Dharma is a key concept with multiple meanings in the Indian religions of Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Sikhism. It is difficult to provide a single concise definition for dharma, as the word has a long and varied history and straddles a complex set of meanings and interpretations. Here are some of the key meanings of dharma:
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Universal laws of nature: In ancient times, dharma meant the universal laws of nature, which are applicable to everyone. For example, in Hindi, it is said that it is the dharma of fire to burn and to cause to burn. Here, dharma has nothing to do with any religion but means the nature of fire.
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Teachings or doctrines: In Buddhism, dharma has a number of distinct meanings. One of its most significant and common usages refers to “teachings” or “doctrines,” both Buddhist and non-Buddhist. The dharma is most often defined as the teachings of the historical Buddha.
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Law and justice: In Hinduism, dharma is the religious and moral law governing individual conduct and is one of the four ends of life. Dharma constitutes the subject matter of the Dharma-sutras, religious manuals that are the earliest source of Hindu law, and in the course of time has been extended into lengthy compilations of law, the Dharma-shastra.
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Personal behavior and ethics: Dharma is an organizing principle in Hinduism that applies to human beings in solitude, in their interaction with human beings and nature, as well as between inanimate objects, to all of cosmos and its parts. It refers to the order and customs which make life and universe possible, and includes behaviors, rituals, rules that govern society, and ethics.
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Personal mission or purpose: On an individual level, dharma can refer to a personal mission or purpose. Traditionally, an individual’s dharma is thought to be pre-determined. Depending on karma, a soul is born into a particular caste or social group, either as a reward or a punishment for actions in their past lives. Their path in life is set by universal laws, and the only way to fulfill their dharma is for them to act in accordance with this law.
In summary, dharma is a complex and multifaceted concept that has different meanings in different religions and contexts. It can refer to universal laws of nature, teachings or doctrines, law and justice, personal behavior and ethics, and personal mission or purpose.
