Jain texts assign a wide range of meaning to the Sanskritdharma or Prakritdhamma. It is often translated as “religion” and as such, Jainism is called Jain Dharma by its adherents. In Jainism, the wordDharma is used to refer the following:
According to Jain texts, Ahimsa is the greatest Dharma and there is no religionequal to the religion of non-violence.
Dharma bhāvanā
Jain texts prescribe meditation on twelve forms of reflection for those who wish to stop the influx of karmas that extend transmigration. One such reflection is Dharma bhāvanā-
Conduct
In Jainism, the dharma of the householder is distinguished from the conduct of an ascetic. Sravaka-dharma is the religious path for the virtuous householders, where charity and worship are the primary duties. The dharma of a householders consists of observance of twelve vows i.e. five minor vows and seven disciplinary vows. Sramana-dharma is the religious path of the virtuous ascetics, where mediatation and study of scriptures is their primary duty. The religion of monks consists of five Mahavratas or great vows. They are endowed with right faith, right knowledge and right conduct and engaged in complete self-restraint and penances.
As svabhaav (nature) of a substance
According to Jainism, Universe and its constituents are uncreated and everlasting. These constituents behave according to the natural laws and their nature without interference from external entities. Dharma or true religion according to Jainism is vatthu sahāvo dhammo translated as "the intrinsic nature of a substance is its true dharma."
Dharmastikaay Dravya (the substance)
Dharmastikaay is one of the six substances constituting the universe. These substances are – Dharmastikaay , Adharmastikaay, Akasa, kala, Pudgala and Jiva. Since Dharmastikaay as a substance extends and pervades entire universe, it is known as Dharm-astikaya. It helps the matter and souls in movement. It itself is not motion, but is a medium of motion. Adharmastikaay is opposite of Dharmastikaay i.e. it assists the substances like soul and matter to rest.
Samyaktva - Rationality of perception, knowledge and conduct
According to Jainism, Samyak darsana, Samyak jnana and Samyak caritra collectively also known as Ratnatraya or the "Three Jewels of Jainism" constitute the path to liberation. Samyak Darsana or rational perception is the rational faith in the true nature of every substances of the universe. Samyak Jnana or rational knowledge is the right knowledge of true and relevant knowledge of the reality, the tattvas. It incorporates the two principles of Anekantvada or non-absolutism and Syadvada or relativity of truth. Right knowledge must be free from three main defects: doubt, delusion, and indefiniteness. Samyak Caritra or rational conduct is the natural conduct of a living being. It consists in following austerities, engaging in right activities and observance of vows, carefulness and controls.
