Sanskrit root meaning is also given as 'decree' or 'custom'.
When translated in Chinese, the character 法 (fa ) was chosen,
which commonly also means law, or a way or a method. writings
(='further or special dharma') dharma is a single nexus in the
web of karmic inter-reactions. Edward Conze deals with this in
detail in the first chapter of his excellent 'A Short History of
Buddhism.' I'll illustrate my point with just a few quotes, but
it's worth reading everything he has to say. Anyway, he says:
Dharma...comprises all the mysteries of the Buddhist faith, and
cannot easily be explained in a few words...'Dharma' is the name
for an impersonal spiritual force behind and in everything. [ He
gives three other base meanings, These are all mentioned in the
two previous write-ups. It's the fourth meaning I think we are
lacking - the one ultimate reality immanent to and directing
worldly things - By extension of 1. ultimate truth as stated in
the Buddha's teaching, - senses 1. and 2. manifested in our
lives when we ac