What is Dharma

Hislop: What is the meaning of the word dharma [righteousness]?

Sai: The word dharma does not mean duty. In duty there is no freedom; in reason there is freedom; and in religious obligation there is the union between duty and reason. Dharma, then, refers to religious obligation and in that word are the concepts of both duty and reason.

Visitor: There is a difficulty that arises in doing honor to two different aspects of the Lord. For example, Mother in Sri Aurobindo’s ashram, and Swamiji here.

Sai: There are two ways: one in which the Divine is seen everywhere, and there is then no conflict whatsoever; and the other way in which one feels strong devotion to one single person and is happy in that devotion. In the latter case, one should hold strictly to that guru and have nothing to do with other gurus. When one works at a task one needs to give that task full attention and concentration and cannot be thinking of the Lord while doing that task. But the principle involved is the attitude of dedicating everything to the Lord and not doing work because of the fruit to be gained from that work. On the contrary, [it means] doing the work because it is one’s duty to do it very well.

A Visitor: Can I wear shorts while here at the ashram?

Sai: No. That should not be.

Sai: In spiritual life, the fastest progress is made when the boat sails with the wind, and if the boat has to sail against the wind, progress is slower.

A Visitor: Well, Swami, the trouble is to determine which way the wind is blowing.

Sai: That is really very simple. With practice, a driver of a car learns to be so skilful at driving that a wide boulevard or a narrow road makes no difference to him, he drives both with equal confidence. In the same way, a guru is necessary in order to learn how to take advantage of the wind in the sea of the spirit. The trouble is that nowadays it is very difficult to find a guru. As soon as a person puts on a yellow robe he considers himself a guru and wants to teach people.

Understanding What is Dharma Through the Guidance of a True Guru

The best way to determine whether or not a guru is genuine is to observe whether his words are filled with wisdom and whether his life reflects the same principles he teaches. A true spiritual teacher practices what he speaks and guides seekers toward understanding deeper truths such as what is dharma and how it should be followed in daily life. If a guru only speaks wise words but does not live by them, those teachings bring no real benefit. In today’s world many people speak about spirituality, yet few truly live it. Therefore, the safest guide for understanding what is dharma and walking the spiritual path is God Himself. In the spiritual world, a guru is like a doctor who examines the condition of a seeker and prescribes the right guidance. But if the guru himself lacks purity or clarity, his guidance may mislead the aspirant. That is why many spiritual masters say the best guru today is God, who alone can lead a sincere seeker toward truth, righteousness, and the real understanding of what is dharma.

To understand what is dharma, one must look beyond ordinary ideas of duty or social responsibility. Dharma represents the higher principle that guides a person toward truth, righteousness, and spiritual discipline. According to spiritual teachings, dharma combines wisdom, moral responsibility, and the freedom to choose the right path. When a person follows dharma sincerely, their actions become pure and selfless. They perform their work not for personal gain but as an offering to the Divine. Learning what is dharma helps individuals develop clarity of mind, devotion, and inner balance. By living according to dharma, one gradually overcomes selfish desires and moves closer to peace, harmony, and spiritual realization.

Source: Conversations with Bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai Baba