, and other Sanatan texts -the very foundation of Indian philosophy - have always upheld the universal spirit of well-being and inclusivity.
A famous and most chanted prayer from the Brihadaranyaka Upanishad embraces the well-being of all:
                      "Sarvay bhavantu sukhinah, sarvay santu niramayah
                        Sarvay bhadrani pashyantu, Ma kashchid dukh habhaag bhavait"
Translation:
May all be happy, may all be free from illness,
May all see auspiciousness and goodness, and may no one suffer.

This beautifully reflects the essence of Dharma as a universal, compassionate, and inclusive path - not one of domination, conflict, or hostility, but of harmony and mutual respect.
                                                       " Rajan Sachdeva "