Many interpretations and definitions across history and schools of thought.
etymology
- Sanskrit dhr-: to hold or support
- Vedic Sanskrit n-stem dharman-: bearer, supporter
- “What is established or firm” → “law”
history
- Origins in Vedic Hinduism
The hymns of the Rigveda claim Brahman created the universe from chaos, they hold (dhar-) the earth and sun and stars apart, they support (dhar-) the sky away and distinct from earth, and they stabilise (dhar-) the quaking mountains and plains.
in Hinduism
- Cosmic law
- Rules that created the universe from chaos (Brahman - highest universal principle)
- Rituals
- Human behaviors necessary for order of things in universe
- Behaviors and action necessary to life in nature, society, family, and individuals
- Duty, rights, character, vocation, religion, customs, morally upright or appropriate behavior
in Buddhism
- Cosmic law, the working of Karma
- Later refers to teachings of the Buddha
- An aspect of truth or reality
- Phenomena
- One of Three Jewels along with Buddha and Sangha
A dharma is commonly defined as any phenomenon that can maintain its unique characteristics and not be mistaken for another phenomenon