On Thursday 15 May 2008 6:14:03 pm ashok _ wrote: > In madras local lingo there is a term called "dharma adi".. it literally > translates to "free beating" (though you could extrapolate the actual > meaning of "dharma" to it too..)
IMO you have hit upon a fundamental streak in Indians - and not just Hindus. the concept of preserving dharma. Preserving dharma includes respect to elders and teachers etc - but also involves a sound beating - or even death of a wrongdoer. Many of these are actually misapplication of dharma and auto-interpretation of laws. The thief who is beaten is not reported to the police - the punishment is summary and considered complete. shiv
