In the progress of Indian philosophical thought, the word dharma has acquired such a comprehensive and complex significance that it is almost impossible to define or articulate it in any other language. One description of dharma is "the law of being". The essential characteristic of a thing, without which it cannot remain as that thing, is its dharma.
Example: The sweetness of sugar, the luminosity of the sun, the heat of fire, the coolness of water, and the divine spark of Existence in the human being.
Dharma can viewed on two levels-cosmic and individual. One the cosmic level, the dharma of totality is called sanatana dharma. Which is eternal and common to all individuals, at all times. On the societal level, sanatana dharma translates into a code of fundamental values that govern our daily lives. One the individual level, a person's svadharma is based on his stage and position in life, and on this vasana (inherent tendencies).
Dharma is ethics and religion combined. In general, it stands for all those ideals, purposes, influences, institutions, and ways of conduct that shape the character and evolution of a person, both as an individual and as a member of society. Dharma is the law of right living, the observance of which fulfills two objectives: happiness in life and liberation from all bondage.
Dharanat Dharmam, "That which sustains is dharma" (Mahabharata). Mahabharata, which is veritable encyclopedia of India wisdom, culture and tradition, emphatically states, "Nobody has ever violated the principles of dharma without ultimately courting disaster". The text further states that adharma (unethical action) may carry a man to height of power and prosperity for a time, but these gains are all temporary and eventually lead to his downfall.
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