Vedic Glossary: Dharma

Dharma means righteous living—aligning your actions with divine truth. In this track, Anuj explores how dharma, as taught by Bhagwan Swaminarayan, is the foundational step toward moksha and the first pillar of Ekantik Bhakti. Dharma is more than morality; it is the daily expression of love for God through honesty, compassion, self-control, and purity. Whether monk, householder, king, or soldier, each must live their role in harmony with dharma, seeking to purify the soul and draw closer to God.

When practiced with sincerity, dharma steadies the heart, protects the mind from maya, and allows bhakti to flourish. Bhagwan Swaminarayan emphasized that even the wisest must follow dharma. And the Satpurush—the ideal devotee of God—embodies it perfectly, guiding seekers on the righteous path.

Let this reflection help you rediscover dharma not as a rule, but as a sacred rhythm—one that leads to stillness, strength, and divine presence.

Transcript

Dharma means righteousness.

It is the cosmic order,

The divine law that upholds creation.

For the seeker,

Dharma is not just morality,

It is the first step towards Moksha.

Dharma is the foundation upon which Moksha is achieved.

Moksha is achieved through Dharma.

In the path of Ekantic Bhakti,

Dharma is one of the four essential virtues.

It forms the foundation without which no spiritual progress can remain stable.

Bhagavan Swami Narayan often emphasized that true Dharma begins when one acts not out of fear,

Ego,

Or habit,

But from love and understanding of God.

To live Dharma means to live honestly,

Compassionately,

With self-control,

Non-violence,

And reverence for all life.

It means respecting spiritual boundaries,

Honoring your relationships,

Walking through life as if God is with you every step of the way.

In the Vachanamrut,

Bhagavan Swami Narayan explains that even those with deep knowledge and devotion must still follow Dharma.

Without it,

The mind becomes restless and open to indulging in Maya.

But when Dharma is practiced sincerely,

The heart becomes steady,

And Bhakti begins to flourish.

Dharma is lived differently by each person,

Whether a monk,

Householder,

King,

Or soldier.

Each is seeking the same purpose,

To purify the soul and draw closer to God.

And the living example of Dharma is the Satpurush,

The ideal devotee who lives without self-interest,

Perfectly aligned to the will of Bhagavan.

By following His guidance,

Our daily choices become part of the righteous path.

When Dharma is lived with love,

It becomes not a burden,

But a blessing.

It becomes the quiet discipline that protects the soul and allows the light of God to shine through in everything we do.