dharma | धर्म

Dharma (Devanagari: धर्म ISO15919: dharma) has a few different meanings.

1. In the modern language dharma is referred to as religions like Hinduism, Islam, Christianity etc.
2. Dharma is performance of duties as prescribed in the Vedas according to one's stage in life and caste. The moniker for this si varnashram dharm. These actions are performed by the body so this is also referred to as physical dharm.
3. Jagadguru Swami Shri Kripalu Ji Maharaj has explained that the Sanskrit word dharm means "something worth adopting". All living beings have a body and a divine soul. So, they have to adopt two different aspects in conjunction to attain aim of life.
   1. Body is made of five gross elements. So actions taken for upkeep of the body are called physical dharma. Actions like providing it the necessary nutrients, in right quantities maintaining hygiene, exercising etc. Everybody has to follow these rules. Not following these causes self-inflicted health problems.
   2. Since the soul is a sentient divine entity, there are rules to be adopted for the upliftment of soul. These are referred to para dharma or superior rules.

LEARN MORE

• Four pillars of dharm
• Four pillars of irreligion
• Sanatana dharma
• Five gross elements