dharma

 
Pronunciation: /ˈdɑːmə, ˈdəːmə/

noun

[mass noun]
  • (in Indian religion) the eternal law of the cosmos, inherent in the very nature of things.
  • In Hinduism, dharma is seen as the cosmic law both upheld by the gods and expressed in right behaviour by humans, including adherence to the social order. In Buddhism (termed dhamma), it is interpreted as universal truth or law, especially as proclaimed by the Buddha. In Jainism, it is conceived both as virtue and as a kind of fundamental substance, the medium of motion

Origin:

Sanskrit, literally 'decree or custom'