Dharma

Liveology
Jan 26, 2023
2 min read

Ethical conduct, spiritual discipline, and responsibilities to family and society.

Language

Sanskrit

Meaning

Moral Duty

Natural Order

Responsibility to Family and Society

Information

The word "dharma" comes from Sanskrit, an ancient and sacred language of India. In Sanskrit, dharma (धर्म) is derived from the root “dhṛ”, which means “to hold,” “to uphold,” or “to sustain.” So, dharma can be understood as that which upholds or sustains the natural order, truth, and righteousness.

Dharma is a central concept in several Eastern religions—especially Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Sikhism—and it generally refers to the right way of living, moral duty, or the natural order of the universe. Though the exact meaning can vary by tradition, at its core, dharma is about living in harmony with truth, justice, and cosmic law.

In Hinduism, dharma is seen as one’s sacred duty based on age, caste, stage of life, and personal nature. It involves ethical conduct, spiritual discipline, and responsibilities to family and society. For example, a warrior's dharma is to protect, while a teacher’s dharma is to educate. The Bhagavad Gita emphasizes following one's dharma, even when it’s difficult, as a path to spiritual liberation.

In Buddhism, dharma (or Dhamma in Pali) refers to the teachings of the Buddha, which include the Four Noble Truths, the Eightfold Path, and the nature of reality. Following the dharma helps individuals overcome suffering and attain enlightenment. In this context, it’s less about social roles and more about universal truth and inner awakening. Across all these traditions, dharma is about aligning one’s life with higher principles and living in a way that supports personal and collective harmony.

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