What is the essential precept of Indian culture, and why is it important for all? Our Loving Lord explains today.

Without yielding to the conditions of place, time, and situation, Indian culture has always sought the underlying unity in the apparent diversity by renouncing the narrow feelings of "I" and "mine". Duryodhana had great physical strength, intellect, valour, power, and wealth — all forms of prosperity. What is the significance in Vyasa treating Duryodhana and Dushasana with scorn and giving the highest value to Dharmaja? Because our sages considered dharma (righteousness) above everything. They recognised that the cosmos exists only on the power of dharma, that all beneficial acts emerge from dharma! Ramayana, teaching lofty ideals of morality to the whole world, is dearer than life to every home in India. How must brothers behave with each other? How must children conduct themselves with parents and obey their wishes? What tolerance and self-control must exist in a husband-wife relationship? All such questions are beautifully answered in the Ramayana. It demonstrates the fame and prosperity of a family in which brothers are united, where love pervades!

- Summer Showers, Jun 2, 1991.