What is dharma

Overview

Dharma is one of the most fundamental concepts in Hindu, Buddhist, Jain, and Sikh philosophies. The term comes from Sanskrit and literally means 'to hold' or 'to maintain,' referring to the cosmic order and individual duties that maintain harmony in society and the universe.

In Hinduism

In Hindu philosophy, dharma represents the righteous path and one's ethical and moral duties. The concept is explained extensively in texts like the Bhagavad Gita and the Dharmaśāstras. Dharma is not universal—it varies depending on one's varna (social class), ashrama (life stage), profession, and individual circumstances. For example, the duties of a warrior differ from those of a priest or merchant.

Types of Dharma

Dharma is often categorized into four types:

• Sanatana Dharma - eternal laws and universal principles
• Varna Dharma - duties specific to one's caste or social class
• Ashrama Dharma - duties appropriate to one's life stage (student, householder, retiree, renunciate)
• Svadharma - one's own particular duty based on personal nature and circumstances

Relationship with Karma

Dharma is closely interconnected with karma (action and its consequences). Following one's dharma creates positive karma, while violating it creates negative karma. This understanding is central to the Hindu concepts of reincarnation and the cycle of birth and death.

In Other Traditions

In Buddhism, dharma refers to the teachings of Buddha and the cosmic law of nature. Buddhists follow the dharma through the Eightfold Path and other teachings as a means to achieve enlightenment and escape suffering.