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 मुञ्चति मूलम्।

युगे युगे सत्यमयः सत्त्वगुणः सततप्रवाहः

सत्ये स्थितो हि धर्मः ब्रह्म परम्॥

☆

धर्मो मित्रं भक्तस्य च, धर्मो मित्रं मृतस्यैव।
धर्मो हि परमं मित्रं, तिष्ठति स सदा सर्वत्र॥
सत्यं प्रथमपादस्तु, शौचं द्वितीय उच्यते।
तृतीयो दयया युक्तः, चतुर्थः तपसा दृढः॥
एते चारुपादाश्चैव, धर्मस्तिष्ठति निश्चितम्।
यः पालयति धर्मं वै, स पालयति सर्वकम्॥



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 and difference.

Equality — free from all forms of discrimination.

Self-restraint and composure — including continence.

Non-violence — in deed, word, and intention.

Celibacy — observed with mindfulness and respect.

Generosity — giving freely, without seeking return.

Study of sacred texts — with reverence and reflection.

Sincerity — in all pursuits of truth and duty.

Contentment — dwelling in peace with what one has.

Service to the holy and the wise — offered with humility.

Gradual renunciation — of the unnecessary and the binding.

Gravitas — through silence and avoidance of idle speech.

Self-realization — through deep inner inquiry.

Sharing of food and drink — with all beings, in unity.

Seeing the Divine — in all, beyond outer form.

Control of the mind and senses

Remembrance of God — constant and heartfelt.

Devotion to the Divine through Navada Bhakti includes:

Shravanam – Listening to divine stories.

Kirtanam – Singing or chanting God's name.

Smaranam – Remembering God.

Padasevanam – Serving the feet of the Divine.

Archanam – Worshiping with rituals and offerings.

Vandanam – Offering obeisance and heartfelt prayers.

Dasyam – Serving as a humble servant of the Lord.

Sakhyam – Cultivating a deep friendship with God.

Atmanivedanam – Total self-surrender to the Divine.


These virtues are not just moral principles; they are the building blocks of dharmic living and are essential for spiritual evolution and social well-being. Practicing them leads to inner harmony, outer discipline, and alignment with the divine will.

धर्मो मित्रं मृतस्यैव, धर्मो मित्रं भक्तस्य च।

धर्मो हि परमं मित्रं, तिष्ठति स सदा सर्वत्र ॥

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