Dharma has many meanings: religion, law, discipline, duty and being. It upholds character, society and the individual. It protects and rewards. It is the intrinsic nature of all beings and non-beings. The Bhagavad Gita begins with the words, Dharmakshetre Kuruksetre. Our former philosopherpresident Dr Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan says that the battle of the Mahabharata is not just a historical one fought on a battlefield long ago. Rather, it is waged in the hearts of men and women, where the battle between right and wrong is fought daily and even hourly.

In Dharma, one's first duty is towards oneself. "Every individual has to first fulfill duties towards the self." Does this sound like a license to be selfish? Not at all, if you consider that the most important of these duties is cited as "to always remain in a balanced state of mind." The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali are helpful here in sorting out ideas: in the duty hierarchy, duty towards oneself is followed by duty towards family, society, community and state - a Confucian order, indeed.Practicing random acts of kindness is one sure way to inculcate the spirit of Dharma. Simple acts such as planting a tree with no expectations of return and with a commitment to see it grow. Avoid excessive use of plastic. Save and recycle water. Teach children these values, so that they too become fit guardians of life.

Contribute to make your area a better place. If you are an artist, take art classes for street children. "Adopt" a wall and paint it. Teach drama, tailoring, cooking, anything that shares your talents. Share time, money, food, clothes, old newspapers, anything that helps. Feed and care for homeless animals, read to the blind, assist the aged. Resolve to make that small difference. Love yourself, love what you do, love life. It's the only life we have. No guarantees, no refunds, no warranties or replacements.