1. Dharma The dharma of fire is to burn. The dharma of water is to flow. What is YOUR dharma?

2. Understanding Dharma – WRITE THIS DOWN Dharma can be translated as duty or righteousness, the meaning of the term dharma is to ‘behave appropriately for your essential nature’ e.g. The dharma of fire is to burn. The dharma of water is to flow. The Dharma of a human is to act in accordance with the spirit of God within. A person achieves righteousness by being what they are truly meant to be. Dharma refers to what is right and true – this law governs people and the Universe. Following the principles of dharma will ensure a stable and healthy society. Dharma means universal law, and also the duties of each caste and stage of life that Hindus must follow.

5. The Four Ashramas Brahmacharya – Student (up to 25 years old) Grihastha – the householder stage of life after marriage, when you aim to provide for your family Vanaprastha – the “hermit” stage of life. When your children grow up, you retire to a life of quiet contemplation of God in the wilderness, trying to detach yourself from maya. Sannyasa – the “wandering ascetic” stge of life, where you have recognised that all save Atman is maya and live a completely spiritual life rejecting physical comforts with complete control over your body and mind