svadharma

Svadharma is a Sanskrit term meaning one’s own duty or righteousness. It stems from sva, meaning “one’s own,” and dharma, meaning “duty,” “righteousness,” or “law.” In Hindu philosophy, svadharma denotes the duties and ethical obligations that arise from an individual’s inherent nature (svabhava), social position (varna), and stage of life (ashrama). It is typically contrasted with paradharma, the duty of others, which should not be imposed on oneself.

Classical sources describe svadharma as guidance for living in accord with one’s true self and life circumstances. The Bhagavad Gita presents performing one’s own duty with steadiness as a path to spiritual progress, advising Arjuna to fulfill his Kshatriya duties rather than abandon action in the name of higher ideals. In Dharma literature, such as the Manusmriti, duties are systematically linked to caste and life stage, shaping social expectations as well as personal ethics. The concept thus encompasses both personal conduct and social order.

Scholars note that svadharma has been used at times to justify social hierarchies, and modern interpretations emphasize alignment with universal ethical principles, individual conscience, and evolving concepts of justice rather than rigid caste rules. In contemporary discourse, svadharma is often discussed as a personal or vocational calling that supports growth while remaining mindful of broader responsibilities to others and society.

Overall, svadharma expresses the idea that conduct should be appropriate to who a person is and where they stand in life, guiding moral action while allowing for discernment and spiritual development.