The Meaning of Dharma: Exploring the Meaning and Relevance of Dharma in Modern Times and Across Traditions

The Meaning of Dharma

Exploring the Meaning and Relevance of Dharma in Modern Times and Across Traditions

By Kelsey Dickstein

 

Introduction

In my work, I often instruct folks to “Follow your Dharma.” But what does that really mean? There seems to be some real mystery around the meaning of the word Dharma, with many people giving different answers when asked. Let’s break it down etymologically, culturally, and personally through a historical lens to try to get a better understanding of the concept as a whole, and how it applies to us here in the 21st century.

As it turns out, Dharma is a key principle or theory in several Indian religions such as Hinduism, Buddhism, Sikhism, and Jainism. Commonly oversimplified to mean “the law” or “religion”, Dharma is a powerful concept that has much more significance and depth. It encapsulates different concepts when spoken of in different traditions. Some of its meanings can be understood as what we are; what we do; what we ought to do for ourselves, one another and society. It is “the way everything works out”.

Dharma is probably one of the trickiest concepts for us to understand in the West, yet it is one of the most important. We here in America are thirsting for Dharma, for peace, for meaning…for a chance to take a breath and stop worrying.

You might be thinking, Wait, what does some ancient Sanskrit word have to do with me and my struggles here in 2025?” Read on to find out how understanding Dharma can be the key to self-empowerment and a less stressful, more harmonious existence.

The Etymology of Dharma

The word Dharma comes from the Sanskrit root “Dhr-”, meaning to hold or support. It is related to the “Firmus” in Latin (firm, stable), and during its early history, expanded to mean “What is established or firm”. Later, it morphed into also meaning “Law”. The Sanskrit root comes from the Vedic Sanskrit stem “Dhaman”, a noun meaning “Bearer or supporter”.

So, in its most basic form, Dharma means that which holds us up or holds us together (in the sense of a society, or a well-balanced existence)- that which makes society and fulfillment possible, the structure of things.

The concept of Dharma has been in use since the 1500s BCE, when the Vedas were still being transmitted orally. It was written down by the 500s BCE, appearing in the Vedas, Upanishads, The Mahabharata, and also early Buddhist texts.

Over time, the word’s understanding has changed. Let’s dive deep into the history of the concept through a cultural and religious lens.

 

Dharma in Hinduism: Cosmic Order

In Hinduism, Dharma can be understood as, “the religious and moral law governing individual conduct and is one of the four ends of life”, referring to:

1.     Dharma-Duty

2.     Artha-wealth

3.     3. Kama- pleasure

4.     4. Moksha- liberation).

 It is also understood as religion, virtue, duty, and how society remains organized.

In other words, Dharma is Cosmic Order.

In Hinduism, Dharma is separated into two categories: Sadharana Dharma, meaning universal ethical principles – such as non-injury (ahimsa), truthfulness (satya), and generosity (dana).  It is meant as a set of morals and virtues that everyone should follow.

The second meaning of Dharma in Hinduism is Svadharma, or Dharma which is one’s duty according to their caste or social/work position.

The theory is essentially: this is how to do so that the world works, succeeds, and thrives in harmony.

In the Bhagavad-Gita: Krishna’s Dharma

The Bhagavad-Gita is a 700-verse scripture that can be found in the epic The Mahabharata. It tells the story of Arjuna, a warrior prince who faces the moral dilemma of fighting in a battle against family and friends.

Like Arjuna many of us have faced difficult moral decisions. Sometimes it is tough to know what to do. The concept of Dharma provides a sort of guide to individuals in Hinduism for what to do.

In the Gita, Krishna themself comes down to Arjuna’s aid, becoming not only his charioteer, but also his counselor as Arjuna considers the moral implications of the battle for which he is preparing.

Krishna explains Dharma in 4 parts:

1.     Svadharma- personal obligations centered one one’s nature and circumstances.

2.     Samanya Dharma- Universal obligations based on moral principles like non-violence (ahimsa), and truthfulness (satya)- similar to Sadharana Dharma

3.     Varna Dharma- Obligations based on caste, social class, or profession.

4.     Ashrama Dharma- obligations at various stages of life (student, householder, hermit, and renunciant)

So, you can see that even within one school of thought such as in Hinduism, the concept is complex, but generally means your path, your responsibilities, and what you ought to do according to various characteristics and titles.

Now we’ll move onto exploring the concept through a Buddhist framework.

Dharma (and Dhamma) in Buddhism

Dharma has a different meaning in Buddhism, where it refers to the teachings of Buddha, and what Buddhists believe to be the path towards liberation from suffering.

Dharma is highly significant in the Buddhist religion, as it comprises one aspect of the Triratna, or the Three Jewels of Buddhism. They are:

1.     The Buddha- the enlightened teacher

2.     The Sangha- the monastic order or community to which one belongs and

3.     The Dharma/Dhamma- the path and actions taken towards achieving liberation from suffering.

In Buddhism, Dharma is closer to meaning the way to harmony. It is a less rigid concept and seen more as a guide or compass. Within Buddhism, Dharma tends to be more personal than religious.

The Noble Eightfold Path

In Buddhism, Dharma can refer to the actions one takes while following the Noble Eightfold Path, which refers to the path towards enlightenment laid out by Siddhartha Gautama, the first Buddha. The path is seen as the way to escape suffering (Dukkha), and achieve Nirvana.

Nirvana refers to a state in which we are no longer imprisoned by our desires, therefore being primed to attain liberation (release from the cycle of rebirth) and thereby transcending suffering.

The Noble Eightfold Path is comprised of the following points:

Wisdom (Prajñā):

1.     Right Understanding/View

2.     Right Motivation/Resolve

Ethical Conduct (Śīla):

3.     Right Speech

4.     Right Action

5.     Right Livelihood

Mental Discipline (Samādhi)

6.     Right Effort

7.     Right Mindfulness

8.     Right Connection

This Path can mean different things to different people, and has different forms across Buddhist Schools of thought, teachers, and Sanghas. It has been shaped culturally and philosophically over the years, with guidance from books like the Dhammapada and other Buddhist texts.

 

The Jains: Dharma as Ahimsa (Non-Violence)

“The worst Karmic defilement of the soul takes place when one causes hurt to any other creature.” -Maneka Sanjay Ghandi

The Jains see Dharma as a great mechanism- sort of the physics of spirituality in action. They believe that we must strive for harmony and non-violence in this world in all our dealings and with all of its creatures. They believe that our actions are prone to return to us with equal and opposite force.

Mahavira, the 24th Tirthankara (Supreme Preacher and Ford Maker) of Jainism, once said:

 

“You are that which you intend to hit, injure, insult, torment, persecute, torture, enslave, or kill.”

 

Empathy is key. Respect for all life is essential. Thinking before you act is the only way.

We must be aware of the innumerable lives that affect us and make our lives possible. We must be aware of how we affect the lives of so many others. We are all related, interconnected, on the same spider webs, so to say. We must strive to live symbiotically and with respect for one another.

So, for the Jains, the way to uphold that sense of Cosmic Order is through Ahimsa, and Dharma becomes synonymous with a life of non-violence, a life of thinking about whom your actions might affect before you act and making the right choices and preparations to avoid hurting others.

For Jains, the way to liberation from the cycle of reincarnation is through being aware of our innate interconnectedness, and to use that information to respect the earth and its creatures as well as ourselves in tandem, by choosing the path of the least harm.

Mahavara put it like this:

“One who neglects or disregards the existence of earth, water, fire, air, vegetation, and all other lives disregards his own existence which is entwined with them.”

 

The Jain Path of Non-Violence

The Jains are famous for their practices in Ahimsa, such as their widespread veganism and vegetarianism, and their extreme commitments to not causing harm to even the smallest of creatures. Some Jains even take such precautions as sweeping before they walk to gently move small creatures out of the way, or even wearing a facemask for the purpose of not accidentally inhaling even the tiniest of life forms. It is a truly admirable path to be so thoughtful and kind to the life around you, knowing that you are one with it, and that you all play an important role in supporting the lives of one another.  

 

Seva: The Dharma of the Sikhs

In Sikhism, Dharma is expressed through Seva, or selfless service, and embodies the virtues of humility, equality, and being devoted to the well-being of others.

According to Sikhdharma.org:

“Sikhs do Seva for the benefit of the Sangat (community, similar to Sangha), and others without a thought of reward. When such humility reigns, God bows. He reaches out for the servers and the service. The hand of God becomes the hand of man, and many hands become One. In turn, Seva supports those environments that support the soul.”

In having a practice of Seva, Sikh Gurus hope to be enabled to create a society in which all needs are met. By doing Seva, Sikhs believe they may cultivate purity, beauty, grace of consciousness, and the bountiful bliss of God.

 

Dharma in Yoga and Western Interpretations

Dharma in yoga in the west can be defined as acting with purpose, thinking through one’s life in a more holistic manner, and taking the lessons learned in physical postures off the mat and applying them to one’s spiritual, social, and inner lives to find balance there as well. It refers to aligning oneself with universal principles such as those found in the Eight Limbs of Yoga. In Ashtanga (a school of yoga meaning “eight-limbed”),the Eight Limbs refer to a system of inner and societal ethics known as Yama or social discipline, and Niyama or personal discipline.

Dharma is central to yoga’s core, but the concept is often ignored in the west where yoga can be overlooked as a deep, spiritual practice, and seen instead as merely a set of stretches. Yoga has a rich spiritual and cultural history in the East and though it absolutely can help one decompress, lower stress, and lessen pain in the body, it is much deeper than that. I encourage you to do your own research and suggest the following books to start: The Yamas and the Niyamas by Deborah Adele, The Deeper Dimension of Yoga by Georg Feuerstein, and The Tree of Yoga by B. K. S. Iyengar.

 

Dharma and Taoism: The Way

“The Tao that can be told is not the eternal Tao.

The name that can be named is not the eternal name.

The nameless is the beginning of heaven and earth.

The named is the mother of ten thousand things.

Ever desireless, one can see the mystery.

Ever desiring, one can see the manifestations.

These two spring from the same source but differ in name;

This appears as darkness.

Darkness within darkness.

The gate to all mystery.”

-One, Tao Te Ching, Lao Tsu

The word “Tao” is often translated as “the Way”. It is loosely defined in the spiritual and philosophical ancient Chinese text The Tao Te Ching (sometimes Dao De Ching/Jing) and is attributed to Lao Tzu (also, Tsu).

The Tao is a concept similar to Dharma and refers to the natural order of things, a way of being like water, the balance and ebb and flow of life, and a way of balancing action and inaction (wu-wei). The Tao is the way in which the universe, nature and all life, if left alone to its own devices, would exist in a natural state of harmony. In other words- leave it alone and let it be, because it’ll work itself out. In Taoism, issues more often arise from taking unnecessary action than from failing to act. In Taoism, the process of self-realizationbegin by taking away unnecessary actions, thoughts, and commitments that stand in the way of the subject’s ability to express its essence.  So, following your natural way of being, or your Dharma, and being radically true to who and what you are can be considered similar to becoming one with the Tao.

 

Finding Your Dharma: Your Personal Journey

“Grown Up

Once, I was thinking

How terribly desperate I am

For some loving, kind, intelligent adult

To look me in the eyes

And say,

‘I am so proud of you.

You are so smart.

My life is so much better with YOU in it.’

And then,

I realized that

I am loving.

I am kind.

I am intelligent.

And I am an adult now.”  

-Excerpt from Papercuts by Frasier Quail

 

So how do you follow your Dharma?

Well, if we take Dharma to mean being faithful to our truest selves, then we are going to have to do a few things to clear the path forward:

1.     Be Your Own Healer. Those parts you hate about yourself? They need a hug. You need to learn how to love and embrace yourself…especially those parts you sometimes feel ashamed of. Those are the parts that need the most attention. There is nothing wrong with you for having a few traits that someone, somewhere, sometime told you were undesirable. Maybe a bully at school, or a subtle comment from a family member made you doubt yourself, or worse, find disgust with yourself. You need to forgive yourself for not being perfect, accept yourself as human, and simply do your best. Most of the things you dislike about yourself end up being the result of not loving yourself in one way or another. Maybe you’re a little annoying? Try to recognize your need for attention and give attention to yourself. Maybe you are quiet because you think no one will like your ideas? Take some time to sit down and think about what makes your ideas great, practice believing in yourself; practice loving your ideas and valuing that opinion.

2.     Release Patterns of Learned Shame. Your countenance, your appearance, whether you don’t like your nose, your weight, your height- do you really feel that way about yourself? Or is it something that someone else taught you to hate about yourself? Ask yourself these questions; see if it’s really true that you dislike yourself, or if you were merely taught to feel that way. Release your shame, love yourself- warts and all.

3.     Put Up Some Healthy Boundaries. Learn to identify and keep people out of your life who hold you back. It’s a drain to keep negative people in your life. The way I see it, you only get one chance at being this particular person at this particular moment in time- you can’t live your life for others who aren’t looking out for your best interests, only theirs.

4.     Just do it! I used to say I was saving my art for my 40s. Why? Because I believed I had to do other things for other people who were more important than me first. I was living my life for judgmental relatives and in-laws who, when all was said and done, were just using me for their own gains. I wasn’t living my Dharma.

 

When I made the choice to stop living my life only for others, it was terrifying, messy, and exceedingly difficult to come out of. I felt as though it was all falling apart at times…. but then…it didn’t. I got real, and my life changed for the better.

I began doing all the art and writing I had been planning for the last 15 years, devoting my time to daily meditation, yoga, and self-reflection. I grew up, forgave myself, stopped allowing others to mistreat me.

My relationships began to improve. I’ve begun to feel immense satisfaction with my work and my life, and I trust myself to continue to feel that way even if my circumstances change because now, I am at home with myself.  

 

Social Dharma – The Role of Dharma in Activism, Environmentalism, and Ethical Living

 

Living your Dharma is not only about accepting your true nature and embracing that, but also about accepting nature as a whole and the role you play within its structures. We’ve already seen how Sikhs use selfless acts of service and how Jains prioritize non-violent living, but you don’t need to convert to a new religion to live a life of Dharma with the world around you. When you make the effort to understand yourself and the life around you, you will naturally approach life from a place of deeper wisdom and understanding, and find little ways of going with the flow, finding that wu-wei, that yoga, that balance of action and inaction.

 

To do this, begin by:

·        Try listening more, and being curious about other people in your life

·        Learn about your community, it’s strengths and needs

·        Learn about the Earth and how your lifestyle can help or harm, and what that means for you and your loved ones

 

With a view of the bigger picture, you may find yourself more willing to accept the ups and downs without feeling personally offended by difficult situations.

When living according to your Dharma, you may find yourself more involved in activism for causes that are important to you. You may make an effort to be more environmentally conscious in your daily habits, having a newfound appreciation for the earth and how it supports you. You will likely be driven towards a way of life that aligns more fully with your ethics.

 

Dharma at Work: Choosing a Job for Your Dharma

 

A lot of people hate their jobs. I mean, a lot. And I mean really hate their jobs. We don’t always get to choose the work we do, and a lot of us are committed to companies that have little or no relation to us in our minds. But this is more likely to be true if we are looking for a job in an industry to which you feel morally opposed or which has upsetting, unavoidable elements that drain your energy and spirit daily.

Everyone knows that a vegan shouldn’t work preparing steaks at a men’s hunting club, someone with severe cat allergies shouldn’t be a vet, and maybe a lesbian feminist on the asexual spectrum shouldn’t be working as an exotic dancer at a trucker bar- but taking Dharma seriously in the workplace isn’t always that obvious. Each of those jobs is right for someone- after all, there are many chefs, animal scientists, and strippers who are fully living their Dharmas (what else did Anthony Bourdain, Jane Goodall, and Cardi B have in common?

 

It is great to try out new things. It is ok to work at a job that isn’t perfect for you because you need the money right now. But if you are working at a job that goes directly against some of your highest morals, then you will never be happy. And if what is holding you back from going after a position that would make you happier is a mental block saying, “I’m not good enough” or “no one would want this from me”, then you need to get real with yourself. You need to begin the process of radical self-acceptance and reject those who are putting you down- even if it is your own thoughts.

 

 In my Free Saturday Morning Meditation classes, we practice a process called “Thought Observation” which comes from Zen Buddhist practice. In this practice, you allow your thoughts to flow, and you merely observe them as if they are clouds passing across the sky of your mind.

 Buddhists know that thoughts are not the equivalent of reality. We all have distorted thoughts. We all see things differently. We all judge ourselves and others too harshly.

Don’t allow your thoughts to define you. Just do the things that make you happy in whatever way you can. Stay present and be you in each moment. Even if you cannot work your dream job right now, make sure you are in a job that makes you happy while you wait.

I once worked at a froyo shop in the wintertime. It was the best job ever! All I had to do was clean the machines and then read for the rest of the day, and I got a free froyo at the end of my shift! It wasn't my passion to clean froyo machines, but it was a calm space, where I was alone, and where I was able to pursue my goals on my own time, reading, writing, and planning for my future.

 

Conclusion:

 

We can see how Dharma is interpreted across traditions- whether in Hinduism as Cosmic Law and Order, in Buddhism as the Way of the Buddha towards Enlightenment, Sikhism as selfless service, Jainism as non-violence, and in the secular and cultural yogic traditions as essentially “being true to one’s nature”.

The meaning of Dharma is, therefore, expansive and can be very personal.

It takes willingness to engage in self-discovery, to pause before acting, to think things through more deeply- but the results of taking this effort to strive to honor yourself, the courage to define and the follow your Dharma, is one of the most empowering choices you can make.

So, why not start now?

Put down your phone, close your laptop. Take a deep breath and think.

 

Who are you?

 

How does it feel for you to be living the life you have?

 

Are there any areas of disharmony?

 

Are there any small steps or decisions you can make to make your life more Dharmic today?

 

Be who you are; it’s the only way.

Keep Breathing.

You got this.

<3 Kels

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sources:

1.     Chambers Dictionary of Etymology (1998)

2.     Hindumythologyworldwide.com

3.     Britannica.com/topic/dharma/dharma_religious_concept

4.     Dharma.info

5.     Newworldencyclopedia.ord

6.     Mahb.stanford.eu/blog/ahimsa

7.     Sikhdharma.org

8.     Omstars.com/blog/practice/understanding_dharma_a_yogis_guide

9.     Quiet by Susan Cain

10. Tao Te Ching, Attributed to Lao Tsu (Gia-Fu Feng, Jane English)