The word dharma comes from the Sanskrit root word dhri , which means "to hold," "to maintain," or "to preserve." In ancient Hindu texts and the early Vedas dharma was referred to as an individual's duty fulfilled by observance of a custom or law. There are many takes on what dharma means but I like how Sahara Rose quite simply defines it as: Dharma │ noun │ your soul’s purpose. I first really started to contemplate what my soul’s purpose was while reading her beautiful book t