In Hindu and Buddhist philosophy, a deviation from dharma (duty, righteousness, or cosmic law); acting contrary to one's proper responsibilities or moral obligations.
Sanskrit compound from 'a-' (not) and 'dharma' (duty, virtue, universal law). The term represents the opposite state from dharma, indicating immorality or impropriety in context of one's caste, age, and circumstances.
While Western ethics often asks 'is this right or wrong?', Hindu philosophy asks 'is this my dharma or adharma?'—meaning morality depends on your role and circumstances, a concept totally different from absolute rules.
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