Dharma

The Sanskrit word Dharma has no direct translation into English. Among other things, it can be thought of as righteousness in thought, word and action. As Vedas believe in the concept of rebirth and life after death, our righteousness in thought, word and action was essential to accumulate Punya for a good life in the other world. The next birth is based on the good or bad actions of the present life. Vedas describe some ten forbidden activities considered to be sins like stealing others' properties, telling lies, etc.. Following the injunctions of the Vedas is Dharma. Being satvik, not harming others, being ungreedy and truthful, helping the poor are some of the Dharmic injunctions.

Dharma for each role is different - in each role a person plays in life he has a defined Dharma. As a person belonging to a Varna, as a husband, as a student, as an offspring, as a parent, as an individual, as a descendant of a legacy, he has several duties towards himself and his surroundings. The Smritis lay down guidelines for Dharmic behaviour. These include Manusmriti, Parasara Smriti, Grhya Sutras and Dharma Sutras. Puranas and Itihasa (for instance the Santi Parva of the Itihasa) contain eloborate discussions demonstrating the minute details of dharma, differentiating dharma from adharma.

Overview of Dharma