What is Dharma?

Vedas-The Sole and Ultimate Authority- The Changing Dharma- Dharma In Other Religions- Benefits of the Practice of Dharma -Kinds of Dharma- Fundamentals of Dharma- Non-violence (Ahimsa)- Truth, Purity, Self-control- Varnasrama Dharma (The Four Castes) Brahmana, Kshatriya, Vaisya, Sudra- The Four Asramas(Student, house-holder, recluse, renunciate) Brahmacharyasrama, Grihasthasrama, Vanaprasthasrama, Sannyasthasrama -Yuga Dharma- In Satya-Yuga, there was a different set of Dharmas or laws; in Treta-Yuga they changed into another form; in Dvapara Yuga, the Dharmas were different from the Dharmas of other Yugas- From the Bhagavad Gita Some verses with reference to Dharma
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Sanatan Dharma

Silent adorations to the Lord, the Embodiment of Dharma, the Controller and Protector of Dharma and the fountain-head of Dharma.

What is Dharma? Dharma is so called, because it holds: Dharma alone holds the people, etc. The word Dharma is derived from the root DHR- to hold- and its etymological meaning is ‘that which holds’ this world, or the people of the world, or the whole creation from the microcosm to the macrocosm. It is the eternal Divine Law of the Lord.

The entire creation is held together and sustained by the All-powerful Law of God. Practice of Dharma, therefore, means recognition of this Law and abidance by it. That which brings well-being to man is Dharma.

Dharma supports this world.

The people are upheld by Dharma. That which accrues preservation of beings is Dharma. Dharma leads to eternal happiness and immortality. That which is Dharma is verily the Truth.

Therefore, whosoever speaks the truth is said to speak Dharma, and whosoever speaks Dharma is said to speak the truth. One and the same thing becomes both.

Dharma includes all external deeds, as well as thoughts and other mental practices which tend to elevate the character of a man. Dharma comes from the Divine and leads you to the Divine. Definition of Dharma No language is perfect.

Dharma is generally defined as ‘righteousness’ or ‘duty’. Dharma is the principle of righteousness. It is the principle of holiness. It is also the principle of unity. Bhishma says in his instructions to Yudhishthira that whatever creates conflict is Adharma, and whatever puts an end to conflict and brings about unity and harmony is Dharma.

Anything that helps to unite all and develop pure divine love and universal brotherhood, is Dharma. Anything that creates discord, split and disharmony and foments hatred, is Adharma. 

Dharma is the cementer and sustainer of social life. The rules of Dharma have been laid down for regulating the worldly affairs of men. Dharma brings as its consequence happiness, both in this world and in the next.

Dharma is the means of preserving one’s self. If you transgress it, it will kill you. If you protect it, it will protect you. It is your soul companion after death. It is the sole refuge of humanity. Dharma is the ascending stairway unto God.

Self-realisation is the highest Dharma. Dharma is the heart of sanatan dharma. God is the centre of Dharma.

Dharma means Achran or the regulation of daily life. Achran is the supreme Dharma. It is the basis of Tapas or austerity. It leads to wealth, beauty, longevity and continuity of lineage.

Adharma such as Evil conduct and immorality such as adultery, lust etc will lead to ill-fame, sorrow, disease and premature death.

Dharma has its root in morality the controller of Dharma is God Himself.