Dharma

Dharma is a key concept with multiple meanings in Indian religions like Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, Sikhism and others. There is no single-word translation for dharma in Western languages.

Concept

In Hinduism, dharma signifies behaviors that are considered to be in accord with Rta, the order that makes life and universe possible, and includes duties, rights, laws, conduct, virtues and right way of living. In Buddhism, dharma means "cosmic law and order", and is also applied to the teachings of the Buddha. In Buddhist philosophy, dhamma/dharma is also the term for "phenomena". In Jainism, dharma refers to the teachings of the Jinas and the body of doctrine pertaining to the purification and moral transformation of human beings. For Sikhs, the word dharm means the path of righteousness and proper religious practice.

Etymology

The word dharma was already in use in the historical Vedic religion, and its meaning and conceptual scope has evolved over several millennia. The antonym of dharma is adharma.

Hinduism

In Hinduism, dharma includes two aspects – Sanatana Dharma, which means eternal, and Svadharma, which means individual or personal. Sanatana Dharma comprises the basic laws of nature that govern the universe, while Svadharma is a person's individual duties, which are affected by age, caste, occupation, and gender.

Buddhism

In Buddhism, dharma incorporates the teachings and doctrines of the founder of Buddhism, the Buddha. Dharma in Buddhism can be explained as the nature of things, or the way things are, the laws of nature, and also the teachings that outline a morally correct way of living.

Jainism

In Jainism, dharma refers to the teachings of the Jinas (spiritual conquerors who have attained liberation), and the body of doctrine pertaining to the purification and moral transformation of human beings.

Sikhism

In Sikhism, dharma means the path of righteousness and proper religious practice. The concept of dharma in Sikhism is based on the teachings of the ten Sikh Gurus and the Sikh Scripture – Guru Granth Sahib.

See also

• Karma
• Moksha
• Samsara

Dharma Resources
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