Dharma in Hinduism and Buddhism - how to define your dharma?

In translation, the Buddhist philosophical term "dharma" is defined as support, it can be represented as a set of rules that help to maintain the space balance. These are the moral principles, the righteous path that a person must follow in order to attain enlightenment. The goal of dharma is the union of the soul with reality, which is realistically achieved.

What is dharma?

In Buddhist texts the Sanskrit word dharma is used in two meanings:

  1. Common in ancient India, is written with a capital letter, meaning "law".
  2. Strictly Buddhist. Not translated, spelled with a small letter

Given the concepts, there are several definitions that explain the concept of "dharma." The basic postulate: it gives respect, advises how to live in harmony with the universe and feel satisfied. What does dharma mean?

  1. Following our own purpose, duty to the universe.
  2. Moral development, communication with the Higher Forces.
  3. Fidelity to moral principles.
  4. The development of his higher self and the suppression of the lower.
  5. The moral law of the world.

Dharma helps a person reach God, it is also called balancing between spiritual and physical perfection. As the Indian doctrine says, the righteous life has four aspects:

Dharma in Buddhism

This term is interpreted in different religions. In Buddhists, dharma is considered an important definition, an embodiment of the Buddha's teaching - the highest truth. There is an explanation that the Buddha supposedly saw every person as unique, so there is no general formulation of the dharma that works in different situations. There is only teaching, for a certain part of believers - its own. What is dharma in Buddhism?

Dharma in Hinduism

For the first time, Hindu gurus mentioned dharma in ancient scriptures, the author Ramacharitamanasa Tulsidas called her the source of compassion. What is dharma in Hinduism?

  1. The code of universal laws, observing which, a person becomes happy.
  2. Moral law and spiritual discipline.
  3. The basis for believers, is that it holds all the creatures of God on earth.

Particular attention is paid to teaching such a concept as the dharma of family life . According to the Vedic scriptures, if a person in the family follows his dharma and does his duty, then God will repay him in full. For the wife it is:

For husband:

Dharma in astrology

Astrologers have made their own contribution, deciphering the concept of "dharma." In the science of celestial bodies, houses that demonstrate the personality dharma, numbers 1, 5 and 9 are the best houses of the horoscope. If they are strong, then man is endowed with great wisdom and abilities. The houses of dharma determine how much pious karma a person has. The main goal of a person from birth is to follow his dharma, and five pillars of teaching can help him:

Types of dharma

There are 5 dharmas in the teaching that are translated as "ethical principles": "

  1. Do not harm all living things.
  2. Refrain from appropriating what was given not voluntarily.
  3. Avoid unreasonable waste and exploitation of other creatures.
  4. To keep from lying, fighting with its sources: attachment, hatred and fear.
  5. Do not drink alcohol and drugs, which leads to loss of awareness. In some countries that profess Buddhism, this postulate is interpreted as complete abstinence, in others it is moderate.

How do you know your dharma?

Many people ask themselves: how to define their dharma? The Vedas are advised to be guided by their conscience and values, and not by profit, because, what is most important for him in life, a person must decide on his own. Scientists have identified 5 dharmic types that help to "try" on them:

  1. Enlightener : scientists, teachers, doctors, clergymen. Qualities: compassion, wisdom.
  2. Warrior : military, politicians, lawyers. Qualities: courage, observation.
  3. Merchant : businessmen, business people. Qualities: mercy, energy.
  4. Worker : artisans, employees. Qualities: devotion, perseverance.
  5. Rebel : the ability to empathize, the love of freedom.

The Wheel of Dharma - the Meaning

The wheel of dharma is called the sacred sign of the Buddhist teaching, the researchers hold the opinion that this is the earliest image. The wheel has from 5 to 8 spokes, in some of the drawings near it there are deer. In ancient Indian culture it meant protection, in Buddhism it is a symbol of the Buddha. There is the notion of "turning the wheel of dharma," it states that the Buddha taught not only himself, his teaching as a wheel, is in constant motion and many years later.

  1. The first turn of the wheel is described in the deer park Sarnath, where Buddha told about karma.
  2. The second is in Rajgir, where God taught people Prajnaparamita.
  3. The third turn of the wheel of dharma took place in different cities, when the Buddha taught the secret Mantrayana only the most talented students.