What is Dharma?

Dharma can be understood as actions in following a virtuous path to promote goodness in the world for others, and not limited to self-interests. It takes different forms emphasizing various virtues such as honesty, truth, and non-violence.

Dharmic heritage and background can include:

  • Religious identification with Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Sikhism

  • Ethnic Heritage: Areas of Dharmic religious, cultural, and language speaking groups’ influence in India, South Asia, East Asia, and the Hindu, Jain, Buddhist, and Sikh diasporas

  • Practices: Religious and cultural rites and rituals, observance of festivals, participation in the arts, adherence to philosophies and principles, as well as spiritual practices within Hinduism, Jainism, Buddhism, Sikhism