dharma

American  

[dahr-muh, duhr-] / ˈdɑr mə, ˈdʌr- /

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.

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dharma British  

/ 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

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Other Word Forms

• dharmic adjective

Etymology

Origin of dharma

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

Example Sentences

Indonesia's need for economic growth is clear, said Siwage Dharma Negara, an economist and senior fellow at the ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute, but there is more than one path to get there.

From Barron's

He was also responsible for representing and packaging shows such as “Cheers,” “Frasier,” “Dharma & Greg” and “Touched by an Angel.”

From Los Angeles Times

It might be “Dharma Bums” that ends with that sentence.

From Salon

“Realms of the Dharma: Buddhist Art Across Asia” is a large and engaging presentation that includes some of the most splendid sculptures and paintings in the permanent collection of the Los Angeles County Museum of Art.

From Los Angeles Times

The installation of “Realms of the Dharma” is pretty straightforward.

From Los Angeles Times