In Indian religions, one key concept having multiple meanings is Dharma. India is known for various religions, followed like Jainism, Hinduism, Sikhism, Buddhism and many more. In Western languages, Dharma does not have any single-word translation. Dharma in Hinduism indicates specific behaviors in accordance with an order called Rta that makes universe and life possible. The right way of living, duties, virtues, duties, conduct, laws and rights are included in Dharma. Dharma is applied to Lord Buddha’s teachings and means ‘cosmic order and law’. Teachings of the Jina (Tirthankara) and the body of doctrine related moral transformation and purification of human beings are referred to in Jainism Dharma. In Sikhism Dharma means the path of proper practices in religion and following righteousness.
In Vedic religion in historical times, the term Dharma was in use already. As several millennia passed, the conceptual scope and meaning of Dharma began evolving. Emperor Ashoka inscribed the word Dharma in the Brahmi script during the 3rd century BCS in his Edicts of Ashoka. Dharma in classical Sanskrit means ‘to maintain, to bear, to hold or to keep’. Accordingly Dharma holds the person from falling to hell or falling down.
In Indian religion and philosophy, one concept that is of central importance, is Dharma. Depending upon the context, the meaning of Dharma has evolved as ideas of Hinduism. Meaning of Dharma has been cosmic law, the rules from which the universe was created from mayhem. The meaning of dharma became more complex, richer and refine later on in Epics, Vedas, Puranas and Upanishads. Application of the term Dharma was gradually done on diverse contexts.
