Dharma

What the texts say

In the Brihadaranyaka Upanishad, Dharma is cosmic righteousness and divine law, the foundation of universal order. Brihadaranyaka Upanishad 1.4.14 The Manusmriti names the Veda, remembered tradition, virtuous conduct and conscience as sources of dharma. Manusmriti 2.6 It lists ten marks of dharma, including self-control, truthfulness and absence of anger. Manusmriti 6.92 It also says that protected dharma protects its protector. Manusmriti 8.15 In the Bhagavad Gita, Krishna says one's own dharma, though imperfect, is better than another's done well. Bhagavad Gita 3.35, 18.47 In the Gita, Krishna also says that he manifests himself age after age to establish dharma. Bhagavad Gita 4.8