What does Dharma mean in Yoga?

Dharma is a key concept in Yoga and Hinduism. According to yoga philosophy, it is impossible to attain spiritual attainment without pursuing the goal of dharma – righteousness and ethical discipline.

The Meaning of Dharma

The word Dharma is derived from the root ‘dhri’, which means to uphold, support, and sustain. Dharma is therefore observing the right code of conduct in order to uphold, support, and sustain a higher life.  

Though it does not have a direct translation, the concept of Dharma can be understood as right action or ethical living. Dharma is what makes our actions coherent. It gives direction, sets the rules, creates the restraints, and provides guidance.

What Dharma is not

It is also important to understand what Dharma is not. It should not be confused with religious rules that impose ethical or social restrictions.

Irrespective of religion, race, caste, faith, or class, Dharma guides mankind to lead a life that is higher than simply pursuing pleasures.

Dharma in Yoga

Patanjali, the sage who compiled the Yoga Sutras, one of the most important texts on yoga theory and practice, suggested that Dharma is a part of yoga. He put Dharma into two categories – the yamas (restraints) and the niyamas (observances). He then says that things can manifest depending upon the nature of your Dharma.

The Two Components of Dharma

There are two distinct components of Dharma:

-       Sva-dharma: one’s individual or personal Dharma; one’s personal life mission. It is unique because each person possesses innate traits, talents, abilities, qualities, and gifts. These help to define one’s life path.

It also includes relationships, self-discovery, and the circumstances and conditions one finds oneself in. Svadharma can change from time to time. It can also assign us different roles at the same time – that of a parent, friend, spouse, and co-worker.

-       Sat-dharma: one’s true Dharma; universal Dharma. This is the path of self-realization that comes to us as our birthright. It is our contribution to the higher good of the collective.

Our svadharma and satdharma mutually support each other. And when we connect our life’s purpose to our svadharma and satdharma, we find fulfillment. On the other hand, when there is a disconnect between the two, we can feel confused, out of sync, and lost.

How to Discover your Dharma

We can discover our Dharma by getting in touch with ourselves. When we are connected to that which is our heart’s deepest desire, we get in rhythm with both the microcosm and the macrocosm of our existence.

One of the ways to establish and nourish the connection with our internal world is by creating a discipline around practices that help us foster that connection. These could be yoga asanas, meditation, journaling, or astrology.

Some questions that can help us identify our Dharma are – Why am I here? What is my life purpose? What is the reason for my existence and what do I want to experience?

In Closing

The path of yoga can help us reveal our Dharma. Not just that, it can also enable us to live our Dharma.

Before you go, take a look at our Astro Yoga Experience, which gives you access to our astro yoga classes, resources on yoga, and our lovely astro yoga community.