What is Dharma?

The word 'Dharma' is derived from the root " dhri" which means to uphold, to maintain, to support, to nourish, to sustain. It contains the moral values required for sustaining human existence in its fullness. Self-development through self-restraint is called 'Dharma'. It is physical and at the same time spiritual. We are all inter-dependent and we must see the well-being of the whole universe as a whole. Dharma is the path of righteousness and living one's life according to the codes of conduct as described by the Vedas and Upanisads. Dharma means "that which holds" - the people of this world and the whole creation.