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Dharma (, ; lit.

that which upholds, supports or maintains the regulatory order of the universe ) means Law or Natural Law and is a concept of central importance in Indian philosophy and religion.

As well as referring to Law in the universal or abstract sense dharma designates those behaviours considered necessary for the maintenance of the natural order of things.

Therefore dharma may encompass ideas such as duty, vocation, religion and everything that is considered correct, proper or decent behaviour.

The idea of dharma as duty or propriety derives from an idea found in India's ancient legal and religious texts that there is a divinely instituted natural order of things ( rta ) and justice, social harmony and human happiness require that human beings discern and live in a manner appropriate to the requirements of that order.

Dharma states that there are guidelines or rules that must be obeyed varying from place to place.

The source of any individuals dharma lies in the nature of each individual and is part of their customs and practices.

According to the various Indian religions, such as Hinduism, Jainism, Buddhism, and Sikhism, beings that live in accordance with dharma proceed more quickly toward dharma yukam, moksha or nirvana ( personal liberation ).

The antonym of dharma is adharma, meaning unnatural or immoral.