Dharma concept
Dharma ; Sanskrit : धर्म , is a key concept in various Indian religions . The term dharma does not have a single, clear translation and conveys a multifaceted idea. Etymologically, it comes from the Sanskrit dhr- , meaning to hold or to support , thus referring to law that sustains things—from one's life to society, and to the Universe at large. In its most commonly used sense, dharma refers to an individual's moral responsibilities or duties; the dharma of a farmer differs from the dharma of a soldier, thus making the concept of dharma dynamic. As with the other components of the Puruṣārtha , the concept of dharma is pan-Indian. The antonym of dharma is adharma . In Hinduism , dharma denotes behaviour that is considered to be in accord with Ṛta —the "order and custom" that makes life and universe possible. [ note 1 ] This includes duties, righ...