🌸 Introduction

In everyday speech, people often translate Dharma as “religion.” But in Sanatana Dharma, Dharma is far greater. It is the very law of existence — the principle that holds the world together.

So what is Dharma? And why is it called the eternal foundation of Sanatana Dharma?

✨ Dharma Meaning in Hinduism

• The Sanskrit root “धृ (dhṛ)” means “to uphold, to sustain.”

• Dharma is that which sustains the universe — truth, duty, righteousness, and harmony.

• It is not limited to rituals or dogma; it is the cosmic law that guides all beings.

🌿 Examples of Dharma

• For the Sun: to rise and give light.

• For Fire: to burn and give heat.

• For Humans: to live truthfully, uphold justice, perform one’s duties.

Just as fire without heat loses its identity, a human without Dharma loses their true self.

📖 Scriptural References

• Manusmriti: “धर्मो रक्षति रक्षितः” — “Dharma protects those who protect it.”

• Mahabharata: “There is no greater power than Dharma, and no greater weakness than Adharma.”

🧘 Spiritual Takeaway

Dharma is not about what religion you follow, but about living in truth and harmony with the universe.