In yoga philosophy, Dharma is the first of the Four Aims of Life (Purusharthas) — the guiding principles that help us live with balance, purpose, and joy. The word Dharma comes from the Sanskrit root dhri, meaning to uphold or to sustain. It is often translated as “duty” or “righteousness,” but its meaning is far more personal and profound: Dharma is living in alignment with your highest truth.
Your Dharma is your soul’s unique path—the way you contribute to the world in a way only you can. It’s not just about your career or your roles in life; it’s about how you show up in each moment. Are your choices aligned with compassion? Integrity? Wisdom?
Dharma in Yoga Practice
Yoga is one of the most powerful tools we have for clarifying and living our Dharma. When we step onto the mat, we practice listening — to our breath, our body, and our inner wisdom. The focus, discipline, and awareness we cultivate in asana and meditation naturally begin to spill over into our daily lives.
A gentle forward fold might teach patience. A challenging balance pose might reveal where we’re holding unnecessary tension. The more we notice these patterns, the more we can live from a place of clarity and alignment.
Signs You’re in Alignment with Your Dharma
While yoga gives us tools for self-awareness, Dharma is lived in the choices we make beyond the studio. It can look like:
“It is better to strive in one’s own Dharma than to succeed in the Dharma of another.” – Bhagavad Gita
Your Dharma is your soul’s unique path—the way you contribute to the world in a way only you can. It’s not just about your career or your roles in life; it’s about how you show up in each moment. Are your choices aligned with compassion? Integrity? Wisdom?
Dharma in Yoga Practice
Yoga is one of the most powerful tools we have for clarifying and living our Dharma. When we step onto the mat, we practice listening — to our breath, our body, and our inner wisdom. The focus, discipline, and awareness we cultivate in asana and meditation naturally begin to spill over into our daily lives.
A gentle forward fold might teach patience. A challenging balance pose might reveal where we’re holding unnecessary tension. The more we notice these patterns, the more we can live from a place of clarity and alignment.
Signs You’re in Alignment with Your Dharma
- You feel a sense of flow and meaning in your life, work and relationships.
- You act with integrity, even when it’s difficult (and nobody's watching).
- You experience less inner conflict and more peace with your choices.
- Your energy feels replenished rather than depleted by your commitments.
While yoga gives us tools for self-awareness, Dharma is lived in the choices we make beyond the studio. It can look like:
- Speaking up for what’s right, even when it’s not the easy option.
- Caring for yourself so you can care for others.
- Choosing actions that serve not just yourself, but the greater good.
“It is better to strive in one’s own Dharma than to succeed in the Dharma of another.” – Bhagavad Gita
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