A dharmashala (or dharamshala), etymologically, means 'a religious school'. However, the word is generally used in a different context. Most (big) Hindu (and Buddhist) temples in India offer lodging and/or dining facilities for interested individuals or small parties. They are either free (running on donations) or for a very nominal rate. You may donate to the temple to cover your charges if there are any.
Such a facility is called a dharamshala. It is characterized by spartanic (sometimes unclean and pest-ridden) furnishings and quiet and peaceful surroundings. There may be a school under the temple administration in the same locality dispensing Hindu teachings.
'Dharamshala' is essentially a Sanskrit/Hindi word. It is similar to the word 'madarsa' used by Muslims; 'madarsa' however, actually being an Islamic religious school where the holy Koran is taught.
etymology: Dharma = 'religion' + shaalaa = 'school'
Such a facility is called a dharamshala. It is characterized by spartanic (sometimes unclean and pest-ridden) furnishings and quiet and peaceful surroundings. There may be a school under the temple administration in the same locality dispensing Hindu teachings.
'Dharamshala' is essentially a Sanskrit/Hindi word. It is similar to the word 'madarsa' used by Muslims; 'madarsa' however, actually being an Islamic religious school where the holy Koran is taught.
etymology: Dharma = 'religion' + shaalaa = 'school'
During most of our trip through northern India, we ate at roadside hotels and stayed in dharmashalas.
by Hindu HridaySamrat September 1, 2006
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which is best accomplished by serving others and always acting from compassion and not from personal interest.
It implies walking a spiritual path and living with purpose or destiny vs. acting from fate and just going along with whatever circumstance dictates.
which is best accomplished by serving others and always acting from compassion and not from personal interest.
It implies walking a spiritual path and living with purpose or destiny vs. acting from fate and just going along with whatever circumstance dictates.
by Karma Yeshe Chodhar February 4, 2010
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by ♫ Highway to Hell ♫ August 29, 2010
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by Graham April 30, 2006
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by Not Sammy April 3, 2010
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"Dharma means the intrinsic nature of a thing. Just like the dharma of sugar is sweetness and the dharma of water is wetness. The dharma of the living being is to render service
to God. Therefore everyone serves God without fail, either directly or indirectly. The devotees serve Him directly and the non-devotees serve Him indirectly."
"Dharma means the intrinsic nature of a thing. Just like the dharma of sugar is sweetness and the dharma of water is wetness. The dharma of the living being is to render service
to God. Therefore everyone serves God without fail, either directly or indirectly. The devotees serve Him directly and the non-devotees serve Him indirectly."
The above definition came from a qualified source, therefore I trust that it is an accurate definition.
by Jezz Torrent July 31, 2005
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