What is to be given more weightage by us Hindus – the nation (rashtra) or dharma? – This is a common question that may arise in the minds of us deshbhakts. Pujyapad Puri Shankaracharyaji, clears the doubt for us, as follows.
If we say ‘rashtra dharma’ we will have to consider ‘dharma’. Dharma is bigger. A rashtra which upholds dharma becomes great. A rashtra without dharma has no significance. In the Rigveda, the word ‘rashtra’ has been used for loka and paraloka.
That which proves the existence and utility of a thing or person is dharma.
Earth, water, air, light, and the sky; all living beings, and amongst these, people with wisdom, together constitute a rashtra.
Wise people of a nation, who are endowed with the feeling and knowledge of wanting the country to prosper – they create a rashtra.
A rashtra that is not based on dharma is not even worth calling a rashtra.