The shloka "Dharmo Rakshati Rakshitah" is a famous Sanskrit verse that can be translated to "Dharma protects those who protect Dharma." Let's break down the meaning of the shloka:
Dharmo: "Dharma" is a complex term in Hinduism, Buddhism, and other Indian religions. It refers to the moral and ethical order of the universe, righteousness, duty, law, and the right way of living. Dharma is considered the foundation of life and the path to spiritual growth and liberation.
Rakshati: This comes from the Sanskrit verb "raksh" which means "to protect" or "to safeguard."
Rakshitah: This is the past participle form of the verb "rakshita," which means "protected" or "guarded."
Putting it all together, the shloka conveys the idea that when one upholds and protects Dharma (righteousness and duty), Dharma, in turn, protects the person. In other words, those who follow the path of righteousness and act responsibly will be protected by Dharma itself.
This shloka is often quoted to emphasize the importance of leading a righteous life and following moral principles. It also implies that protecting Dharma is not only an individual's responsibility but also ensures the preservation and well-being of society as a whole.