The Concept of Dharma: Classical Meaning, Common Misconceptions and Implications for Psychology

Anand C. Paranjpe

Psychology and Developing Societies, 2013, vol. 25, issue 1, 1-20

Abstract: It is common in India as well as elsewhere today to use the word dharma as implied in the idea of the ‘Hindu dharma ’, especially when it is understood as a ‘religion’ in the league of other ‘world religions’ such as Judaism, Christianity and Islam. To help clarify the misunderstandings implicit in this usage, I shall first explain the classical definitions as well as relevant features of dharma in the Indian tradition, and then point out the differences between Indian dharmic traditions on the one hand, and features of the Abrahamic religions (Judaism, Christianity and Islam) on the other. Finally, I would point out important implications for psychology that follow from the concept of dharma understood in the Indian tradition.

Keywords: Dharma; religion; puruá¹£Ä rtha; common rules of conduct; vará¹‡Ä Å›rama dharma; jÄ ti; caste; untouchability (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2013
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Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:sae:psydev:v:25:y:2013:i:1:p:1-20

DOI: 10.1177/0971333613477302

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