Definition
A major term in Indian traditions that may refer to teaching, order, duty, truth, law or the way in a context.
Dharma is a Sanskrit word with multiple meanings. It can refer to the world order, duty, just conduct, law, Buddha teaching or the nature of a phenomenon. Its meaning depends heavily on the tradition and text in which it appears.
To be retained
- Always clarify the religious context
- Distinguishing duty, teaching and reality
- Avoiding a single translation too simple
- Connecting Dharma to a Fair Driving
Origin of the term and context
Dharma comes from a Sanskrite root meaning "support, maintain". Its polysemia is essential: there is no single French translation valid everywhere.
Why does it matter?
Understanding dharma requires a clarification of the tradition and text concerned. In Buddhism, it designates the teaching of Buddha; in Hinduism, it can designate duty and cosmic order.
- Providing ethical guidance
- Organizing individual and collective life
- Transmit spiritual teaching
- Present very different meanings according to traditions
How can I practice it?
- Always clarify the religious context
- Read commented translations
- Avoid reducing dharma to a simple "life mission"
- Linking education and driving
Misconceptions and points of caution
- Dharma is not just an ideal profession.
- His Buddhist and Hindu sense is not identical.
- It is not just a fixed rule.
Perspectives from different traditions
- Buddhism: teaching, phenomena, reality.
- Hinduism: order, duty, law, just conduct.
- Jainism: principle of movement and teaching.
To go further
- The Bhagavad-Gītā
- The Dhammapada
- The Foundations of Buddhism — Rupert Gethin