dharma

American  

[dahr-muh, duhr-] / ˈdɑr mə, ˈdʌr- /

noun

Hinduism, Buddhism.

1. essential quality or character, as of the cosmos or one's own nature.

2. conformity to religious law, custom, duty, or one's own quality or character.

3. virtue.

4. religion.

5. law, especially religious law.

6. the doctrine or teaching of the Buddha.

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dharma British  

/ ˈdɑːmə /

noun

1. Hinduism social custom regarded as a religious and moral duty

2. Hinduism

   1. the essential principle of the cosmos; natural law

   2. conduct that conforms with this

3. Buddhism ideal truth as set forth in the teaching of Buddha

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Other Word Forms

• dharmic
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of dharma

1790–1800; < Sanskrit: custom, duty, akin to dhārayati holds, maintains

Example Sentences

These sessions, along with daily Dharma talks, both of which I’d dreaded, turned out to be the retreat’s highlight.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 23, 2026

Lee Sang-ho, who won South Korea's first Olympic snowboarding medal at the 2018 Pyeongchang Games, also competed in the monk's event -- adding to a line of "Dharma Kids" along with this year's medallists.

From Barron's • Feb. 14, 2026

NewJeansNim is a hybrid moniker of Sunim, a Korean title for Buddhist monks, and NewJean, a Dharma name that a senior monk gave him, Youn said.

From Seattle Times • May 15, 2024

The temple also offers classes, both in person and online, as well as Dharma services.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 2, 2023

“Sadly, I’m not allowed to help. Not even the Dharma Raja could help you, little ones.”

From "Aru Shah and the End of Time" by Roshani Chokshi