dharma

This term carries a profound spiritual weight, shifting meaning depending on the religious tradition. In Buddhism, it refers specifically to the teachings of the Buddha and the ultimate truth of existence. In Hinduism, it emphasizes the moral and social obligations of an individual, often tied to their specific role in society and stage of life. As a noun, it is typically treated as an uncountable concept when referring to the cosmic law or the body of teachings. While it can be used in a countable sense when discussing specific dharmas (individual duties), it most frequently functions as a mass noun representing a singular, overarching spiritual principle.