English translation:
The Vedas are the root of all religions or the Veda is the entire source of Dharma, and the memory and conduct of those who know it; the conduct of the virtuous also, and what satisfies oneself, these are the sources of Dharma”
वेदोऽखिलो धर्ममूलं स्मृतिशीले च तद्विदाम् ।
आचारश्चैव साधूनां आत्मनस्तुष्टिरेव च ॥ २/६
vedo̕khilo dharmamulam smrutishile ch tadvidam. aacharaschaiv sadhunam aatmanastushtirev ch॥
– Manu Smriti 2.6
About this Verse >
“Vedo’khilo Dharmamoolam” is a Sanskrit verse meaning “The Vedas are the root of all religions” or “The Vedas are the foundation/root of all religions”. It is an important verse from Manusmriti (2.6), which states that all principles and practices of Dharma are based on the Vedas and that the Vedas are the ultimate authority, followed by the Smritis (religious texts), the conduct of gentlemen, and the satisfaction of conscience.
Meaning of the Verse:
This sutra establishes that Vedic knowledge is the original source of all religious and moral principles, and other scriptures and practices have evolved from the knowledge of the Vedas.
Context: This refers to the supreme authority of the Vedas in ancient religion, culture and philosophy, where the ‘word’ (Veda) is considered the ultimate authority.
Comprehensiveness: It is not limited to religious rituals but also covers every aspect of life, reflecting the eternal wisdom of the Vedas.
Srota: This sūtra summarizes the fundamental principles of ancient culture and religion, which manifests Brahman (truth, knowledge, bliss) through the trinity (triad) of knowledge, action and worship.
Interpretation of the verse.
(Vedah Akhilah Dharmamoolam) Veda is the root of all religions. (Smritisile ca tad-vidam) and the memory and modesty of the people who know the Vedas are also the roots of religion. (Achar: Cha and Sadhunam) Good conduct of good men is also the root of religion. (Atman: Tushti: Eva Cha) and satisfaction of the inner soul is also the root of religion.
— ancient philosophy.
Key Aspects of the Verse (2.6)
Vedaokhilo Dharmamoolam: Complete Vedas (root of all religions).
Smritisile Cha Tadvidam: Smriti (religious traditions) and Sheela (good nature/character) of those who know the Vedas.
Acharashchaiva Sadhunam: And the conduct (virtue) of gentlemen (sadhus).
Atmanastushtireva cha: And the satisfaction of the soul (happiness of mind) is the root of religion.
Essence of the Verse:
This verse explains that dharma is not limited to the Vedas, but also includes Vedic knowledge, the good conduct of scholars, the virtue of good people, and the inner satisfaction of the individual. Together, these guide a complete and authentic dharmic life.
Spiritual Meaning:
The Vedas (the source of all knowledge), smriti and sila (the rituals and good conduct of those who know the Vedas), sadhu aachar (the conduct of the virtuous), and atma-tushti (the satisfaction/inner peace of one’s soul). The spiritual meaning is that true dharma is not merely manifested in external rules, but in the integration of knowledge of the Vedas, the conduct of the wise, the good conduct of the virtuous, and the satisfaction of the soul, which leads one to ultimate bliss and liberation.
Misinterpretation of this verse.
This verse also, has been misinterpreted by many Non Vedic Scholars, and other Western Scholars.
