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== Defining 'Dharma' ==
== Defining 'Dharma' ==
'''<nowiki/>'Dharma'''' is a Sanskrit word. Sanskrit is a classical language like Greek, Latin and Persian. And in Sanskrit, as in most classical languages, most words are derived from the stem or root. The word 'dharma' is derived from the root ''dhri'', which means to hold, to keep, or to maintain. So, what which holds, keeps or maintains is dharma. Dharma maintains, keeps, or holds the very basis of this universe, the cosmic order. In that sense, dharma means the proper functioning of the various cyclical activities of this universe that maintain its balance. Dharma also means righteousness since it enables one to be closer to the truth, which maintains the cosmic order, also called ''rta''. So, for an individual, ''sva''-dharma, one's own dharma, would mean that which one has to do because of one's committing to it or because of one's station in life. Dharma can also mean the faith and tradition of people because these traditions have been conceived and strengthened by the meditations and realizations of rishis. These traditions are eternal and that is why the name Sanatana Dharma. Dharma should not be confused with the English 'word' religion. Religion generally means a group bound by its belief systems.
'''<nowiki/>'Dharma'''' is a Sanskrit word. Sanskrit is a classical language like Greek, Latin and Persian. And in Sanskrit, as in most classical languages, most words are derived from the stem or root. The word 'dharma' is derived from the root ''dhri'', which means to hold, to keep, or to maintain. So, what which holds, keeps or maintains is dharma. Dharma maintains, keeps, or holds the very basis of this universe, the cosmic order. In that sense, dharma means the proper functioning of the various cyclical activities of this universe that maintain its balance. Dharma also means righteousness since it enables one to be closer to the truth, which maintains the cosmic order, also called ''rta''. So, for an individual, ''sva''-dharma, one's own dharma, would mean that which one has to do because of one's committing to it or because of one's station in life. Dharma can also mean the faith and tradition of people because these traditions have been conceived and strengthened by the meditations and realizations of rishis. These traditions are eternal and that is why the name Sanatana Dharma. Dharma should not be confused with the English 'word' religion. Religion generally means a group bound by its belief systems.