Svadharma

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Svadharma (Skt., sva, ‘own’, + dharma, ‘duty, right’). In Hinduism, one's own right, duty, or nature; one's own role in the social and cosmic order. Svadharma is relative to one's caste and stage of life (cf. varṇāśramadharma), and to one's situation (cf. āpaddharma). Svadharma or relative dharma often conflicts with sādhāraṇa dharma, universal dharma, or sanātana dharma, absolute or eternal dharma. For example, to kill is a violation of eternal dharma, yet a warrior's svadharma (own duty, nature) is to kill.