“In Hinduism, discussions of ethics- that is, reasoning about morality and thus about one ought to do and why- generally falls under within much broader category of dharma, a word whose root (dhr-) means to hold or uphold.” (From Brill’s Encyclopedia)

Dharma is a very complex concept and can’t be readily defined or explained. The word can be used to express a spectrum of word – duty, law, status, ordinance, obligations (one’s own), right, morality etc.

In the earliest Vedic texts, particularly in the Rig Veda, the concepts of Dharma and Rta are intricately linked. Rta represents the impersonal law or principle that governs the cosmos, ensuring cosmic harmony and order. It’s like the invisible rules that keeps the universe functioning smoothly. Dharma, on the other hand, refers to the actions and duties that people undertake to maintain and promote rta. Here Dharma carries on “ontological weight” – the actions we take have a cosmic significance. Fulfilling your Dharma isn’t just about fulfilling the societal rules, it contributes to the balance of entire universe.

Dharma in ancient India wasn’t just an abstract concept or religion. For the writers of the Dharma and Smriti texts, it was a way of life. It served as a comprehensive code of conduct that guided people in all aspects of their lives, both individuals and members of the society.

Dharma encompasses various aspects including social duties, ethical conduct, universal law and spiritual path. But when these overlaps, situations can arise where different interpretations of dharma clash. The appropriate course of action based on dharma depends on a specific context. There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Fulfilling your role within the social order is crucial, but so is following your conscience and pursuing spiritual goals. This can lead to internal conflicts.

For references, you could research about King Dasharatha’s dilemma in Ramayana, about upholding his dharma as a king by sending Ram and thus fulfilling his promise to Kaikeyi (Raj dharma) or upholding his dharma to his kingdom’s subjects and make Ram the king (Praja dharma). Another example is Arjuna’s dilemma to fight the war of Kurukshetra and killing those he is meant to protect. (part of both Mahabharata and Bhagvat Gita)