While giving a discourse of Srimad Bhāgavatam (Canto 7, chapter 15, verse 12), Pujyapad Puri Shankaracharyaji, elaborates upon the explanation of adharma given by Nārada Muniji to Dharmarāja Yudhiṣṭhiraji.
Wise people who understand dharma can recognise when the signs of dharma only appear on the outside but on investigating, existence of actual dharma would be lacking.
Five types of adharma:
1. Vidharma: If work is done with the intention of dharma but creates obstacles in our individual dharma, it is called vidharma. Example: When a sannyasi tries to become an ideal householder, he will lose his own dharma.
2. Paradharma: Paradharma is following the path of dharma or duty given to another. Dharma can bring harm if it’s not within limits of one’s svadharma. Example: If a sannyasi tells a householder how to run his life, and tries to teach him and interfere, he will have to let go of his dharma as a renunciate and have a downfall.
3. Ābhās: Externally it may appear that the person is following dharma. However, he maybe doing something which is the opposite of his varṇāśramā. This kind of dharma is called ābhās.
4. Upamā: Hypocrisy or being deceptive is called upadharma or upamā.
5. Chhal: To cheat is in the name of dharma is chhal. To misinterpret shastras is an example of chhal.
We must leave the above and follow the dharma according to our varṇāśramā, and our nature. This would give peace and benefit us and others.