Types of Dharma in Hinduism

This section explains the Types of Dharma in Hinduism. In Hinduism, dharma plays a crucial role in guiding individuals on how to live a righteous and meaningful life. The concept of dharma is multifaceted, encompassing personal responsibilities, social obligations, and spiritual duties. There are several types of dharma, two of the most important being Sanatana dharma and Varnashrama dharma. These forms of dharma help define the ethical and moral framework within which Hindus live and interact with the world.

Sanatana Dharma

Sanatana dharma is often referred to as the "eternal dharma" or the "eternal duty towards God". It is the universal set of moral and ethical guidelines that applies to all Hindus, regardless of their social status, caste, or personal circumstances. This form of dharma governs the basic virtues and principles that every Hindu should live by. These include virtues such as patience, kindness, humility, compassion, and loyalty, all of which reflect one’s relationship with God and the broader Hindu community.

Sanatana dharma is sometimes described as a code of conduct that directs the behaviour of individuals and communities. It encourages Hindus to be aware of their actions in daily life, ensuring that they are aligned with divine principles. This form of dharma is not limited to personal morality but extends to how Hindus interact with one another and contribute to the well-being of society. It emphasises living in harmony with the universe and fulfilling one’s obligations to God, family, and community.

Unlike personal dharma, which is unique to each individual, Sanatana dharma applies to all Hindus as a collective set of duties and virtues. However, many Hindus believe that by fulfilling their own personal dharma, they are also adhering to Sanatana dharma, as living virtuously in one’s personal life naturally contributes to the greater good of the community. In this way, the two forms of dharma are often seen as interconnected.

The Bhagavad Gita, a central text in Hinduism, highlights the importance of following one's prescribed duties:

“It is far better to discharge one’s prescribed duties, even though faultily, than another’s duties perfectly. Destruction in the course of performing one’s own duty is better than engaging in another’s duties, for to follow another’s path is dangerous.”
— Bhagavad Gita 3.35

This passage emphasises the importance of staying true to one’s own responsibilities and not deviating from one’s personal path. It encourages Hindus to focus on their own spiritual journey while performing their duties towards God and society. In this sense, Sanatana dharma provides a foundation for spiritual growth, helping individuals align their personal goals with divine principles.

Varnashrama Dharma

Varnashrama dharma is an older and more traditional form of dharma that relates to the caste system, a social hierarchy historically present in Hindu society. This system categorises individuals into four main classes, or varnas: Brahmins, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas, and Shudras. Each caste is associated with specific duties and responsibilities that individuals are expected to fulfil based on their position in society.

The caste system has been historically linked to the Manusmriti, an ancient Hindu text that outlines social laws and customs. Varnashrama dharma places emphasis on the material and social duties that individuals are expected to fulfil according to their caste. For example, Brahmins are traditionally priests and scholars, Kshatriyas are warriors and rulers, Vaishyas are traders and agriculturists, and Shudras are labourers and service providers.

This form of dharma is based on the belief that one’s position in the caste system is determined by the actions (or karma) accumulated in previous lifetimes. According to this view, the soul, or atman, is reborn into a particular caste as a result of the moral choices made in past lives. Thus, an individual's current status in the caste system is a reflection of their accumulated karma.

Though Varnashrama dharma played a significant role in traditional Hindu society, it is increasingly seen as outdated and less relevant in modern times. Many Hindus today do not strictly follow the caste-based duties outlined by Varnashrama dharma. However, for some, the caste system remains an important aspect of their spiritual beliefs, and they continue to view it as a reflection of the soul's progress across multiple lifetimes.

The ultimate aim for all Hindus, regardless of their caste, is to achieve the status of a Brahmin in their spiritual journey. To do so, a person must move through the other castes in successive reincarnations, gradually purifying their soul and accumulating good karma to reach higher spiritual states. This journey through the castes reflects the belief in samsara, the cycle of rebirth, where each life is an opportunity to accumulate virtue and progress towards the ultimate goal of liberation (moksha).

Conclusion

Dharma is a central concept in Hinduism, encompassing various duties and responsibilities that guide individuals towards living a righteous life. Sanatana dharma represents the universal set of moral guidelines that all Hindus are encouraged to follow, while Varnashrama dharma connects an individual’s spiritual and social duties to their position within the caste system. Although the relevance of Varnashrama dharma has diminished over time, both forms of dharma provide important frameworks for Hindus to live ethically and spiritually fulfilled lives. By adhering to dharma, Hindus aim to accumulate good karma, fulfil their duties towards God and society, and ultimately attain liberation from the cycle of rebirth.