‘Dharma’ an essay written by Annie Besant

Metaphorically, the author explains that, when the different nations were populating the Earth, the Divinity bestowed upon each one, as an essential sign, a word. Thus, Greece had Beauty, Rome, the Law, and when India was created, it was given the Word Dharma.

Bessant´s intention has always been to reconcile the ancient Oriental essence with the Western culture. Thus, she explains that this Dharma is the most important of the divine gifts. Because Dharma is the inner nature in itself, the one who preserves the Universe´s equilibrium.

On an individual level, Dharma determines the degree of development of each human being and it also rules over his evolution in this space. For Hinduism, Dharma is the Law of Nature itself, which determines not only every individual but also the entire Cosmos.

The difference lies in that Dharma regulates the cosmic movement, while in man it is related to his ethics and his religious duties.

• Title: “Dharma”
• Author: Annie Besant
• Pages: 37