What is Dharma?

Dharma. Dharma is the moral, ethical, and spiritual law that upholds both the individual's life and the universal order. It is not merely about ritual or external conduct—it encompasses the inner orientation of truth, compassion, self-restraint, and devotion. According to the Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam (Canto 7, Chapter 11, Verses 8–12), Nārada Muni outlines several characteristics of dharma, which form the foundation of righteous conduct ( सदाचार). अनादि ईश्वरः स्वयं, सर्वेषां धर्मकारणम्। अनादिर्भगवान् साक्षात्, धर्मस्यैव परं पदम्॥ ★ धर्मो हि नित्यः स्वयमेव शुद्धः रूपाणि भूत्वापि न मुञ्चति मूलम्। युगे युगे सत्यमयः सत्त्वगुणः सततप्रवाहः सत्ये स्थितो हि धर्मः ब्रह्म परम्॥ The Characteristics of Dharma (Right Conduct): Truthfulness — upheld in thought, speech, and action. Compassion — extended to all beings without exception. Austerity — embracing simplicity and self-discipline. Purity and cleanliness — both outward and inward. Tolerance — in the face of adversity a...