1. Abstract

• Dharma: A multifaceted concept with varied meanings across Indian religions:
  • Hinduism: Duties, rights, laws, conduct, virtues, and the right way of living.
  • Buddhism: Cosmic law and Buddha’s teachings.
  • Jainism: Moral transformation of human beings.
  • Sikhism: Righteousness and proper religious practice.
• This study explores Dharma’s meaning, sources, and its legal and philosophical implications.

2. Chapterization

1. Dharma Explained According to Various Religious Texts and Jurists
2. Concept of Dharma
3. Sources of Dharma
4. Nature of Dharma

3. Dharma Explained According to Various Religious Texts and Jurists

• Mahabharata (Karna Parva): Defines Dharma as essential for societal stability, social order, and human progress.
• Brihadaranyakopnishad: Equates Dharma with truth, identifying it as supreme.
• Kautilya (Arthashastra): Describes Dharma as the foundation of power and governance.
• Bhagavad Gita: Emphasizes the supremacy of Dharma, likening it to the Rule of Law in modern jurisprudence.

4. Concept of Dharma

• Dharma represents responsibility across religious, social, legal, and spiritual domains.
• In Hindu Jurisprudence:
  • Signifies justice and responsibility.
  • Equates closely with law, emphasizing moral and religious underpinnings.

5. Sources of Dharma

• Vedic Origins:
  • Rig Veda: Describes Dharma as the universe’s foundation and guiding principle of life.
  • Upanishads: Introduced moral elements to Dharma, making it more humane and legal.
• Manusmriti:
  • Codified Dharma to establish religious and legal responsibilities.
  • Influences modern Hindu laws.
• Hindu Epics:
  • Ramayana and Mahabharata: Highlight fulfilling duties and responsibilities as central to Dharma.

6. Nature of Dharma

• Responsibility over Rights:
  • Hindu Jurisprudence prioritizes individual responsibilities over rights.
  • Example: A professor’s duty to impart knowledge; a farmer’s duty to provide sustenance.
• Connection to Natural Law:
  • Aligns with the Natural Law School, attributing rights and duties to divine will.
• Multi-faceted Nature:
  • Encompasses laws and customs across religion, administration, economics, marriage, and criminal law.
  • Detailed extensively in Manusmriti.

7. Conclusion

• Dharma integrates legal, social, moral, and religious principles, reflecting profound philosophical thought.
• Its adaptability over millennia underscores its relevance in modern contexts.
• Being "dhārmik" (righteous) reflects the highest ethical standard.
• Challenges rigid distinctions between law and morality, offering a unified understanding of justice and righteousness.