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following the traditional ethical codes of the community in
which one lives. "Dharma is the sustainer of the social life.”
It is also defined as the way to the Higher Truth. Far from being unnatural or contrived, dharma is a natural quality or trait of an individual, an inseparable part of the psyche. Dharma is also that deed or duty the result of which is described as the attainment of heaven. Noble deeds, good behavior, and benevolent actions are all dharmic in nature. Dharma is inner nature, an inherent good tendency, and a daily prescribed moral and social duty.
Dharma as Virtue
The Laws of Manu’describe the eightfold attributes of dharma: patience, forgiveness, self-control, non-stealing, purity, control of the senses, wisdom, knowledge, truth, and tranquility. Over the course of time, Jain dharma has also delineated the list of characteristics as follows: right forgiveness, right restraint, right purity, right truth, right self-control, right mortification, right renunciation, right humility, and right celibacy.
For the purpose of making dharma accessible to all people, Sage Manu has simplified and condensed the ten attributes of dharma
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