Dharma, << DAHR muh, >> is the moral and religious law of Buddhism and Hinduism. Each of these religions has its own dharma.
In Buddhism, the dharma is reflected in the teachings of Buddha, who founded the religion. The principles of the Buddhist dharma govern daily life and show the way to salvation. Buddha preached that life is a continuing cycle of death and rebirth. He taught that by following Buddhist ways of life called the Middle Way and the Noble Eightfold Path, a person could overcome suffering and achieve nirvana, which is a state of peace and happiness. Buddha’s followers compiled his teachings in a scripture called the Tripitaka.
In Hinduism, the dharma establishes rules of duty and ethical conduct for all people. The Hindu dharma also sets forth the responsibilities of the four major castes (classes) that make up Hindu society. Writings called the Dharma Sutras and the Dharma Commentaries explain these principles.
