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 Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam (1.2.6):"The highest or supreme dharma of all human beings is that which leads to loving devotion (bhakti) toward the Supreme Lord, who is beyond material perception (Adhokṣaja).Such devotion must be selfless (ahaitukī) and uninterrupted (apratihatā).Only through this pure and unwavering devotion does the soul attain complete peace and true satisfaction." 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 मुञ्चत...