Linda, The site anwered my question on availability at Amazon. We're on the same track. Thanks, Don

My dharma is two-fold. I'm educating people that a disability can be overcome. Second is keeping hubby going, despite his depression, diabetes and epilepsy

Hello Linda, I am learning all sorts of things. I have heard the word "Dharma" but never knew what it meant. I am almost there. I am still working on attracting my future plans to myself. Although in your Gauntlet Forum you did say the attraction time was getting shorter, so that was encouraging. Without really knowing anything about the Law of Attraction, In 1998, I decided to be content in my surroundings, no matter what they are. My life which had been in a straight line up to that point, slowly curved so that in 2001, I changed professions caring for my mom. Last July, again it curved a little more and I am very content with what I'm doing. I must reach one more goal to be totally happy. I do believe that in the next year, my life will curve once more and I will attain my goal.

Hi, Linda, Dharma is a word I came across in Naivasha in Kenya while living with the Kikuyu. I don't know if the spelling of the word is the same but to the Kikuyu the word had a rather more precise meaning. To them it meant the acceptance that what you did would have repercussions and that these should not affect your decision to act. The belief was that any act was spirit aided and, therefor, should not be modified by mere man. It seems a fairly harsh rule until you see it in action. Within the community, where offence was taken or blame apportioned, a meeting was called to appease the spirit world which, obviously, had become upset. For someone like myself, a total stranger, it was almost an epiphany to see how my clumsiness within the fabric of the tribal family, which could have caused fights in other circumstances, simply led to a greater understanding, for me, of how truly blessed life could be (and was). Regards Arthur

Dear Linda: No English word or short phrase will allow to approach the meaning of the word DHARMA. Perhaps it is worth to avoid encapsulating it inaccurately. Thank you providing this opportunity for all those who would like to delve a little deeper and closer to its meaning, in a source essay. Gratefully yours, Izabel Divine Life Society, Rishikesh =============================== WHAT IS DHARMA? What is Dharma? Dharma is so called, because it holds: Dharma alone holds the people, etc. The word Dharma is derived from the root DHR- to hold- and its etymological meaning is ‘that which holds’ this world, or the people of the world, or the whole creation from the microcosm to the macrocosm. It is the eternal Divine Law of the Lord. The entire creation is held together and sustained by the All-powerful Law of God. Practice of Dharma, therefore, means recognition of this Law and abidance by it. That which brings well-being to man is Dharma. Dharma supports this world. The people are upheld by Dharma. That which accrues preservation of beings is Dharma. Dharma leads to eternal happiness and immortality. That which is Dharma is verily the Truth. Therefore, whosoever speaks the truth is said to speak Dharma, and whosoever speaks Dharma is said to speak the truth. One and the same thing becomes both. Dharma includes all external deeds, as well as thoughts and other mental practices which tend to elevate the character of a man. Dharma comes from the Divine and leads you to the Divine. DEFINITION OF DHARMA No language is perfect. There is no proper equivalent word in English for the Sanskrit term Dharma. It is very difficult to define Dharma. Dharma is generally defined as ‘righteousness’ or ‘duty’. Dharma is the principle of righteousness. It is the principle of holiness. It is also the principle of unity. Bhishma says in his instructions to Yudhishthira that whatever creates conflict is Adharma, and whatever puts an end to conflict and brings about unity and harmony is Dharma. Anything that helps to unite all and develop pure divine love and universal brotherhood, is Dharma. Anything that creates discord, split and disharmony and foments hatred, is Adharma. Dharma is the cementer and sustainer of social life. The rules of Dharma have been laid down for regulating the worldly affairs of men. Dharma brings as its consequence happiness, both in this world and in the next. Dharma is the means of preserving one’s self. If you transgress it, it will kill you. If you protect it, it will protect you. It is your soul companion after death. It is the sole refuge of humanity. That which elevates one is Dharma. This is another definition. Dharma is that which leads you to the path of perfection and glory. Dharma is that which helps you to have direct communion with the Lord. Dharma is that which makes you divine. Dharma is the ascending stairway unto God. Self-realisation is the highest Dharma. Dharma is the heart of Hindu ethics. God is the centre of Dharma. Dharma means Achara or the regulation of daily life. Achara is the supreme Dharma. It is the basis of Tapas or austerity. It leads to wealth, beauty, longevity and continuity of lineage. Evil conduct and immorality will lead to ill-fame, sorrow, disease and premature death. Dharma has its root in morality the controller of Dharma is God Himself. Maharshi Jaimini defines Dharma as that which is enjoined by the Vedas and is not ultimately productive of suffering. Rishi Kanada, founder of the Vaiseshika system of philosophy, has given the best definition of Dharma, in his Vaiseshika Sutras: "That which leads to the attainment of Abhyudaya (prosperity in this world) and Nihsreyasa (total cessation of pain and attainment of eternal bliss hereafter) is Dharma".