Dharma
No language is perfect. There is no proper equivalent word in English for the Sanskrit term Dharma. It is very difficult to define Dharma. Dharma is generally defined as ‘righteousness’ or ‘duty’. It is the principle of holiness. It is also the principle of unity. Bhishma says in his instructions to Yudhishthira that whatever creates conflict is Adharma, and whatever puts an end to conflict and brings about unity and harmony is Dharma. Anything that helps to unite all and develop pure divine love and universal brotherhood is Dharma. Anything that creates discord, split and disharmony and foments hatred is Adharma.
Dharma is the cementer and sustainer of
social life. The rules of Dharma have been laid down for regulating
the worldly affairs of men. Dharma brings as its consequence happiness,
both in this world and in the next. Dharma is the means of preserving
one’s self. If you transgress it, it will kill you. If you protect
it, it will protect you. It is your soul companion after death. It is
the sole refuge of humanity.
That which elevates one is Dharma. This is another definition. Dharma
is that which leads you to the path of perfection and glory. Dharma
is that which helps you to have direct communion with the Lord. Dharma
is that which makes you divine. Dharma is the ascending stairway unto
God. Self-realisation is the highest Dharma. Dharma is the heart of
Hindu ethics. God is the centre of Dharma.
Dharma means Achara or the regulation of daily life. Achara is the supreme
Dharma. It is the basis of Tapas or austerity. It leads to wealth, beauty,
longevity and continuity of lineage. Evil conduct and immorality will
lead to ill-fame, sorrow, disease and premature death. Dharma has its
root in morality the controller of Dharma is God Himself.
Maharshi Jaimini defines Dharma as that which is enjoined by the Vedas
and is not ultimately productive of suffering.
Rishi Kanada, founder of the Vaiseshika system of philosophy, has given
the best definition of Dharma, in his Vaiseshika Sutras: "That
which leads to the attainment of Abhyudaya (prosperity in this world)
and Nihsreyasa (total cessation of pain and attainment of eternal bliss
hereafter) is Dharma".