What is Dharma?

Dharma is a Sanskrit word translated literally as “innate characteristic”. There is no word in any language which expresses Dharma in its totality. Word “Religion” used by people is also not a total equivalent. Now what is the innate characteristic of a human being? According to Shiva Purana, human beings seek and yearn for happiness placed beyond that originated in the satisfaction of the senses. The indisputable aim of all human beings, whether aware of this or not, is to obtain absolute peace and freedom, infinite knowledge and spiritual beatitude.

Hindus are taught to live a life of duty and good conduct. They learn to be selfless by thinking of others first, being respectful of parents, elders and swamis, following divine law, especially ahimsa, mental, emotional and physical non-injury to all beings. Thus they resolve karmas.