The etymological implication of dharma is to hold or that holds. Dharma holds us. We belong to dharma. The entire creation lies within the manifestation of dharma, from microcosm to macrocosm. Dharma is some governing rule that defines the Law of Nature. So when we practice dharma, it implies that we regard the Law of Nature and abide by it.

In its crudest form, dharma can be referred to as religion; however, the actual understanding of dharma has much deeper meaning. At its elaborated extent, dharma deals with righteousness. In other words, dharma is constituted with the principles of righteousness. In addition, dharma is termed as justice as well.

Dharma can be categorized under two divisions – one is called Samanya, which is for general purpose and the other one is called Visesha, which is for specific purpose. Dharma is assumed to be of different kinds such as Sanatana Dharma denoting eternal law, Samanya Dharma defining general responsibility, Visesha Dharma denoting special responsibility, Varnashrama Dharma denoting caste and order related responsibilities, Svadharma defining responsibility towards own self, Yuga Dharma defining responsibility towards age or historical phase, Kula Dharma denoting responsibility towards family, Manava Dharma defining responsibility towards mankind, Purusha Dharma denoting men duty, Stri Dharma defining women duty, Raja Dharma referring king duty, Praja Dharma denoting responsibility of subjects, Prabitri Dharma defining responsibility towards materialistic life and Nribitri Dharma referring responsibility towards non-materialistic life.