Dharma is the path of righteousness and living one's life according to the codes of conduct as described by the Hindu scriptures.
Moral Law of the World
Hinduism describes dharma as the natural universal laws whose observance enables humans to be contented and happy and to save himself from degradation and suffering. Dharma is the moral law combined with spiritual discipline that guides one's life. Hindus consider dharma the very foundation of life. It means "that which holds" the people of this world and the whole creation. Dharma is the "law of being" without which things cannot exist.
According to the Scriptures
Dharma refers to the religious ethics as propounded by Hindu gurus in ancient Indian scriptures. Tulsidas, author of Ramcharitmanas, has defined the root of dharma as compassion. This principle was taken up by Lord Buddha in his immortal book of great wisdom, Dhammapada. The Atharva Veda describes dharma symbolically: Prithivim dharmana dhritam, that is, "this world is upheld by dharma". In the epic poem Mahabharata, the Pandavas represent dharma in life and the Kauravas represent adharma.
Good Dharma = Good Karma
Hinduism accepts the concept of reincarnation, and what determines the state of an individual in the next existence is karma which refers to the actions undertaken by the body and the mind. In order to achieve good karma, it is important to live life according to dharma, what is right. This involves doing what is right for the individual, the family, the class, or caste and also for the universe itself. Dharma is like a cosmic norm and if one goes against the norm, it can result in bad karma. So, dharma affects the future according to the karma accumulated. Therefore one's dharmic path in the next life is the one necessary to bring to fruition all the results of past karma.
What Makes You Dharmic?
Anything that helps ahuman being to reach god is dharma and anything that hinders a human being from reaching god is adharma. According to the Bhagavat Purana, righteous living or life on a dharmic path has four aspects: austerity (tap), purity (shauch), compassion (daya) and truthfulness (satya); and adharmic or unrighteous life has three vices: pride (ahankar), contact (sangh), and intoxication (madya). The essence of dharma lies in possessing a certain ability, power,and spiritual strength. The strength of being dharmic also lies in the unique combination of spiritual brilliance and physical prowess.
The 10 Rules of Dharma
Manusmriti written by the ancient sage Manu, prescribes 10 essential rules for the observance of dharma: Patience (dhriti), forgiveness (kshama), piety, or self control (dama), honesty (asteya), sanctity (shauch), control of senses (indraiya-nigrah), reason (dhi), knowledge or learning (vidya), truthfulness (satya) and absence of anger (krodha). Manu further writes, "Non-violence, truth, non-coveting, purity of body and mind, control of senses are the essence of dharma". Therefore dharmic laws govern not only the individual but all in society.
The Purpose of Dharma
The purpose of dharma is not only to attain a union of the soul with the supreme reality, it also suggests a code of conduct that is intended to secure both worldly joys and supreme happiness. Rishi Kanda has defined dharma in Vaisesika as "that confers worldly joys and leads to supreme happiness". Hinduism is the religion that suggests methods for the attainment of the highest ideal and eternal bliss here and now on earth and not somewhere in heaven. For example, it endorses the idea that it is one's dharma to marry, raise a family and provide for that family in whatever way is necessary. The practice of dharma gives an experience of peace, joy, strength,and tranquillity within one's self and makes life disciplined.
FAQs
Jainism views Dharma as the moral transformation and purification of humans. Sikhism sees Dharma as correct religious practices, duties towards God, and the road to virtue. In Hinduism, a good Dharma definition is the path of righteousness or conduct all Hindus must strive to follow to uphold universal natural law.
What is the path of dharma in Hinduism? ›
It is central to human life and means not only religious ideas and worship of gods, but moral conduct and righteous behaviour, truthfulness, duty, etc. There is nothing higher than dharma for it is the path by which man strives for release from samsara.
What is dharma and righteousness? ›
In Sikhism, dharma indicates the path of righteousness, proper religious practices, and performing one's own moral duties. The concept of dharma was in use in the historical Vedic religion, and its meaning and conceptual scope has evolved over several millennia.
What is the path of the dharma? ›
Dharma is a Sanskrit word that is a path of righteousness.
The classical meaning of Dharma is "to hold, maintain, keep." In Hinduism, Dharma means the behavior that makes life and the Universe possible with RTA, the order. A moral law guides one's life when combined with spiritual discipline.
What is the path of righteousness? ›
The path of righteousness is an intentional series of actions. It is not something we think or pray about but an actual path we must walk. It is the path of seeking justice for all people. It is the path of living and reflecting the actions of Jesus.
What is the saying about the path to righteousness? ›
Proverbs 8:20-21 I, [Wisdom, continuously] walk in the way of righteousness, In the midst of the paths of justice, That I may cause those who love me to inherit wealth and true riches, And that I may…
Which is Hindu Dharma? ›
All aspects of a Hindu life, namely acquiring wealth (artha), fulfilment of desires (kama), and attaining liberation (moksha), are viewed here as part of "dharma", which encapsulates the "right way of living" and eternal harmonious principles in their fulfilment.
What is the Dharma goal in Hinduism? ›
Dharma calls for followers of Hinduism to live honorably, and live their lives according to virtues such as honesty, generosity, and compassion. Moksha is the ultimate goal of Hinduism, and can best be described as the liberation of the soul from the eternal cycle of life, death, and rebirth.
What are the 4 Dharma in Hinduism? ›
It is a key concept in Hinduism, and refers to the four proper goals or aims of a human life. The four puruṣārthas are Dharma (righteousness, moral values), Artha (prosperity, economic values), Kama (pleasure, love, psychological values) and Moksha (liberation, spiritual values, self-actualization).
What is the righteous or virtuous path in Hinduism? ›
Dharma indicates moral order, duty, and righteous conduct, and is related to the concept of swadharma—one's own duty as it relates to their role in their journey of life. Karma is the belief that actions have both moral and pragmatic consequences.
Righteousness or rectitude is the quality or state of being morally correct and justifiable. It can be considered synonymous with "rightness" or being "upright" or to-the-light and visible.
Can Dharma mean duty righteousness and ethics in Hinduism? ›
Dharma: Dharma is a multifaceted concept that encompasses various meanings and interpretations. In general, it refers to the moral and ethical duties, responsibilities, and righteousness that guide an individual's actions and behavior.
What is the path in Hinduism? ›
In Hinduism, there are four main paths by which a follower can reach moksha, or liberation. These paths are bhakti, the path of devotion; gnana, the path of knowledge; karma, the path of selfless service; and raja, the royal path of meditation.
Why is dharma important? ›
Dharma is fundamental to personal growth and self-realization, providing individuals with a sense of purpose and direction. Understanding and incorporating dharma into daily life involves introspection, self-reflection, and a deep understanding of one's values and beliefs.
What are the rules of dharma in Hinduism? ›
Different texts give different lists of the duties, but in general sanatana dharma consists of virtues such as honesty, refraining from injuring living beings, purity, goodwill, mercy, patience, forbearance, self-restraint, generosity, and asceticism.
What is the path of the righteous? ›
Proverbs 4:18-22 New International Version (NIV)
The path of the righteous is like the morning sun, shining ever brighter till the full light of day. But the way of the wicked is like deep darkness; they do not know what makes them stumble. My son, pay attention to what I say; turn your ear to my words.
What is the virtuous path in Hinduism? ›
~ THE PATH OF DHARMA ~
Or it is said that to follow the path of Virtue is to follow the Laws of Universal Harmony (aka Dharma); and thus when we are true to Virtue we are true to or Higher Self, we reflect the Image of God, we are in line with the flow (aka Tao) of the Universe.
What is the path of life in Hinduism? ›
In Hinduism, there are four main paths by which a follower can reach moksha, or liberation. These paths are bhakti, the path of devotion; gnana, the path of knowledge; karma, the path of selfless service; and raja, the royal path of meditation.
