Dharma Term Analysis

Dharma is a concept based in various South Asian religions, including Hinduism and Buddhism, which alludes to an order or a law that controls the universe. For an individual, following one’s dharma—in a sense, one’s destiny or fate—leads to spiritual transformation and fulfillment. In The Guide, the notion of dharma is closely associated with Raju, who in spite of his various transformations, always occupies a position of guide in some form or another—as a tourist guide in Malgudi, a dance manager (and hence an artistic “guide” of sorts), and finally as a spiritual guide on the riverbank of a small village. Thus, a law or a destiny seems to govern Raju’s life, which ultimately leads him to fulfill his destiny, or dharma, in the highest sense—as a holy man who sacrifices himself to “guide” others out of their suffering.