THE Dharma, YOUR Dharma, MY Dharma, And New-Age Narcissistic Dharma
The word Dharma is often misused or appropriated to serve a lighter, more egoistic new-age agenda.
So, what is the difference between Dharma as noted in Buddhist teachings, and his dharma or my dharma? And what is the new-age’s perspective on the concept and term Dharma.
The concept of “Dharma” in Buddhism carries a rich and multifaceted meaning, and its interpretation can vary widely depending on the context. Understanding the difference between “The Dharma” as it’s referenced in Buddhist teachings and the more personalized notion of “his dharma” or “my dharma” involves unpacking several layers of meaning inherent to the term.
The Dharma in Buddhist Teachings
In the context of Buddhist teachings, “The Dharma” (often capitalized) refers to the universal truth or law as taught by the Buddha. This encompasses the teachings and doctrines of Buddhism, including the Four Noble Truths, the Eightfold Path, and numerous sutras and teachings that outline the nature of existence, suffering, and the path to enlightenment. “The Dharma” is considered universal and immutable, offering a path to liberation and enlightenment for all beings. It is not personalized but rather a collective heritage of wisdom that transcends individual experiences.
“My Dharma” or “His/Her Dharma”
On the other hand, when people refer to “his dharma” or “my dharma,” they are typically using the term “dharma” in a more individualized sense, which might draw from broader, older Indian traditions where “dharma” signifies duty, role, or virtuous path in life. In this usage, “dharma” can mean one’s personal duty or righteousness, aligning with one’s unique circumstances, abilities, and life path. It reflects an understanding that each individual has their own role or duty in life that contributes to the overall order and harmony of the world.
The concept of “Dharma” in Buddhist teachings encompasses a broad and deep set of meanings, and its application can indeed vary widely, leading to questions like yours. Let’s explore the distinction between “The Dharma” as it is often referred to in Buddhist contexts, and “one’s dharma” which you might hear in more individualized discussions.
The Intersection and Distinction
The distinction can sometimes be subtle because practicing “The Dharma” in Buddhism involves aligning one’s personal life with universal truths and ethical practices. Thus, when someone refers to “my dharma,” they could be speaking about their personal path of practice and realization within the framework of Buddhist teachings.
However, the crucial difference is that “The Dharma” refers to the teachings and truths that are universal and not owned by anyone, while “my dharma” or “his/her dharma” refers to an individual’s personal path, duties, or roles as they interpret and live out those universal teachings in their own life.
In essence, while “The Dharma” is a shared and universal set of teachings and truths in Buddhism, “my dharma” or “someone’s dharma” can be a personal way of engaging with and embodying those teachings in the context of one’s own life. The two concepts are related but are used in different contexts to emphasize different aspects of spiritual practice and ethical living.
The New-Age Egoistic Perspective on The Dharma
The term “Dharma” has deep roots in several Eastern traditions, including Buddhism, Hinduism, Jainism, and Sikhism, where it encompasses duties, rights, laws, conduct, virtues, and the right way of living. In these contexts, Dharma is a complex and nuanced concept that guides individuals toward living in a way that upholds the natural order of the universe, supports spiritual growth, and fosters societal harmony.
In contrast, the New Age movement—a diverse and eclectic spiritual movement that emerged in the Western world during the late 20th century—has sometimes been criticized for its appropriation and simplification of concepts from Eastern religions, including Dharma. This criticism centers on several key distortions:
Individualism Over Community: New Age interpretations of Dharma often emphasize personal fulfillment and spiritual growth, sometimes at the expense of the communal and societal aspects of the concept. Traditional understandings of Dharma include a strong emphasis on duty to society and the world, which can be overshadowed by a more individualistic focus.
Selective Integration: The New Age movement is characterized by a tendency to pick and choose elements from different spiritual traditions without fully engaging with the depth and breadth of those traditions. This can lead to a superficial understanding of concepts like Dharma, divorced from their cultural and philosophical contexts.
Commodification: In some cases, spiritual concepts including Dharma are marketed as products or services within the New Age movement. This commercialization can strip these concepts of their spiritual and ethical significance, reducing them to mere tools for personal success or well-being.
Misinterpretation and Oversimplification: The complex and multifaceted nature of Dharma can be reduced to simple, catchy phrases or slogans that fail to capture the essence of the concept. This can lead to misunderstandings about the responsibilities and ethical considerations that Dharma involves.
Spiritual Bypassing: New Age approaches to Dharma can sometimes encourage “spiritual bypassing,” a term coined by psychologist John Welwood in the 1980s. This occurs when spiritual ideas and practices are used to avoid facing unresolved emotional issues, psychological wounds, and societal problems. By focusing solely on positive aspects of spiritual growth, individuals may neglect the challenging work of personal and communal healing and transformation that traditional Dharmic paths encompass.
It’s important to note that not all engagement with Eastern concepts by New Age practitioners falls into these pitfalls. Many people approach these traditions with respect and a genuine desire for deeper understanding. However, the concerns outlined above highlight the importance of approaching spiritual concepts with mindfulness, respect for their origins, and a commitment to engaging with them in their full depth and complexity.
Coexistence and Integration
Releasing our fascinations with new-age narcissism and diving deeper into the original Buddhist and Hindu teachings, we are freed from the limits of trendy self-serving ideologies.
The universal teachings of “The Dharma” and the personalized understanding of “my dharma” or “his dharma” can coexist harmoniously, each enriching the other. “The Dharma” provides a broad spiritual framework, offering insights and practices that guide individuals towards a deeper understanding of life and liberation. Within this framework, one’s personal dharma becomes the way they embody these teachings in their daily life, how they navigate their personal challenges, and fulfill their roles in society.
For a practitioner, engaging with “The Dharma” might involve studying Buddhist scriptures, meditating, and participating in a community (sangha). Living their personal dharma might mean applying these teachings in a way that resonates with their personal life, responsibilities, and relationships. For instance, a person might find that their role as a caregiver, their profession, or their artistic talents are where they can best express compassion and mindfulness, key aspects of Buddhist teachings.
This integration emphasizes that while “The Dharma” offers a collective path to enlightenment, each individual’s journey along that path will look different, shaped by their unique circumstances, choices, and responsibilities. It’s a reminder that spiritual teachings are not just theoretical but are meant to be lived and experienced in the messy, beautiful reality of daily life.
The Shankara Oracle is rooted in The Dharma, helping you to release all illusions and inch toward your liberation.
Author: Shri Krishna Kalesh
Shri Krishna Kalesh is a mystic who guides people as a Spiritual Guide, Intuitive Reader, Dharma Teacher, and Coach. He has served thousands of people toward their healing and expansion - through personal sessions, mystical readings, courses, and retreats. His mission is to help others source their own boundless creative genius and joy, embody virtue, find clarity, and master their lives. Shri Krishna Kalesh created The Shankara Oracle as a divine portal to The Unlimited, All-Knowing, All-Conscious Universe.