Dharma

Pronunciation

• UK IPA: /ˈdɑː(ɹ)mÉ™/
• Rhymes: -ɑː(r)mÉ™

Origin

From Sanskrit धर्म (dhárma, "that which upholds or supports").

Full definition of dharma

Noun

1. (Hinduism, Buddhism) the principle that orders the universe; one's conduct in conformity with such a principle
2. (Hinduism) one's obligation in respect to one's position in society
3. (Buddhism) the teachings of the Buddha as one's personal path to enlightenment
• "Dharma practice in the tradition of the Theravada Buddhist masters enabled me to quit smoking and improve my relationships, oh, and by the way, to achieve nirvana."
4. (Buddhism) the teachings of the Buddha as a practice to be promulgated and taught.
• "The Mahayana Buddhist teacher does not want you to chain smoke and quarrel with your loved ones, but your main focus in Mahayana is to spread the dharma for the good of all sentient beings."