धर्म
Dharma
(dharma)Righteous duty; the moral order that sustains the universe
Full Meaning
Dharma is one of the four aims of life (puruṣārthas) in Hindu philosophy. It refers to the cosmic order, moral law, righteous conduct, and one's individual duty. The root dhṛ means "to hold, to sustain" — dharma is what holds the universe together. Every being, every role, and every moment has its own dharma.
Etymology
From the root dhṛ (धृ) — to hold, to uphold, to sustain. That which upholds righteousness and cosmic order.
Usage in Sanskrit Texts
The Mahabharata and Bhagavad Gita are primarily meditations on dharma — what is right action when duty conflicts with love, when loyalty conflicts with truth.
धर्मो रक्षति रक्षितः — Dharma protects those who protect it. (Manusmṛti)
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