dharma

(noun)

A key concept with multiple meanings in the Indian religions Hinduism, Buddhism, Sikhism, and Jainism; in Hinduism, it signifies behaviors that are considered to be in accord with the order that makes life and universe possible, including duties, rights, laws, conduct, virtues, and "right way of living."

Related Terms

Examples of dharma in the following topics:

  • Hindu Sculpture

    • The Hindu temple style reflects a synthesis of arts, the ideals of dharma, beliefs, values, and the way of life cherished under Hinduism.
    • Elaborately ornamented with sculpture throughout, these temples are a network of art, pillars with carvings, and statues that display and celebrate the four important and necessary principles of human life under Hinduism—the pursuit of artha (prosperity, wealth), the pursuit of kama (pleasure, sex), the pursuit of dharma (virtues, ethical life), and the pursuit of moksha (release, self-knowledge).

  • The Nature of Religion

    • For example, the Sanskrit word "dharma," sometimes translated as "religion," also means law.

  • Ashoka's Conversion

    • Rajdharma means the duty of the rulers, which was intrinsically entwined with the concept of bravery and dharma.
    • However, according to Basham, the Dharma officially propagated by Ashoka was not Buddhism at all.

  • Religion as a Theme

    • Buddhist art followed believers as the dharma spread, adapted, and evolved in each new host country.

  • Pantheism

    • In Hindu Sanatana Dharma theology, Brahm/Parabrahma is the one unchanging, infinite, immanent, and transcendent reality which is the divine ground of all things in this universe.