Dharma

Definition

Dharma refers to the moral law combined with spiritual discipline that guides an individual's conduct in life, central to Indian religions like Buddhism and Hinduism. It embodies the ethical responsibilities and duties specific to one's age, caste, and gender, shaping behavior and societal roles. In Buddhism, dharma also encompasses the teachings of the Buddha, which provide a path to enlightenment and liberation from suffering.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Dharma is fundamental to understanding the Buddhist path, as it includes the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path outlined by the Buddha.
2. In Buddhist philosophy, adhering to one's dharma helps in overcoming ignorance and achieving enlightenment.
3. Dharma varies among individuals based on their unique circumstances, including their community roles and personal relationships.
4. The concept of dharma emphasizes non-harming (ahimsa) as a crucial aspect of ethical behavior within both Buddhism and Hinduism.
5. Buddhism spread across Asia with its teachings of dharma, influencing various cultures and leading to diverse interpretations and practices.

Review Questions

• How does the concept of dharma influence individual behavior and societal roles within Buddhism?
  • Dharma significantly influences individual behavior by providing ethical guidelines that shape how one acts in society. In Buddhism, it teaches followers to perform their duties with moral integrity based on their circumstances, such as their family or community responsibilities. This leads to a harmonious society where individuals contribute positively while seeking personal enlightenment.
• Compare and contrast the role of dharma in Buddhism and Hinduism regarding spiritual practice and ethical living.
  • In Buddhism, dharma primarily refers to the teachings of the Buddha that guide followers toward enlightenment and liberation from suffering. It emphasizes individual experience and the importance of understanding one's actions. In Hinduism, dharma encompasses a broader set of moral laws specific to societal roles, including caste duties. Both religions value ethical living but approach it through different frameworks and cultural contexts.
• Evaluate how the understanding of dharma contributes to the spread of Buddhism across different cultures in Asia.
  • The understanding of dharma played a crucial role in Buddhism's spread by offering a universal framework for ethical living and spiritual development that resonated with diverse cultures. As Buddhism traveled through Asia, its teachings adapted to local beliefs while maintaining core principles of compassion, non-harming, and moral responsibility. This flexibility allowed for various interpretations of dharma that aligned with regional customs, facilitating acceptance and integration into societies across Asia.

Related terms

Karma: The concept that actions have consequences, affecting an individual's future lives and experiences in the cycle of rebirth.

Samsara: The cycle of birth, death, and rebirth in which all beings are trapped, from which individuals seek liberation through understanding dharma.

Nirvana: The ultimate goal in Buddhism, representing the liberation from samsara and the cessation of suffering through following the teachings of dharma.