Samanya Dharma And Vishesha Dharma 
                     Samanya Dharma And Vishesha Dharma 
Chaitanya Kumari
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Hinduism essentially divides Dharma into two broad categories - Samanya 
Dharma and Vishesha Dharma. Though both these classes elaborate on 
Dharmic precepts, there are a lot of differences. This article will attempt to 
provide a basic understanding of the major differences between Samanya 
Dharma and Vishesha Dharma. The write-up will speak about a few other 
salient, related points of the subject, too. 
 
The principles of Samanya Dharma are applicable to all human beings. They 
are universal. Virtues coming under “Samanya Dharma” make sure that there 
is orderliness in society. When even these basic values are disregarded, 
there will be utter chaos. 
On the other hand, Vishesha Dharma keeps changing from one person to 
another. Here, what is Dharmic for one individual might not be so for another 
person. For example, it is Dharmic for a warrior to deviate from “non-
violence” while taking part in a battle to safeguard his country. But it is not so 
for the Brahmin class whose Dharma is to provide Vedic education to 
students. 
Similarly, a young individual in the “Brahmacharya” stage is expected to 
adhere to his Vishesha Dharma of focusing on education, by 
simultaneously following celibacy. Trying to follow the lifestyle of a person 
in the “Grihastha” ashram will be Adharmic for “Brahmacharis.”  
Two more examples can be taken. Sometimes, a doctor might be 
compelled to conceal the truth to ensure that their patient does not 
receive a sudden shock. Likewise, a police officer may have to lie to 
apprehend a criminal. That is the “Vishesha Dharma” of those two 
professions. It does not mean that all people can emulate these 
behavioral patterns to fulfill their selfish motives. 
Hindu Dharma is evident in one aspect. It is Vishesha Dharma that 
supersedes in situations where Samanya Dharma and Vishesha Dharma 
are in conflict with each other. 
Another crucial point related to Samanya Dharma is worthy of special 
mention. An individual will never be successful in upholding their “Vishesha 
Dharma” if they do not first follow the precepts of “Samanya Dharma.” 
Adherence to Samanya Dharma creates a strong foundation; thereafter, a 
person won’t be hassled in abiding by the guidelines of their Vishesha 
Dharma. 
At this juncture, we have to highlight a significant facet of Samanya Dharma. 
There can be specific situations in life where it becomes permissible to 
temporarily set aside the Samanya Dharma principles. For instance, non-
violence is among the most pivotal virtues encompassed under the purview 
of Samanya Dharma. It states that an individual has to refrain from all acts of 
violence that harm others. 
But here is the exception. When someone approaches you with the intention 
of causing bodily harm to you, it is your right to fight back to protect yourself. 
In this circumstance, you may even be forced to physically injure the 
offender. This cannot be called “violation of Samanya Dharma.” That is an 
act of self-defense that is necessary to safeguard your life.   
When we take Vishesha Dharma of a person into account, it is observed that 
even that is not something that remains unchanged. Vishesha Dharma keeps 
changing with age and also the exact stage of an individual’s life. So, the 
Vishesha Dharma at the age of twenty might change by the time the age of 
fifty is crossed. 
Following “Samanya Dharma” becomes even more relevant for people who 
want to grow spiritually. The mind becomes free of all impure thoughts, and 
they can concentrate on various spiritual disciplines. 
  
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