Dharma facts for kids

Dharma is a really important idea in many religions and spiritual beliefs that started in India. You'll find it in Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Sikhism. It's like a special law or a guide for how people should live their lives to grow spiritually.

Dharma in Buddhism: The Buddha's Teachings

In Buddhism, the word "Dharma" has a special meaning. It refers to the very old teachings of the Buddha. These teachings are like a path that helps people understand the world and find peace. A famous example of these teachings is The Four Noble Truths, which explain suffering and how to end it.

Dharma in Hinduism: Your Life's Purpose

In Hinduism, dharma is seen as a spiritual law for everyone. It's about living a good, truthful, and dutiful life. Think of it as your unique role and responsibilities in the world.

For example:

• A child's dharma is to be a good student and learn.
• Parents’ dharma is to care for and support their family.
• A teacher’s dharma is to educate their students.
• The police’s dharma is to protect people and keep the community safe.

Your dharma can change as you grow older and take on new responsibilities. But some parts of dharma are for everyone, no matter their age or role. These include being honest, kind, and respectful, not harming others, and being a good citizen.

Hindus believe that following your dharma helps you achieve the highest purpose in life. When people live according to their dharma, they often feel good about themselves, and their lives become more rewarding and meaningful.

Images for kids

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  The Prakrit word "dha-ṃ-ma"/𑀥𑀁𑀫 (Sanskrit: Dharma धर्म) in the Brahmi script, as inscribed by Emperor Ashoka in his Edicts of Ashoka (3rd century BCE).

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  The Kandahar Bilingual Rock Inscription is from Indian Emperor Asoka in 258 BC, and found in Afghanistan. The inscription renders the word dharma in Sanskrit as eusebeia in Greek, suggesting dharma in ancient India meant spiritual maturity, devotion, piety, duty towards and reverence for human community.

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  Sikhism

See also

In Spanish: Dharma para niños