Dharma: The Divine Law Of Sanatana Hindu Dharma And Buddhism

By Author: Chaitanya Kumari
Total Articles: 210
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The notion of Dharma is one of the most potent and enduring ideas within the rich spiritual and philosophical traditions of India. Because it is believed to oversee the universe and human existence, however, both these ancient faiths construe the idea of Dharma in their own distinct ways. “Dharma” is one of the most important and shared ideas in both Hinduism and Buddhism. In both these religions, dharma refers to the cosmic law, moral order, or natural way of things.

The Sanskrit root “dhṛ” means “to hold,” “to support,” or “that which upholds.” In both Hindu and Buddhist philosophy, dharma is what “holds” the world together — morally, spiritually, and cosmically. In both Sanatana Hindu Dharma and Buddhism, dharma is the standard of ethical behavior. Dharma sustains social, ethical, and spiritual order — it’s what keeps the world balanced. Acting adharmically (against dharma) leads to chaos and suffering in both traditions. Dharma is regarded as the greatest belief within both the Sanatana Hindu faith and Buddhism.

A number of thoughts are entwined within Dharma that give it ...
... its extraordinary presence within Indian philosophy, such as virtue, moral duty, inner law, truth, and, of course, cosmic order. Unlike numerous other words originating in India, it is hard to find a specific English word that appropriately carries the thoughtful meaning entrenched within the term Dharma.

Hindu philosophy exemplifies that everything and everybody in making has its very own essential Dharma that determines its nature and role in the grand cosmic order. Just like fire burns and gives off heat, streams flow infinitely, and the sun offers light and life-sustaining forces as it is their indispensable Dharma to do so. Just like that, individuals should also live according to their own Dharma by bringing into line their opinions and activities with virtue, truth, and justice.

In Sanatana Dharma or Hinduism, the inkling of Dharma is connected with divine laws that ensure harmony within the cosmos. This eternal quality of Dharma is expressed by the word “Sanatana”. Dharma is a perpetual perception; it already was before the world was shaped, and will last to do so once it comes to an end. Dharma does not simply point to a moral code to live by; it is the universal truth that permeates the entire fabric of being.

Another important tenet of following Dharma is that it is always a good idea to follow one’s own Dharma, even though it is not well-formed or imperfectly performed, instead of following the Dharma of another person and executing it effectively. This ancient truth is articulated in Lord Krishna’s adages to Arjuna in the Bhagavad Gita. This note proposes that Dharma is a highly personal form of reality, and not a universal moral code that applies to every individual in the same way.

Dharma, as it is expressed in Buddhism, also carries a similar sacred theme, but it is more closely connected to experiential truth and inner realization. Dharma in Buddhism is not some external law but a natural law of reality that defines how things exist naturally as they are. It is the cosmic principle of moral order and causation that permeates all existence, expressed clearly in the Eightfold Path and the Four Noble Truths.

Dharma should reverberate with a person’s unique nature and intensely felt inner truth. As people live their lives according to their own Dharma, it allows civilization to prosper as a whole. On the other hand, when individuals swerve from their Dharma, it leads to disorder and misery for all and sundry. It is also a potent spiritual compass. It can direct human beings on the way to attaining liberation or moksha.

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