Answer

In Jainism, dharma mainly means righteous conduct and the true way of living that leads the soul toward purity, peace, and liberation.

It is not just worship or belief. It means:

• following ahimsa (non-violence)
• practicing self-control
• speaking truth
• avoiding greed and attachment
• living with compassion and discipline

Explanation

In Jain Dharma, the real purpose of life is to free the soul from karma. So dharma means the path that helps the soul become pure.

In simple words:

• Dharma is what protects the soul
• Dharma is living with restraint, kindness, and awareness
• Dharma is not only rituals, but inner purification

Also, in Jain philosophy, the word dharma has a technical meaning too:

• Dharma-dravya is the medium that helps motion
• This is a unique philosophical term in Jainism

Spiritual Understanding

Jainism teaches that the soul becomes bound by karma because of violence, passion, ego, and attachment. Dharma is the path that reduces these causes.

So dharma in Jainism is deeply connected with:

• Ahimsa
• Truth
• Non-stealing
• Celibacy or purity
• Non-possessiveness

For householders, dharma means practicing these principles in daily life as much as possible. For monks and nuns, it means complete and strict observance.

Difference from Hinduism

Broadly speaking, the difference is this:

• In Jainism, dharma is centered on self-effort, non-violence, and liberation of the soul.
• In Hinduism, dharma is usually understood more broadly as duty, righteousness, and cosmic order, and it often includes worship, devotion, and social duty in different ways.

A major Jain difference is:

• Jainism does not place liberation on the grace of a creator god
• Jainism emphasizes personal discipline and karmic purification
• Ahimsa is given extremely high importance

Takeaway

In Jainism, dharma means the righteous, non-violent way of life that purifies the soul and leads to liberation. It is both a moral path and a spiritual discipline.

If you want, I can also explain:

• the 10 duties of Jain household dharma, or
• the exact meaning of dharma and adharma in Jain philosophy.