ABSTRACT
In this chapter, Murty traces the etymological origins of the term “dharma” and, referring to Kane, points to the necessity of acting according to one's dharma with the aim to satisfy one's conscience. He argues that the presence of the self in every one of us points to the need of treating everyone as one would treat oneself. Dharma, understood as standing for justice, is akin to the notion of Natural Law. He also discusses the notion of dharma found in Jainism and Buddhism, including Aśoka's epithets. His survey then extends to Tirukkural, Tamil Classics, the Upaniṣads and Bhagavadgītā.
