Four Dharmas

UPANISHAD FIVE: Right Living

Sloka 56

What Is Dharma? What Are Its Forms?

Dharma is the natural order of things, the divine law of life. It is the fulfillment of our highest nature and destiny. Dharma has four main divisions: universal, human, social and personal.

Sloka 57

What Is the Nature of Universal Dharma?

Universal law is known in the Vedas as rita. It is God's power at work in the physical world. It is the infinite intelligence or consciousness in nature, in atoms, in galaxies. It is the sustaining cosmic design and organizing force.

Sloka 58

What Is the Nature Of Social Dharma?

Social law is known as varna dharma. It consists of the occupation, duties and responsibilities we must fulfill as a member of our nation, community and family. Social law includes religious observances and the rules of good conduct.

Sloka 59

What Is the Nature Of Human Dharma?

Human law is called ashrama dharma. It is the growth and expression of the body, mind and emotions through four progressive stages of life: student, householder, elder advisor and religious hermit.

Sloka 60

What Is the Nature Of Personal Dharma?

Personal law is called svadharma. It is our own perfect path in life. It is determined by two things: the karmas, good and bad, from our past lives, and our three dharmas of this life--universal, human and social.