Commitment and dharma

I’ve been mulling over the word ‘commitment’ for a few days now.

And when that happens, sooner or later, something needs to be written down, something needs to be put into words.

The word “commitment”, from the Latin compromissum, has several meanings, including “an obligation or promise made by one or more people” or “to bind oneself to”.

Another word that seems to me to make sense to include in the concept of commitment is discipline, which originates from Latin and means “instruction, knowledge, subject matter to be taught” or “the teaching a disciple receives from a master”. It derives from discipulus (pupil, apprentice), which in turn comes from discere (to learn). Over time, it has come to mean obedience to rules, order, conduct, strength of character, a branch of knowledge or science, and self-control.

And commitment, consistency and discipline lead us to the word “dharma” (from the root dhr – to sustain, support, maintain, bear), which represents, amongst other meanings, the very order in which this universe and every being is woven, and which is reflected in our ability to fulfil our duty both on an individual level and on a relational and social level.

So, the ability to maintain the commitment that involves discipline (in this case, regular practice and consistency) stems from the dharma.

Only when the dharma becomes a value for us will that commitment take root naturally within us.

And so, the question that might follow is: how do we cultivate dharma in our lives?

It seems a simple question, but in truth it requires deep reflection.

Firstly, what is appropriate must become a priority in life, and for dharma to be a priority, I need to understand what I lose sight of when I do not follow dharma.

We have all witnessed this at some point in our lives: when something inappropriate is done, sooner or later we realise the consequence of that action and see that it was not the right thing to do at that moment.

Secondly, we need to understand that the entire Universe has an order and that we, as human beings interconnected with one another, are also part of that order; we are that order!

From there, and if this view (briefly outlined here) truly makes sense to us, it will become increasingly natural for us to follow the value of dharma, the appropriate conduct, which is a constant practice throughout life.

In the practice of devotional singing, for example, whether it be traditional Indian prayers, Vedic chanting or dhrupada, commitment to the practice is essential.

This is the dharma of the student, but also of the teacher.

This does not mean that there is no compassion in the process – quite the contrary. This commitment also involves, at times, pausing, focusing on a single phrase, contemplating the sound, maintaining focus and navigating the river of emotions.

Commitment is also honesty with ourselves: understanding why we practise, and sharing our doubts or difficulties with the teacher so that they may guide us.

Commitment is also seeing the practice as a mirror of what needs to be seen, felt and appreciated in that moment.

And, above all, commitment is practising in truth – it is expressing what needs to be expressed there with complete devotion, openness and sincerity.

And that is true commitment: daily practice, moment by moment.