Adharma is the
Sanskrit
Sanskrit (; stem form ; nominal singular , ,) is a classical language belonging to the Indo-Aryan languages, Indo-Aryan branch of the Indo-European languages. It arose in northwest South Asia after its predecessor languages had Trans-cultural ...
antonym
In lexical semantics, opposites are words lying in an inherently incompatible binary relationship. For example, something that is ''even'' entails that it is not ''odd''. It is referred to as a 'binary' relationship because there are two members i ...
of
dharma
Dharma (; , ) is a key concept in various Indian religions. The term ''dharma'' does not have a single, clear Untranslatability, translation and conveys a multifaceted idea. Etymologically, it comes from the Sanskrit ''dhr-'', meaning ''to hold ...
. It means "that which is not in accord with the dharma". Connotations include betrayal, discord, disharmony, unnaturalness,
wrongness,
evil
Evil, as a concept, is usually defined as profoundly immoral behavior, and it is related to acts that cause unnecessary pain and suffering to others.
Evil is commonly seen as the opposite, or sometimes absence, of good. It can be an extreme ...
,
immorality
Immorality is the violation of moral laws, norms or standards. It refers to an agent doing or thinking something they know or believe to be wrong. Immorality is normally applied to people or actions, or in a broader sense, it can be applied to ...
, unrighteousness, wickedness, and
vice
A vice is a practice, behaviour, Habit (psychology), habit or item generally considered morally wrong in the associated society. In more minor usage, vice can refer to a fault, a negative character trait, a defect, an infirmity, or a bad or unhe ...
.
Description
''Adharma'' (Sanskrit: ) is derived from combining "a" with ''"dharma"'', which literally implies "not-''dharma''". It means immoral, sinful, wrong, wicked, unjust, unbalanced, or unnatural.
According to
Bhagavata Purana
The ''Bhagavata Purana'' (; ), also known as the ''Srimad Bhagavatam (Śrīmad Bhāgavatam)'', ''Srimad Bhagavata Mahapurana'' () or simply ''Bhagavata (Bhāgavata)'', is one of Hinduism's eighteen major Puranas (''Mahapuranas'') and one ...
's verse 6.1.40, the
Yamaduta replied: the religious principles prescribed in the Vedas constitute as Dharma, and those that are not constitute as Adharma.
Ariel Glucklich translates ''Adharma'' as chaos, disorder, non-harmonious and explains it as opposite of ''
Dharma
Dharma (; , ) is a key concept in various Indian religions. The term ''dharma'' does not have a single, clear Untranslatability, translation and conveys a multifaceted idea. Etymologically, it comes from the Sanskrit ''dhr-'', meaning ''to hold ...
''. Glucklich states that ''adharma'' isn't the binary opposite of ''Dharma'' or absolutely unethical in Indian philosophy. Rather it is a complex functional subjective term just like ''dharma'', with shades of meaning, that depends on circumstances, purpose and context.
Gene F. Collins Jr. defines Adharma as irreligiosity. Gene states that it is anything contrary to the laws of existence. According to him, they are those actions which are contrary to one's Dharma. Whatever facilitates spiritual growth is Dharma, and whatever impedes spiritual growth is Adharma. Following an Adharmic path means acting on three vices, which are, pride, contact, and intoxication. According to him, blind faith without regard for spiritual understanding is Adharma.
Following the path of Adharma can result in a bad future.
Lineage
The
Vishnu Purana recites a Hindu legend that includes ''Dharma'' and ''Adharma'' as mythical characters, and it is loaded with symbolism about virtues and vices, morality and ethics. The lineage is as follows,
[
]
See also
* Anrita
References
{{reflist
Sanskrit words and phrases
Hindu philosophical concepts
Words and phrases with no direct English translation
Hindu law