Within the vast universe of oriental philosophy, Karma and Dharma stand out as fundamental concepts that nurture the spiritual and moral lives of millions of people in the world, Although they are often inseparably linked, they have unique meanings and roles within the spiritual path. It is essential to understand them deeply in order to enrich our vision of human welfare and cosmic harmony.
The words karma and dharma come from Sanskrit, the scriptural language of India. Both concepts are pillars of Buddhist, Hindu, and Jain teachings, and although they have different nuances in each tradition, They provide a transformative sense of action and moral duty.
What is Karma?
A word that literally means ‘action’, it refers to the principle of cause and effect that governs existence. Every movement, thought or word we speak generates an energy that is reflected in our lives, influencing future events and circumstances. as if it were a universal law, Karma emphasizes that whatever we put out into the universe comes back to us in some way or the other.
However, it is not a divine punishment or an invariable destiny. Rather it is the call of conscience. It invites us to act with righteousness and kindness, reminding us that our actions have consequences that can transcend even our own lives.
What is religion?
On the other hand, it is a more abstract concept and it is difficult to define. It can be translated as ‘law’, ‘teaching’ or ‘duty’, and refers to the right conduct that must be followed by every being to live in harmony with the universe. Dharma is the path of truth and justice, the path that allows us to attain spiritual perfection and liberation.
More than a set of rules, dharma is a personal moral guide, as it is adapted to each individual’s circumstances and abilities. By following our dharma, we contribute to the balance of the universe and generate positive karma.
supplement on the spiritual path
Karma and Dharma are not opposite concepts, but complementary. Dharma guides us in our life path, helps us to act rightly and honorably. Instead, karma is a mirror of our actions, as it reflects the consequences of following or neglecting our dharma.
Although different, the two concepts are interdependent. By fulfilling our dharma, we create positive karma that leads us to peace and harmony. Also, our karma can serve as a teacher, showing us the lessons we need to learn in order to live according to our dharma.
