concept
Sanskrit
Dharma
Cosmic law, moral duty, or the right way of living for who you are.
Origin
Central to Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism, with different shades in each. In Hinduism dharma is your duty within the cosmic order, conditioned by caste and life stage. In Buddhism it can refer to the Buddha's teachings (the Dharma) or to phenomena/reality itself.
Modern usage
Most casual Western uses lean on the 'right path / true vocation' meaning. 'It's not my dharma' is a softer way of saying 'this isn't who I am.'
Tags
duty
religion
path