Dharma

Definition

Dharma refers to the moral and ethical duties and responsibilities that govern an individual's life in accordance with cosmic law and social order. It is a fundamental concept in Hinduism, influencing personal behavior, societal roles, and spiritual pursuits.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Dharma can vary based on an individual's age, caste, gender, and personal circumstances, making it a highly contextual and dynamic concept.
2. The Bhagavad Gita emphasizes the importance of performing one's dharma as a path to righteousness and spiritual fulfillment, especially in the face of challenges.
3. In the context of the four purusarthas, dharma serves as the foundation for achieving artha (material success), kama (pleasure), and ultimately moksha (liberation).
4. Hindu ethics are deeply intertwined with the concept of dharma, providing guidelines for how individuals should act within their communities.
5. The ashrama system highlights how dharma shifts throughout a person's life stages—from student to householder to renunciant—each requiring different responsibilities.

Review Questions

• How does the concept of dharma influence individual actions and societal roles in Hinduism?
  • Dharma influences individual actions by providing a framework of moral and ethical responsibilities that guide behavior in everyday life. It defines one's duties based on various factors such as age, caste, gender, and personal circumstances. This not only helps individuals navigate their own lives but also establishes societal roles that contribute to social order and harmony. Following dharma is seen as essential for maintaining balance within oneself and in society.
• Discuss the relationship between dharma and the four purusarthas in Hindu thought.
  • Dharma plays a crucial role in the framework of the four purusarthas—dharma (duty), artha (wealth), kama (pleasure), and moksha (liberation). It acts as a guiding principle that directs individuals on how to pursue artha and kama while ensuring their actions remain ethical and righteous. By adhering to dharma, individuals can achieve material success without compromising their moral responsibilities, ultimately leading them toward moksha—the liberation from the cycle of samsara.
• Evaluate how the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita illustrate the importance of dharma in relation to personal duty and spirituality.
  • The Bhagavad Gita vividly illustrates the importance of dharma through its central narrative involving Prince Arjuna's moral dilemma on the battlefield. Krishna advises Arjuna to fulfill his kshatriya duty despite his fears about fighting against relatives. This highlights that adherence to one's dharma is essential for personal integrity and spiritual growth. The Gita emphasizes that fulfilling one's responsibilities with selflessness leads to spiritual advancement, thus connecting personal duty with higher spiritual ideals.

Related terms

Karma: Karma is the principle of cause and effect, where a person's actions (good or bad) determine their future experiences and circumstances.

Samsara: Samsara is the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth that individuals undergo, influenced by their karma and dharma.

Moksha: Moksha is the ultimate goal in Hinduism, representing liberation from the cycle of samsara and union with the divine.