Dharma

Part of Speech

Noun

Pronunciation

/ˈdʌr.mə/ or /ˈdɑːr.mə/

Definitions

• A fundamental concept in Indian religions, referring to duty, righteousness, or the moral order of the universe.
• The teachings and principles upheld in Buddhism, Hinduism, Jainism, and Sikhism.
• A person's duty or path in life, especially in a spiritual or ethical sense.

Usage Examples

• "In Hinduism, dharma guides individuals toward righteous living."
• "Buddhism teaches that following the dharma leads to enlightenment."
• "It is my dharma to serve my family and community with integrity."

Etymology

From Sanskrit धर्म (dharma), meaning "law, duty, righteousness"; derived from the root धृ (dhṛ), meaning "to hold, maintain, keep."

Synonyms

• Duty
• Righteousness
• Moral law
• Ethical path

Antonyms

• Adharma (unrighteousness, lawlessness)
• Immorality
• Injustice

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

In Sanskrit and Hindi, "dharma" is pronounced as /dʱʌrm/, while in English and Western languages, it is often pronounced as /ˈdʌr.mə/ or /ˈdɑːr.mə/.

Historical Usage

The concept of dharma has been a foundational principle in Indian philosophy for thousands of years, appearing in ancient texts such as the Vedas, Upanishads, Bhagavad Gita, and Buddhist scriptures.

Cultural Nuances

Dharma varies in meaning across different traditions. In Hinduism, it refers to the cosmic law and an individual's duty. In Buddhism, it represents the teachings of the Buddha. In Jainism, it relates to the path of righteousness and non-violence.

More Information

Dharma is an integral concept in Indian philosophy and plays a crucial role in shaping ethical and moral values in societies influenced by Hindu, Buddhist, Jain, and Sikh traditions. The idea of dharma extends beyond religion, encompassing social, legal, and moral obligations. It is often depicted in ancient texts as the force that maintains harmony in the universe.