Hindu Dharma
सनातन धर्म — The Eternal Way of Life
Dharma (धर्म) from Sanskrit root "dhṛ" — "to hold, sustain." It refers to cosmic law, individual duty, righteousness, and the path of spiritual growth.
Core Belief
एकं सत् विप्रा बहुधा वदन्ति
"Truth is one, the wise call it by many names" — Rigveda
Core Principles
Brahman
Ultimate Reality — infinite consciousness pervading everything.
सर्वं खल्विदं ब्रह्म
"All this is Brahman"Atman
The eternal soul, identical with Brahman.
तत्त्वमसि
"That thou art"Karma
Law of cause and effect — every action has consequences.
कर्मण्येवाधिकारस्ते
"You have the right to action" — BG 2.47Samsara
Cycle of birth, death, and rebirth based on karma.
जातस्य हि ध्रुवो मृत्यु
"For the born, death is certain" — BG 2.27Moksha
Liberation — realization of true nature, union with divine.
सच्चिदानन्द
"Existence-Consciousness-Bliss"Dharma
Righteous duty — ethics, morality, proper conduct.
धर्मो रक्षति रक्षितः
"Dharma protects those who protect it"Four Paths to Liberation
Jnana Yoga
Path of Knowledge
The intellectual approach — study, contemplation, self-inquiry.
In Gita: Chapters 2, 4, 7, 13
Bhakti Yoga
Path of Devotion
The emotional approach — loving devotion, surrender to God.
In Gita: Chapters 9, 12, 18
Karma Yoga
Path of Action
The active approach — selfless service without attachment.
In Gita: Chapters 3, 5, 18
Raja Yoga
Path of Meditation
The psychological approach — systematic mind control.
In Gita: Chapter 6
Dharmic Values
Satya
सत्य
Truth
Ahimsa
अहिंसा
Non-violence
Daya
दया
Compassion
Kshama
क्षमा
Forgiveness
Asteya
अस्तेय
Non-stealing
Shaucha
शौच
Purity
Santosha
संतोष
Contentment
Tapas
तपस्
Discipline
Svadhyaya
स्वाध्याय
Self-study
Aparigraha
अपरिग्रह
Non-greed
Four Stages of Life
Brahmacharya (ब्रह्मचर्य)
Student · 0-25 years
Education, character building, learning under a guru.
Grihastha (गृहस्थ)
Householder · 25-50 years
Marriage, career, family, contributing to society.
Vanaprastha (वानप्रस्थ)
Retirement · 50-75 years
Withdrawal, mentoring, spiritual study, pilgrimage.
Sannyasa (सन्न्यास)
Renunciation · 75+ years
Complete detachment, meditation, seeking liberation.
Discover Dharma through the Gita — the practical guide to righteous living.