ଧର୍ମ କଣ ? What is Dharma, Odia, Part-1, Dr Surya Nanda
Dharma embraces every type of righteous conduct, covering every aspect of life essential for the sustenance and welfare of the individual to cosmos.
The word dharma is derived from dhāraṇa or sustenance; dharma sustains creatures, that which has capacity to sustain, is indeed dharma. Mahā-bhārat, Karna parva, 69.58.
In the context of cosmic world, dharma is called as Ṛta (Cosmic Order). It is the cosmic principle that regulates and coordinates the operation of the universe and everything within it.
In the context of a society, dharma refers to social order, which is a collection of laws that uphold, sustain, and uplift society.
In the context of governance, dharma refers to law and justice, and in the context of an individual, dharma refers to the ethical behavior that includes all possible values, duties and the righteousness of actions.
Maharṣi Kaṇāda, founder of the Vaiśeṣika system of philosophy defines dharma; "that which leads to the attainment of Abhyudaya (prosperity in this life) and Niḥśreyas (attainment of eternal bliss) is Dharma". यतोऽभ्युदयनिःश्रेयसोः सिद्धिः स धर्मः . Vaiśeṣika sutra. 1:1