Dharma is one of the most elemental concepts in Hindu philosophy associated with the cosmic order that holds the universe and guides human behavior. It is eternity-bound laws, harmoniously maintaining the state of existence and establishing a righteous way to do one's duty.

Cosmic and Individual Dimensions of Dharma 

From the verb "dhṛ", an etymological seeding of the Sanskrit language compound is the word dharma, meaning "to uphold" or "to sustain". Broadest dharmacall those laws in the universe with the divine laws through whose relationship the universe operates in a harmonious way. The Rig Veda, dated back to around 1500 BCE, opens with the word dharma as ṛta-the cosmic principle of order and truth. In Brihadaranyaka Upanishad, 1.4.14 reads: "Dharma is that which upholds and supports." 

 It is one's sacred duty and righteous conduct, or dharma,has those moral, ethical, and spiritual responsibilities different for various positions in life. The Bhagavad Gita eloquently captures this point: "Better is one's own dharma, though imperfectly performed, than the dharma of another well performed. By performing duty prescribed by one's own nature, one does not incur sin."

The Four Pursuits of Life and Dharma 

In Hinduism, dharma is one of the four aims of human existence:

Dharma (righteousness, duty) 

Artha (prosperity, wealth) 

Kama (pleasure, sensual pleasure) 

Moksha (liberation) 

The next targets should be pursued following dharma. The Mahabharata one of the great epics of Hinduism says: "No Dharma is higher than dharma. By dharma, one can reach moksha" (Shanti Parva 162.24).

Dharma Forms 

Dharma is divided according to various categories in Hindu philosophy:  

Sanatana Dharma (eternal dharma): The unchangeable, universal ethical principles that govern existence. The term "Sanatana Dharma" is often used by Hindus to refer to their religion itself, showing how eternal it is.

Samanya Dharma (universal dharma): Values that apply to every human being, without differentiation according to status or stage of life. Among the universal principles are those of ahimsa (nonharming), satya (truthfulness), and asteya (non-stealing). The Manu Smriti (10.63) outlines: "This is the essence of dharma for all four varnas: non-violence, truth, purity, control of the senses".

Vishesha Dharma (particular dharma): Duties determined by one's station in life, divided into:

Varnashrama Dharma: Duties corresponding to one's social and life stage (varnas and ashramas). 

Sva-dharma: One's personal duty aligned with inherent nature and capacities.

 Dharma and Karma 

In dharma and karma, these two are so very closely related. Doing dharma will create very good karma, while neglecting dharma will generate bad karma. The Bhagavad Gita (3.35) declares that; "Better is death in one's own dharma; the dharma of another brings danger."

 Yoga Vasistha (5.72.30) elaborates: "He who acts according to dharma, without attachment to results, achieves peace and liberation." 

On Practice dharma 

Dharma for someone trying to learn and live in accordance with the principles of Hinduism would mean discovering:

The true purpose ordained by one's nature  

Devotedly and dispassionately fulfilling duties  

Practicing all along developing virtues that are sacrosanct to the world like love, truth, and discipline  

Controlling private desires so they do not infringe on the obligations owed to society  

Making decisions in ways that contribute to harmony, not divisiveness 

Practicable application of the Mahabharata (12.110.11): "Dharma protects those who protect it. Destroy it and be destroyed."

Contemporary Relevance

In the modern world psyche, dharma should be insights regarding duty, values, ethics, and cosmic harmony since all lead to some compelling guidance. What the Bhagavad Gita says—that we are made better through discovering and performing our own dharma—would be transformative even to modern seekers.

As the Chandogya Upanishad declares, "There are three kinds of dharma: sacrifice, study, and charity. The practice of these three is the foundation of the good life" (2.23.1).

Dharma shows those interested in Hindu traditions how to approach life's vicissitudes with wisdom, purpose, and spiritual alignment, providing not just a philosophical form but much more.