"The self-controlled person, moving among objects, with his senses free from attachment and malevolence and brought under his own control, attains tranquility." ~ Bhagavad Gita . In Hinduism, the religious and moral law governing individual and group conduct is called Dharma.

This stirring statement above points out the fundamental dogma of Hinduism. Deeds or Karma decide Karma-Phala or consequences. Bhagavad Gita asserts this Eternal Truth of Life, in the prophetic voice of the Divine Delegation or Avatar of MahaVishnu, Sri Krishna. Krishna explained to the third Pandava, Arjuna and the significance of the chain of Dharma-Karma-Samsara-Moksha with regard to the various stages of spiritual development of a Jiva or living being.

The Atharva Veda pasteurizes Dharma as a cosmic norm of righteousness: Prithivim dharmana dhritam, that is, "this world is upheld by dharma". The word "Dharma" originates from the Sanskrit root "Dhri", implying that "which holds" or preserve and maintains the order of the Universe. Establishment of order, security and peace, through the cultivation of virtues is the aim of religion. So religion, spreading the mantra of goodness is symbolically referred to as Dharma. Hinduism is hence called Hindu Dharma. Bhagavat Purana, prescribes the four salient features of Dharma or goodness, which essentially marks a righteous living, on the path of virtue or Dharma. They are:

Austerity or tap
Purity or shauch
Compassion or daya
Truthfulness or satya.

Again, Manusmriti scripted by the ancient sage Manu, discusses in details about the 10 basic rules pertaining to Dharma: Patience (dhriti), forgiveness (kshama), piety or self control (dama), honesty (asteya), sanctity (shauch), control of senses (indraiya-nigrah), reason (dhi), knowledge or learning (vidya), truthfulness (satya) and absence of anger (akrodhah). Manu further writes, "Non-violence, truth, non-coveting, purity of body and mind, control of senses are the essence of dharma".

Adharma or depravity is bred by the three major vices, namely pride or ahankar, contact or sangh and intoxication or madya.

To substantiate, the notion of Dharma-Adharma, we can look into the epic Mahabharata, wherein the Pandavas represent Dharma and the Kauravas are Adharma personified.

The objective of Dharma is to inspire people to live a virtuous life, in order to achieve the Enlightenment of the Ultimate Truth, and to simultaneously enjoy the Bliss of ecstasy.