Dharma (Life Principles) according to Manusmriti

Summary

Dharma in Manusmriti outlines the moral and spiritual duties that guide righteous living. Compiled by Swayambhuva Manu in 2700 verses, it describes three types of Dharma: Svadharma (personal duty), Sanatana Dharma (eternal spiritual path), and Sadharana Dharma (universal moral conduct). The text emphasizes ten virtues, including steadfastness, forgiveness, self-control, truthfulness, and anger management. Practicing these principles fosters ethical behavior, spiritual growth, and harmony in society, providing timeless guidance for modern life.

Dharma in Manusmriti – The path of righteous living

Dharma, or righteous living, forms the foundation of human life according to the ancient Vedic text Manusmriti. Manu Smriti is part of Vedic literature and forms the law book of human society. There are fourteen Manus in Lord Brahma's lifetime, and Manusmriti is believed to have been taught by Lord Brahma to Swayambhuva Manu, who further gave this knowledge to Bhrigu Muni.

The Manu Smriti is compiled in 2700 verses and divided into 12 chapters that establish the way of life according to virtues and codes of conduct for the general populace. It explains how every person, regardless of background, can live in alignment with natural laws and divine order.

What is Dharma?

In general terms, dharma refers to leading a righteous life in harmony with natural laws as defined in scripture. In ancient India, this was regulated through stable, sustainable lifestyles and traditional norms of behavior. Today, with globalization and advanced civilization, it is far more difficult for people to decide what practices align with Dharma. They face situations and moral dilemmas not directly mentioned in the scriptures and must re-evaluate what practical behavior constitutes righteous actions.

The three types of Dharma in Manusmriti

Manusmriti describes Dharma as a complete framework for righteous living covering both individual duties and universal moral values. It divides Dharma into three interrelated categories: Svadharma, Sanatana (Bhagavat) Dharma, and Sadharana Dharma. Together, they explain how each person can live in alignment with divine order while contributing to a harmonious society.

1. Svadharma – The Duty of the Individual

Svadharma refers to one’s personal and social duty, based on natural qualities, abilities, and life stage. In Manusmriti, this is explained through the Varna–Ashrama system, which classifies life into four social orders (Brahman, Kshatriya, Vaishya, and Shudra) and and four spiritual stages (Brahmachari, Grihastha, Vanaprastha, and Sannyasa). These various sections of society make the general affairs going on in the human community. Individuals have different innate tendencies for work and exhibit a variety of personal qualities. However, these sections are not based on birthright but on an individual’s quality and actions.

2. Sanatana Dharma – The Eternal Spiritual Path

Sanatana Dharma, also known as Bhagavat Dharma, is a common goal approached by all sections of society (caste, gender, and status) which is to establish love for Godhead. Underlying all the so-called differences in the Varnashrama system is the means to achieving spiritual advancement. Without the spiritual vision, Varnashrama Dharma fails to succeed and becomes the cause of a discriminative approach in the society as a whole. By following Sanatana Dharma, individuals awaken their spiritual consciousness and see unity in diversity.

3. Sadharana Dharma – The Universal Moral Code

Sadharana Dharma forms the moral actions and behavior that the scriptures, particularly Manu Smriti, teach the general public. There are certain “Do’s and Don’ts” (Niyama and Yama) which are needed in one’s life to live righteously. These principles include truthfulness, non-violence, purity, self-restraint, and forgiveness virtues that define the character of a righteous person (Dharmic being). In essence, Sadharana Dharma ensures that moral integrity and inner discipline remain the backbone of society.

Ten Life Virtues of Dharma (Manusmriti 6:92 Explained)

Manusmriti summarizes Dharma into ten core virtues that form the moral and spiritual foundation of human life. These virtues cultivate inner strength, social harmony, and spiritual progress timeless principles that remain as relevant today as they were in ancient India.

“Steadfastness, forgiveness, self-restraint, non-stealing, purity, control of sense-organs, application of intellect, self-knowledge, truthfulness, and freedom from anger these constitute the tenfold aspects of virtue.” — Manusmriti 6:92

1. Dhriti – Steadfastness/Patience

Dhriti means patience and perseverance. To be steady in one’s material or spiritual practices is the foremost important quality to make progress. Anyone who blindly follows the path may be determined to walk at first out of passion, steadiness will make him resolute in the long run. Great sages and devotees of the Lord mentioned in the scriptures were all steady in their services and were able to remember the Lord every moment. To have full faith in the process of Bhakti and to be firmly convinced that the Lord will surely protect from all material obstacles amid all difficulties is the real test of a practitioner.

2. Kshama – Forgiveness

Kshama is the power to forgive to release resentment and see others with compassion. According to Manusmriti, forgiveness purifies the heart and prevents anger from turning into hatred. When we forgive, we free ourselves from karmic burden and allow peace to return within. To forgive is to heal; to hold on is to suffer.

3. Dama – Self-Control

Dama refers to restraint over the mind and senses. It teaches “simple living and high thinking”. A man is expected to use their higher intelligence to pursue their Bhagavat or Sanatana Dharma to achieve the love of God. But if he, instead of this, engages in sense gratification, then he loses a gem of a chance. Whereas, a self-controlled person remains satisfied and blissful and attains perfection in his life.

Rupa Goswami, a great Vaishnava scholar, in his Upadeshamrita describes – “One’s devotional service is spoiled when he becomes too entangled in the following six activities:

(1) Eating more than necessary or collecting more funds than required

(2) Over-endeavouring for mundane things that are very difficult to obtain

(3) Talking unnecessarily about mundane subject matters

(4) Practicing the scriptural rules and regulations only for the sake of following them and not for the sake of spiritual advancement, or rejecting the rules and regulations of the scriptures and working independently or whimsically

(5) Associating with worldly-minded persons who are not interested in God consciousness

(6) Being greedy for mundane achievements.

4. Asteyam – Non-Stealing

Although the literal meaning of the word Asteyam is non-stealing, it has a wider concept. Non-stealing means not being greedy for accumulating unnecessary material things and to go beyond our capacity to collect wealth. Unrestricted desire ultimately leads to one’s downfall.

A greedy person does not envision Dharmic principles and without hesitating, goes on with his illicit actions to gain prestige and a high position in society. However, such results are only short-lived and bring inauspiciousness in the end. A Dharmic person who maintains his integrity and remains honest, although he is struggling in his material aspect of life, soon achieves great results and the grace of the Supreme Lord.

5. Shaucham – Purity

Shaucham represents cleanliness of body, mind, and speech. External purity is obtained by keeping the body clean and fit. A person should bathe at least twice a day. Internal purity is obtained by control of the mind and speech. Mind is controlled when one’s consciousness is fixed on the spiritual goal and speech is controlled when the person does not speak on unnecessary topics such as gossip, material activities, and blasphemy.

6. Indriya Nigraha – Sense Control

Indriya Nigraha means mastery over one’s senses. By controlling the senses, one becomes a “Swami” or “Goswami”. The senses do not control him, rather, he controls the senses. Only when the senses have been controlled, the mind becomes the best of friends. But whose mind and senses are not controlled, he remains ever-frustrated and unsatisfied even in favorable circumstances. Through meditation and mindful living, one gains clarity and freedom from compulsions. Master the senses before they master you.

7. Dhi – Intelligence

Dhi signifies spiritual intelligence, the ability to discern right from wrong. Lord Shri Krishna gives an interesting analogy of a horse cart in the Bhagavad Gita in which he explains that the five horses represent the five senses of a man, the chariot represents the body, the reins symbolize the mind, the driver represents the intelligence, and the passenger symbolizes the soul.

The mind is above the senses and superior to intelligence. If the intelligence is corrupted, the mind becomes weak and comes under the sway of illusion. To deepen intelligence, one must regularly associate with like-minded devotees and inquire from a bona fide spiritual master on righteous actions. By studying sacred texts and reflecting deeply, one strengthens Dhi and acts with wisdom.

8. Vidya – Knowledge

Vidya means true knowledge, both material and spiritual. Knowledge is the basis for self-realization and it comes from scrutinizingly studying the Vedic scriptures. Scriptures guide us through material bondage, cut off all the knots of unwanted attachments within the heart, and develop love of God. The knowledge given in the scriptures dispels all doubts in the mind of an inquisitive soul and explains the ultimate goal of human life.

9. Satyam – Truthfulness

Satyam represents honesty in thought, word, and deed. Truthfulness is an essential principle of Yoga and is also one of the limbs of Dharma. According to Shastra, the present age of Kaliyuga rests only on one pillar which is truthfulness. It is destroyed when one gambles and engages in such activities because it is an attempt to bypass the laws of nature and obtain material profit without honestly working for them. Another aspect of truthfulness is not lying. Remaining honest and true in spiritual practices is the key to perfecting our lives.

10. Akrodhah – Freedom from Anger

Akrodhah is control over anger, one of the greatest enemies of peace. Lord Krishna tells Arjun in the Bhagavad Gita that there are three gates to hell – lust, greed, and anger. Anger is a demoniac quality which pollutes one’s intellect and the person loses all his distinction power. Therefore, the scriptures suggest that even if there is provocation, one should be tolerant. Only when he is free from anger, can he transcend the three modes of material nature.

Conclusion – Living Dharma in the Modern World

“Dharma verily destroys one who destroys it; it is dharma again, which protects one who protects it. Hence one should take care not to deviate from dharma; if not it is sure to destroy him.” (Manusmriti 8:15)

Without following the principles of Dharma as explained in the Manusmriti and other books on Hinduism, it is impossible to walk the path of transcendence. These virtues help one to remain calm in their mind so that the mind then can think of a higher goal.

It asks each individual to align thoughts, words, and actions with truth, compassion, and self-discipline. Though written thousands of years ago, its tenfold virtues continue to offer timeless guidance in a world of constant change. When applied today, Dharma becomes a moral compass for both personal and professional life. It reminds leaders to act with fairness, individuals to stay calm amid conflict, and societies to build harmony over division.