dharma

[ dahr-muh, duhr- ]

noun

Hinduism, Buddhism.

1. essential quality or character, as of the cosmos or one's own nature.
2. conformity to religious law, custom, duty, or one's own quality or character.
3. virtue.
4. religion.
5. law, especially religious law.
6. the doctrine or teaching of the Buddha.

dharma

/ ˈdɑːmə /

noun

1. Hinduism social custom regarded as a religious and moral duty
2. Hinduism
   1. the essential principle of the cosmos; natural law
   2. conduct that conforms with this
3. Buddhism ideal truth as set forth in the teaching of Buddha

Other Word Forms

• dharmic adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of dharma¹

1790–1800; < Sanskrit: custom, duty, akin to dhārayati holds, maintains

Word History and Origins

Origin of dharma¹

Sanskrit: habit, usage, law, from dhārayati he holds

Example Sentences

May 11-July 2 Realms of the Dharma: Buddhist Art Across Asia at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art Around 150 examples of pan-Asian Buddhist sculptures, paintings and ritual objects from LACMA’s fine permanent collection, finally being shown after many years being tucked away in storage, will be augmented by several loans to represent diverse concepts of Buddhist thought.

From Los Angeles Times

He says he "had very mixed feelings…given what had happened" but was driven by Hindu belief in dharma which he says involves "doing your duty".

From BBC

Later, Rachins unbuttoned a little more in the ABC sitcom “Dharma & Greg,” playing the hippie father of lead newlywed Dharma Finkelstein.

From Los Angeles Times

“Our sweet Alan Rachins… we will miss you,” “Dharma & Greg” co-star Jenna Elfman wrote Sunday on Instagram.

From Los Angeles Times

Mitchell Ryan, who played bad guys in ‘Lethal Weapon’ and TV’s ‘Santa Barbara’ and had roles on ‘Dark Shadows’ and ‘Dharma & Greg,’ dies at 88.

From Los Angeles Times