Definition

Noun: 1. In Hinduism and Buddhism, the eternal and inherent nature of reality, regarded as a cosmic law underlying right behavior and social order. It encompasses duty, righteousness, law, and the fundamental principle of the universe. 2. In Hinduism, the individual's obligation or duty, especially as dictated by caste, custom, or law. It refers to the code of conduct considered appropriate for one's role in society. 3. In Buddhism, the doctrine or teaching of the Buddha; the truth concerning the nature of existence. It refers to the universal truth or law discovered and taught by the Buddha.

Usage Examples

• Noun (Hinduism: Cosmic/Social Law):
  • Living according to one's dharma is considered essential for spiritual progress.
  • The concept of dharma emphasizes righteousness and moral duty.
• Noun (Buddhism: The Teaching):
  • The Buddha spent his life teaching the dharma to help end suffering.
  • Meditation is a key practice for understanding the dharma.

Advanced Usage

• "To follow one's dharma": To adhere to one's personal duty or righteous path as dictated by one's nature and position in life.
  • As a teacher, she felt she was following her dharma by helping students.
• "The wheel of dharma": A Buddhist symbol representing the Buddha's teaching and the endless cycle of birth, death, and rebirth (samsara) that the teaching helps to overcome.
  • The statue depicted the Buddha turning the wheel of dharma.

Variants and Related Words

• Dharmic (adj): Pertaining to or in accordance with dharma.
  • He led a dharmic life, focused on duty and virtue.
• Sanatana Dharma (n): A term used in Hinduism to refer to the "eternal law" or the eternal, unchanging principles that govern reality and duty.

Synonyms

• Duty: A moral or legal obligation.
• Righteousness: The quality of being morally right or justifiable.
• Law (in a cosmic or moral sense): A statement of fact or principle describing natural or divine order.
• Doctrine (specifically in Buddhism): A belief or set of beliefs held and taught.

Notes on Different Meanings

• The meaning of dharma differs significantly between Hinduism and Buddhism, though both relate to fundamental truth or law.
• In Hinduism, it is often tied to social and ritual duties (varna-ashrama-dharma).
• In Buddhism, it is detached from caste duty and refers primarily to the universal truth of existence and the path to liberation as taught by the Buddha.

Noun

1. basic principles of the cosmos; also: an ancient sage in Hindu mythology worshipped as a god by some lower castes;