Explaining Pagan Morality Stances: darna
Darna is a Lithuanian word meaning 'harmony'. In Romuva, or Lithuanian Paganism, as well as our culture, darna is a key belief and an integral part to Lithuanian culture and community. So, let's break it all down. I'll also share some resources along the way for those who are interested in learning more in it. Keep in mind some sources will only be in Lithuanian. Let's go!
As mentioned before, darna means 'harmony'. For Lithuanian culture and society this means harmony with each other and with ourselves, this value follows us regardless of religion. To follow darna and achieve harmony with others, we do things such as being kind, open, helping others. Actions like these build connection with the people around you and will help you be harmonious with them. Being in harmony with yourself is quite similar, honestly. Be kind to yourself, keep yourself open to others' thoughts and feelings, and most importantly, stay in touch with yourself emotionally and physically.
Now, within Romuva, darna has another aspect to it, that being with the dievai ('gods'). Being in harmony with the dievai is quite easy since it simply involves worship and prayer to maintain a positive relationship with them. Respecting the dievai is of utmost importance, especially since many of them are all around us (Romuva is a mixture of animistic and anthropomorphistic when considering the dievai). By doing these simple things, you maintain darna with the dievai.
When all of these are combined together, it is believed that you are able to maintain a good life that is in-touch with the self and the dievai. All Lithuanians follow this belief, and even those who are not of our culture but are a part of Romuva do so as well. See below for more resources if you would like to learn more about darna.
Sources:
- LITHUANIAN DARNA CENTRAL VALUE OF THE BALTIC CULTURE - Tenets of Faith - Romuva - Revival of the ancient Baltic religions - Lithuanian Paganism Today
