Talk:Reducing Bad Karm and Adding Good Karm:Augmenting Good Karm:Virtuous Conduct

By Vishal Agarwal

The first and the best means of augmenting puṇya obviously is that we should practice virtuous conduct and follow dharm –

Right conduct is the highest dharm, whether it is taught in the śruti or in the smṛti. Therefore, a twice-born man who is devoted to the betterment of his ātmā should always be diligent in following dharm. Manusmṛti 1.108

In fact, mere scriptural learning is futile if it is not complemented with virtuous conduct –

A brāhmaṇa who forsakes right conduct does not reap the fruit of Vedic study. But he who follows it fully obtains the complete reward. Manusmṛti 1.109

The definitions of some virtues according to ṛṣi Atri and ṛṣi Vyāsa are given below –

Purity is defined as abstaining from unclean foods, keeping company with the virtuous and following all the duties and actions prescribed in the scriptures. Atri Saṁhitā 1.34

The ṛṣis who knew dharm very well have defined ‘maṅgala’ as doing praiseworthy actions and avoiding blameworthy actions. Atri Saṁhitā 1.35

Anāyāsa is defined as abstaining from actions – whether good or bad – if they cause excessive pain to the body. Atri Saṁhitā 1.36

Not diminishing the good qualities of a capable person, praising the good qualities of others, and not making fun of shortcomings of others – this is what Anasūyā means. Atri Saṁhitā 1.37

Aspṛhā means being contented with whatever portion one gets of the bare necessities of life, and not coveting another man’s wife. Atri Saṁhitā 1.38

Not getting angry or hurting someone who has caused oneself physical or mental pain – this is called dama. Atri Saṁhitā 1.39

Whatever possessions one might have, donating a portion of it every day with joy – this is called dāna. Atri Saṁhitā 1.40

Treating as a part of our own being all others – parents and other family members, friends, one who bears ill-will towards us or even our enemies – this is called dayā. Atri Saṁhitā 1.41

He who has conquered his senses alone is ‘brave’. He alone is a wise man who practices dharm. He alone is an eloquent speaker who speaks for the benefit of others, and who speaks politely. And he alone is a philanthropist who gives charity with great dignity and respect. Vyāsa Smṛti 4.60

It is never too late to improve one’s conduct. Many a time, we commit errors in ignorance. But it is never too late to realize our mistakes and do the right thing –

If someone commits a great evil act in ignorance and out of delusion but then acts subsequently according to the dharm, he will attain the highest goal (mokṣa). Padma Purāṇa 1.47.62