Dharma is a profound and multifaceted concept rooted in Indian philosophy, particularly in Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Sikhism. It does not have a single equivalent word in English, but it can be roughly translated as righteousness, duty, moral order, or law.
Key Aspects of Dharma:
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Moral and Ethical Duty:
Dharma refers to the set of moral principles and ethical duties that guide an individual’s actions. It emphasizes doing what is right according to one’s role in society, stage of life, and circumstances.
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Universal Order:
It represents the natural law that maintains the harmony of the universe. Upholding dharma contributes to balance and order in the world.
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Personal Responsibility:
Dharma varies from person to person. What is dharma for a student (brahmachari) is different from that of a householder (grihastha) or a monk (sannyasi).
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Spiritual Path:
Living in accordance with dharma leads to inner peace and spiritual growth. It is one of the four purusharthas(goals of life) in Hindu thought — the others being artha (prosperity), kama (desire), and moksha (liberation).
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Contextual Nature:
Dharma is not rigid. It must be applied with wisdom and discernment (viveka), considering time, place, and situation.
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