Dharma is a concept with multiple meanings in the Indian religions of Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Sikhism. It is a key concept in Indian philosophy and religion, and 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. However, some of the key meanings of dharma include:
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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 Buddhas sermons and teachings pointed toward the true nature of the universe, what is known within Buddhism as the Dharma.
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Righteousness and social duties: In Hinduism, dharma refers to the order and customs which make life and universe possible, and includes behaviors, rituals, rules that govern society, and ethics. It includes the religious duties, moral rights and duties of each individual, as well as behaviors that enable social order, right conduct, and those that are virtuous.
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Good qualities and subtle phenomena: In Buddhist literature, dharma often refers to Buddhist teaching and practice in general. It can refer to good qualities, or subtle phenomena that are the constituent elements of all existence.
Overall, dharma is a complex and multifaceted concept that has different meanings in different religions and contexts. However, it generally refers to principles of order, righteousness, and natural law that guide human behavior and the universe as a whole.
