The Concept of Dharma in the Bhagavadgītā: An Ethical and Philosophical Analysis
Dr. Manteswar Barman
Assistant Professor of Sanskrit, University B.T. and Evening College, Keshab Road, Gunjabari, Cooch Behar, West Bengal, India. Email: barmanmanteswar@gmail.com
Page No: 1-9

Abstract: The concept of Dharma in the Bhagavadgītā occupies a central place in its philosophical and ethical framework, serving as a guide for righteous action, moral responsibility, and spiritual evolution. Rooted in the eternal principles of Sanātana Dharma, the Gītā redefines ethical duty beyond mere social or ritual obligations, interpreting it instead as action aligned with cosmic order (ṛta) and inner truth (svadharma). In the dialogue between Kṛṣṇa and Arjuna, Dharma is presented as dynamic and contextual, balancing the dual imperatives of individual conscience and universal law. Arjuna’s moral dilemma on the battlefield of Kurukṣetra becomes a symbolic representation of the human conflict between personal emotions and ethical duty. Kṛṣṇa’s teachings resolve this tension through the doctrine of niṣkāma karma, selfless action performed without attachment to results- which integrates ethics with metaphysics. The text thus proposes a synthesis of karma, jñāna, and bhakti, establishing a holistic vision where duty, knowledge, and devotion converge. Philosophically, Dharma in the Bhagavadgītā transcends prescriptive morality, emphasizing the inner disposition of the agent rather than external outcomes. Ethically, it upholds balance between individual autonomy and social harmony, guiding human conduct toward the realization of mokṣa (liberation). This paper critically examines the multidimensional nature of Dharma in the Gītā, exploring its relation to moral philosophy, self-knowledge, and universal ethics. Through a comparative and interpretative approach, it highlights how the Bhagavadgītā continues to offer profound insights into moral decision-making, ethical leadership, and spiritual discipline in both ancient and contemporary contexts. The study concludes that Dharma, as conceived in the Gītā, is not static law but a living principle harmonizing duty, wisdom, and compassion an enduring ethical ideal for humanity.
Keywords: Bhagavadgītā, Dharma, Niṣkāma Karma, Svadharma, Spiritual Duty, Moral Philosophy