On Dharma: beauty, death and the story of Rabbi Zuzya

Dharma - one of the most foundational principles in yoga and the broader Indic tradition.As a verb: that which supports, holds, sustainsAs a noun: the essential quality or property of a thing. For example, liquidity, the tendency to flow downwards and follow a path of least resistance, coolness and sweet taste are all dharma-s of water. Luminosity and warmth are dharma-s of fire.For humans: our capacity for self-reflexive awareness, our curiosity and our predilection for beauty are all intrinsic dharma-s.Like many words in the Saṁskṛta language, dharma can shine its meaning out in many different directions depending on the context. It indicates nature, law, the right, appropriate action or course of action. It sometimes refers to a body of practice or religious teachings intended to guide us in the direction of appropriate action. It is considered one of the foundational aims of life.Dharma is a vast topic. This episode makes reference to verses 2.31 and 3.35 of the Bhagavad Gītā, to teachings from Zach Bush  https://zachbushmd.com/ and to a story of Rabbi Zuzya that I was intriduced to by storyteller Roi Gal-Or.  https://www.roigalor.com/