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

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Etymology

Origin of dharma

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

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

dharma

Coltrane is also deeply interested in the Buddhist principles of karma and dharma, or the moral duties and obligations to a right way of life, which are sprinkled throughout the novel.

From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 26, 2026

He says he "had very mixed feelings…given what had happened" but was driven by Hindu belief in dharma which he says involves "doing your duty".

From BBC ● Mar. 5, 2025

It affects the text’s treatment of dharma, or the right way to act.

From Salon ● Nov. 11, 2023

Sala differentiates between mindfulness, which she calls secular meditation, and dharma, which she teaches.

From Seattle Times ● Oct. 21, 2022

Heaven avert a cruel fate, Yato dharma stato jayah!

From Maha-bharata The Epic of Ancient India Condensed into English Verse by Romesh Dutt

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