Dharma
reason for existing

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Dharma is the most misunderstood and misrepresented of all the philosophical and cultural concepts of India. This one word is complex, in that it has many different meanings and multiple interpretations, the least of which is "religion".

Dharma has different meanings depending on the text, and context, in which it found. It can mean one's duty, or one's responsibility. It can mean one's inherent nature. It can mean one's reason for existing. It can mean right conduct or the righteous path. It can mean the ultimate goal of your life or your inherent nature. Different schools of thoughts, different texts and scriptures, different thinkers and philosophers and sages have their own definition of dharma - within the context of their teachings and thinking.

In the Upanishads, your Dharma is your true nature, that what you are supposed to be, your true self. This includes your actions and your thoughts, your purpose and your duties in life.

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