Significance of Dharmashastra
Dharmashastra refers to a comprehensive body of ancient Indian texts that outline laws, moral principles, and ethical guidelines within various contexts of Hinduism. These texts serve as foundational literature, detailing the rights, responsibilities, and societal duties of individuals across different varnas. Additionally, Dharmashastra encompasses teachings on righteous living, ethical conduct, and spiritual discipline, emphasizing the role of individuals, particularly rulers, in maintaining moral order. It is a significant element of Hindu philosophy that continues to guide the understanding of justice and ethics in society.
Synonyms: Hindu law, Sacred text, Religious law, Legal texts, Scripture, Religious code, Moral code, Ancient law, Sacred law, Law, Code, Doctrine, Compilation, Guide
In Dutch: Dharmashastra; In German: Dharmashastra; In Finnish: Dharmashastra; In Spanish: Dharmashastra; In Swedish: Dharmashastra; In Malay: Dharmashastra; In French: Dharmashastra
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Dharmashastra'
In Buddhism, Dharmashastra encompasses a collection of texts detailing religious laws and frameworks, focusing on the roles of different orders, particularly Brahminic, and their significance within the broader Buddhist context.
From: Vinaya Pitaka (1): Bhikkhu-vibhanga (the analysis of Monks鈥� rules)
(1) Another set of texts that elaborate on religious laws and guidelines, discussing the roles of various orders such as the Brahminic ones.[1]
Hindu concept of 'Dharmashastra'
Dharmashastra in Hinduism encompasses a collection of texts outlining moral and ethical guidelines, laws, and duties for individuals across various life stages, emphasizing proper conduct, duties, and social responsibilities in accordance with dharma.
From: Devi Bhagavata Purana
(1) The sacred texts that outline the principles of right conduct and moral order.[2] (2) The body of law and ethics in Hinduism, referenced by the Brahmin in relation to sin and duty.[3] (3) Textual sources that outline ethical and moral guidelines within Hinduism.[4] (4) Religious texts that outline the moral laws and duties, which Vashishtha was knowledgeable about but did not use to intervene.[5] (5) Sacred texts that guide moral conduct and the separation of the righteous from those who are insincere.[6]
From: Markandeya Purana
(1) Scriptures outlining righteous conduct and moral laws that the characters reference.[7] (2) The texts of Hindu religious law that provide guidance on ethical and moral issues, associated with the teachings found in the Purana.[8] (3) The branch of study that focuses on duty and morality, characterized as the best by the narrative.[9] (4) Sacred texts outlining the duties and righteousness expected of individuals, especially rulers.[10] (5) Textual sources that encompass the principles of righteousness and ethical conduct.[11]
From: Garuda Purana
(1) Ethical and social texts that guide conduct and duty.[12] (2) The Dharma shastras are texts that compile the moral and positive laws intended to guide the conduct of individuals in society.[13] (3) Codes of Moral Laws that provide guidance on righteous living and ethical conduct.[14] (4) Codes of Moral Laws that provide guidance on how to live virtuously according to Hindu principles.[15]
From: Bhagavad-gita-rahasya (or Karma-yoga Shastra)
(1) The scripture or doctrine concerning moral duties and laws of righteous conduct in the context of Hindu philosophy.[16]
From: Anugita (English translation)
(1) Ancient legal and ethical texts in Hinduism that outline duties and conduct, with themes that may overlap with those in the Anugita.[17]
From: Laghu-yoga-vasistha
(1) Texts that outline the moral and ethical duties and laws within Hindu philosophy.[18]
From: Brihaddharma Purana (abridged)
(1) Literature that outlines the moral and legal duties of individuals in society.[19]
From: Harivamsha Purana
(1) The body of literature discussing moral law and duty, which was disrespected by the sons of Raji after they encountered atheism.[20]
From: Chaitanya Bhagavata
(1) Ancient scriptures that prescribe ethical guidelines and etiquette for various aspects of life, including how householders should behave towards ascetics.[21] (2) Scriptures that outline principles of moral conduct and societal ethics, which state that joking with one鈥檚 legitimate wife is acceptable.[22] (3) Ancient scriptures that provide guidelines on moral and ethical conduct, including rituals for honoring ancestors.[23] (4) Ancient Indian scriptures that provide guidelines for righteous living and spiritual discipline.[24] (5) A collection of ancient texts, primarily legal and ethical guidelines, that define duties and responsibilities for individuals in society, consisting of works such as that of Manu.[25]
From: Sri Krishna-Chaitanya
(1) Sacred texts in Hinduism that provide guidelines for moral and ethical living.[26] (2) Texts that prescribe the moral and legal duties for individuals and communities, often categorized by their adherence to theistic or secular teachings.[27]
From: Tiruvaymoli (Thiruvaimozhi): English translation
(1) Literature detailing moral and ethical guidelines, with 'Manu Smriti' being a prominent work among them.[28]
From: Bhajana-Rahasya
(1) The texts compiled by learned persons like Yajnavalkya and Jaimini, often confused by Maya-devi.[29]
From: Chaitanya Mangala
(1) Sacred texts that outline the principles and duties of religion, referencing its manifest nature across different yugas.[30]
From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi
(1) A text or treatise that serves the purpose of teaching or ordaining Dharma.[31] (2) The body of texts that deals with law, ethics, and duty in Indian philosophy, which the student is instructed to study.[32] (3) Legal and ethical texts that govern the duties and conduct of individuals in society, which are collectively studied by the three twice-born castes.[33] (4) Texts that contain guidelines and laws pertaining to personal, familial, and societal duties in Hinduism.[34]
From: Apastamba Dharma-sutra
(1) A body of texts that delineate moral laws and ethical guidelines for individuals in Hindu society.[35]
From: Gautama Dharmasutra
(1) A genre of Sanskrit literature that codifies laws and ethical principles, prominently featuring works by figures like Gautama.[36]
From: Baudhayana Dharmasutra
(1) A category of ancient Indian texts that chronicle laws and ethical guidance, which the Dharma-sutra appertains to.[37]
From: Parama Samhita (English translation)
(1) Textual guidelines on righteousness and ethical conduct, which also inform how one should engage with worldly pleasures.[38] (2) Sacred texts that prescribe the rules and practices of dharma for devotees.[39] (3) A handbook laying down ways of life aiming at achieving the ultimate end of human existence, nihshrayas.[40] (4) The treatise that deals with moral law and duties, as translated from the term Arianul.[41] (5) A set of texts or teachings that guide moral and religious principles; also referred to as Arianul in this context.[42]
From: Brahma Sutras (Ramanuja)
(1) A category of texts that encompasses rules and guidelines based on the brahmanas, outlining the moral and legal duties of individuals.[43]
From: Thirty minor Upanishads
(1) Dharmashastras comprise texts that provide guidance on laws, ethics, and duties.[44]
From: Taittiriya Upanishad
(1) Texts detailing civil and religious law, including the consequences of actions across multiple lifetimes.[45]
From: Vastu-shastra (Introduction to Indian architecture)
(1) A genre of texts concerning law and ethics, which King Bhoja had significant influence over as a writer.[46] (2) A body of literature on law and ethics in Hindu tradition, for which King Bhoja gained recognition.[47]
From: Shukra Niti by Shukracharya
(1) The ancient legal texts that dictate the ethical and moral laws governing the conduct of individuals and the judicial process.[48]
From: Kautilya Arthashastra
(1) A body of literature that discusses moral law and duty within the framework of society.[49]
From: Kamashastra Discourse (Life in Ancient India)
(1) Ancient legal and moral texts that outline the duties, rights, and responsibilities within the social order of Indian society.[50] (2) The body of texts that outline the laws and principles governing moral and ethical conduct, which were supported by Vatsyayana's explanations.[51]
From: Vakyapadiya of Bhartrihari
(1) A body of Hindu texts that outline moral and ethical guidelines, often prohibiting certain actions.[52]
From: Hayanaratna: The Jewel of Annual Astrology
(1) This is a term that has been translated as 鈥榮acred law鈥�, and is related to the terms dharma and punya, which are indirectly connected with astrology.[53]
From: Shakti and Shakta
(1) Ancient Indian texts that codify moral laws and duties, often referenced in discussions of Hindu law and ethical principles.[54]
From: Kathasaritsagara (the Ocean of Story)
(1) The texts that relate to the moral and legal duties in Hinduism, emphasized in the narrative for illustrating principles of behavior and ethics.[55]
From: Yoga-sutras (with Bhoja鈥檚 Rajamartanda)
(1) This is a scripture that prescribes guidelines for ethical and moral behavior, including rules about fasting and ascetic practices.[56]
Jain concept of 'Dharmashastra'
In Jainism, Dharmashastra signifies sacred texts that detail spiritual laws and ethical guidelines, serving as foundational principles that convey moral conduct within the religious narrative.
From: Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra
(1) Sacred texts that outline spiritual laws and ethics within the context of the story.[57]
The concept of Dharmashastra in local and regional sources
Dharmashastra encompasses authoritative ancient Indian texts that prescribe rules, duties, and ethical guidelines governing societal conduct within Hindu philosophy. It outlines moral law, influences land grants, and reflects changing relevance in contemporary contexts.
From: Triveni Journal
(1) Texts that lay down the codes of conduct and ethical duties in Hindu philosophy, exemplified by the Ramayana.[58] (2) A body of texts in Hinduism that outlines laws and duties within society.[59] (3) Ancient texts that outline the moral and ethical duties and conduct, used as a guiding principle in Hindu law.[60] (4) A branch of law and ethics in Hindu philosophy, where Apastamba is noted as a pre-eminent writer.[61] (5) Critical texts of Hindu law and ethics whose relevance is diminishing in modern contexts due to societal changes.[62]
From: History of Science in South Asia
(1) Dharmashastra is a type of literature, and Garga's human marks became integrated into this literature and Jyotihshastra through the works of scholars.[63] (2) The Dharmashastras are texts where the basic terminology of disease and anatomy occurs, as the humoral concept of disease would have been known to yogins who were familiar with Brahmanical Sanskrit literature.[64]
From: Bhaktavijaya: Stories of Indian Saints
(1) A body of texts in Hindu philosophy outlining duties, rights, laws, and codes of conduct in accordance with moral law.[65]
From: Sanskrit Words In Southeast Asian Languages
(1) These are observances expressed in the Sanskrit language, which, along with the mythology of Puranas and the epics, made a region Sanskritized.[66]