It
is said about the British parliament that it is sovereign and can do
anything. They say that "British Parliament can do everything
except making a woman a man and vice versa." But is it possible
for the parliament to legislate that every Englishman must walk on
his head? It is not possible. Can they pass an act that everyone in
England must present himself before the local authority once
everyday? They cannot. England has no written constitution. They
regard tradition highly. But their traditions too have undergone
change. What is the basis for making changes in their traditions?
Whichever tradition proved an obstacle in the progress of England,
was discarded. Those which were helpful in the progress were
consolidated.
The traditions are respected
everywhere, just as in England. We have written constitution, but
even this written constitutions cannot go contrary to the traditions
of this country. In as much as it does go contrary to our
traditions, it is not fulfilling Dharma. That constitution which
sustains the nation is in tune with Dharma. Dharma sustains the
nation. Hence we have always given primary importance to Dharma,
which is considered sovereign. All other entities, institutions or
authorities derive their power from Dharma and are subordinate to
it.
|