dharma

from the Sanskrit root dhri, "to uphold or support" — often translated simply as religion or righteousness — is a comprehensive term for the natural laws and eternal verities that uphold the divine order of the universe and of man, a miniature universe. Sankhya philosophy thus defines true religion as "those immutable principles that protect man permanently from the threefold suffering of disease, unhappiness, and ignorance." India's vast body of Vedic teachings are amassed under the umbrella term Sanatana Dharma, "Eternal Religion." Eternal principles of righteousness that uphold all creation; man's inherent duty to live in harmony with these principles.