4.2 Dharma

Dharma, a fundamental concept in Indian religions, encompasses cosmic order, moral duty, and righteous living. It provides insight into the ethical and spiritual frameworks of Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism, revealing interconnections between individual conduct and universal principles.

The concept varies across traditions, encompassing law, duty, virtue, and truth. In Hinduism, it's central to cosmic and social order, while Buddhism reinterprets it as the Buddha's teachings. Jainism views dharma as eternal truths governing the universe.

Definition of dharma

• Dharma represents a fundamental concept in Indian religions encompassing cosmic order, moral duty, and righteous living
• Understanding dharma provides insight into the ethical and spiritual frameworks of Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism
• Exploring dharma reveals interconnections between individual conduct and universal principles in Asian religious thought

Etymology and origins

Top images from around the web for Etymology and origins

• 

  Dharmachakra - Wikiquote View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Karma, Dharma and Moksha: Interpreting Indian philosophy View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Let me explain to you with the help of my own name. the word Vishal, विशाल, which means in a ... View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Dharmachakra - Wikiquote View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Karma, Dharma and Moksha: Interpreting Indian philosophy View original

  Is this image relevant?

1 of 3

Top images from around the web for Etymology and origins

• 

  Dharmachakra - Wikiquote View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Karma, Dharma and Moksha: Interpreting Indian philosophy View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Let me explain to you with the help of my own name. the word Vishal, विशाल, which means in a ... View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Dharmachakra - Wikiquote View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Karma, Dharma and Moksha: Interpreting Indian philosophy View original

  Is this image relevant?

1 of 3

• Sanskrit root "dhṛ" means "to hold, maintain, or keep"
• Originated in Vedic tradition as ritam, concept of cosmic order
• Evolved over centuries through philosophical and religious discourse
• Adopted and adapted by various Indian schools of thought

Multiple meanings across traditions

• Encompasses law, duty, virtue, cosmic order, and truth
• Varies in emphasis and interpretation among different religions
• Includes both descriptive (what is) and prescriptive (what ought to be) aspects
• Applies to individual behavior, social norms, and universal principles

Dharma in Hinduism

• Hinduism views dharma as a multifaceted concept central to cosmic and social order
• Dharma in Hinduism intertwines with other key concepts like karma, samsara, and moksha
• Understanding Hindu dharma illuminates the religion's approach to ethics, duty, and spiritual liberation

Cosmic order and duty

• Represents the underlying order of the universe (rita)
• Governs natural phenomena and cycles (seasons, celestial movements)
• Manifests as divine law upheld by deities (Varuna, Indra)
• Includes performance of rituals and sacrifices to maintain cosmic balance

Individual moral responsibility

• Guides personal conduct and ethical decision-making
• Emphasizes virtues like truthfulness, non-violence, and self-control
• Varies based on life stage (ashramas) and personal circumstances
• Influences accumulation of good karma for favorable rebirth or liberation

Caste-based obligations

• Prescribes specific duties for each varna (Brahmin, Kshatriya, Vaishya, Shudra)
• Outlines occupational responsibilities and social roles
• Includes concept of svadharma (one's own duty) based on birth and abilities
• Controversial aspect in modern interpretations of Hinduism

Dharma in Buddhism

• Buddhism reinterprets dharma as the teachings of the Buddha and the nature of reality
• Understanding Buddhist dharma provides insight into the religion's soteriological goals
• Exploring dharma in Buddhism reveals its emphasis on personal transformation and ethical living

Buddha's teachings

• Encompasses the Four Noble Truths and Eightfold Path
• Includes Buddha's discourses and philosophical expositions
• Emphasizes impermanence, non-self, and interdependent origination
• Preserved in various canonical texts (Tripitaka, Pali Canon)

Path to enlightenment

• Outlines practices for achieving nirvana or enlightenment
• Includes meditation techniques and mindfulness practices
• Emphasizes cultivation of wisdom (prajna) and compassion (karuna)
• Varies across Buddhist traditions (Theravada, Mahayana, Vajrayana)

Ethical conduct and mindfulness

• Promotes adherence to Five Precepts for laypeople
• Emphasizes right speech, action, and livelihood in daily life
• Encourages cultivation of positive mental states (loving-kindness, equanimity)
• Stresses importance of mindfulness in all activities

Dharma in Jainism

• Jainism views dharma as eternal truths and principles governing the universe
• Understanding Jain dharma reveals the religion's emphasis on non-violence and spiritual purification
• Exploring dharma in Jainism provides insight into its unique cosmology and ethical system

Eternal truths

• Represents uncreated, eternal principles of the universe
• Includes concepts of jiva (soul) and ajiva (non-soul)
• Encompasses laws of karma and rebirth
• Outlines path to liberation (moksha) through spiritual practices

Non-violence and karma

• Ahimsa (non-violence) considered the highest dharma
• Extends to thoughts, words, and actions towards all living beings
• Influences dietary practices (vegetarianism, avoiding root vegetables)
• Connects to concept of karma accumulation and its effects on the soul

Spiritual purification

• Emphasizes removal of karmic particles through ascetic practices
• Includes fasting, meditation, and self-restraint
• Outlines stages of spiritual progress (gunasthanas)
• Aims for attainment of kevala jnana (omniscience) and ultimate liberation

Dharma as universal law

• Dharma transcends individual religions as a concept of universal order and natural law
• Understanding dharma as universal law provides insight into Indian philosophical thought
• Exploring this aspect of dharma reveals its relevance to contemporary discussions on ethics and cosmology

Natural order vs human law

• Distinguishes between rita (cosmic order) and human-made laws
• Explores tension between universal principles and societal norms
• Influences concepts of justice and morality across cultures
• Relates to debates on natural law in Western philosophy

Cause and effect relationships

• Emphasizes interconnectedness of actions and consequences
• Relates to scientific principles of causality and determinism
• Influences understanding of karma and rebirth in Indian religions
• Extends to ecological and environmental considerations

Balance and harmony

• Stresses importance of maintaining equilibrium in nature and society
• Influences concepts of social justice and environmental stewardship
• Relates to ideas of yin and yang in Chinese philosophy
• Informs holistic approaches to health and well-being

Dharma in daily life

• Dharma provides practical guidance for ethical living and social interactions
• Understanding dharma's application in daily life reveals its relevance to contemporary society
• Exploring this aspect of dharma shows how religious principles translate into everyday conduct

Personal ethics and virtues

• Promotes cultivation of virtues like honesty, compassion, and self-discipline
• Guides decision-making in personal and professional contexts
• Influences development of character and moral integrity
• Relates to concepts of virtue ethics in Western philosophy

Social responsibilities

• Outlines duties towards community and society at large
• Influences concepts of citizenship and civic engagement
• Promotes social harmony and collective well-being
• Addresses issues of social justice and equality

Family and community duties

• Prescribes responsibilities within family relationships (parent-child, spousal)
• Outlines obligations to extended family and community members
• Influences concepts of filial piety and respect for elders
• Addresses intergenerational responsibilities and care

Dharma texts and scriptures

• Various texts across Indian religions expound on the concept of dharma
• Understanding dharma texts provides insight into the historical development of the concept
• Exploring these scriptures reveals the diverse interpretations and applications of dharma

Vedas and Upanishads

• Rig Veda introduces concept of rita (cosmic order)
• Upanishads explore philosophical aspects of dharma
• Bhagavad Gita emphasizes dharma as duty and righteous action
• Dharmasutras and Dharmashastras codify social and legal aspects of dharma

Buddhist sutras

• Dhammapada collects Buddha's teachings on ethical conduct
• Mahayana sutras (Heart Sutra, Lotus Sutra) explore nature of reality
• Theravada texts (Vinaya Pitaka) outline monastic rules and discipline
• Tantric texts incorporate dharma into esoteric practices

Jain agamas

• Tattvartha Sutra outlines fundamental principles of Jainism
• Acaranga Sutra emphasizes non-violence and ascetic practices
• Uttaradhyayana Sutra provides ethical guidance for lay and monastic followers
• Kalpa Sutra narrates lives of Tirthankaras and their teachings on dharma

Interpretations of dharma

• Dharma has been subject to various interpretations throughout history
• Understanding different perspectives on dharma reveals its dynamic nature
• Exploring interpretations of dharma shows its adaptability to changing social contexts

Classical vs modern views

• Classical interpretations emphasize ritual purity and social hierarchy
• Modern views focus on universal ethics and individual conscience
• Reinterpretations address issues of caste discrimination and gender equality
• Contemporary thinkers integrate dharma with concepts of human rights and social justice

Scholarly debates

• Discussions on relationship between dharma and ethics in Western philosophy
• Debates on universality vs cultural specificity of dharma
• Examinations of dharma's role in shaping Indian legal systems
• Explorations of dharma's relevance to environmental ethics and sustainability

Cultural adaptations

• Incorporation of dharma into various Asian cultures (Sri Lanka, Thailand, Tibet)
• Influence of dharma on art, literature, and popular culture
• Adaptations of dharma concepts in New Age and Western spiritual movements
• Reinterpretations of dharma in diaspora communities

Dharma and other religious concepts

• Dharma interacts with and relates to other key concepts in Indian religions
• Understanding these relationships provides a more comprehensive view of Asian religious thought
• Exploring connections between dharma and other concepts reveals the interconnected nature of Indian philosophy

Dharma vs karma

• Dharma guides ethical conduct while karma tracks consequences
• Interplay between dharmic action and karmic results
• Influence on concepts of free will and determinism
• Relationship to ideas of cosmic justice and moral causality

Dharma and moksha

• Dharma as means to achieve liberation (moksha) in Hinduism
• Buddhist concept of dharma as path to nirvana
• Jain view of dharma leading to kevala jnana and ultimate freedom
• Tension between worldly duties and spiritual liberation

Dharma in Abrahamic contexts

• Comparisons with concepts of divine law in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam
• Influence of dharma on interfaith dialogue and comparative religion studies
• Adaptations of dharma concepts by Western spiritual seekers
• Challenges in translating dharma into Abrahamic religious frameworks

Contemporary relevance of dharma

• Dharma continues to influence modern thought and practices
• Understanding dharma's contemporary applications reveals its enduring significance
• Exploring current interpretations of dharma shows its adaptability to global challenges

Ethical decision-making

• Application of dharmic principles in business ethics and corporate governance
• Influence on bioethics and medical decision-making
• Role in shaping personal values and moral reasoning
• Integration into secular ethics and moral philosophy

Environmental stewardship

• Dharmic concepts of interconnectedness applied to ecological awareness
• Influence on environmental movements and conservation efforts
• Relationship to concepts of sustainability and responsible resource management
• Inspiration for eco-dharma and green spirituality movements

Global interfaith dialogue

• Role of dharma in promoting understanding between different religions
• Influence on development of global ethics and universal values
• Contributions to discussions on pluralism and religious tolerance
• Potential for dharmic principles to address global challenges and conflicts