What is the Difference Between Dharma and Karma

Dharma and karma are two important concepts in Hinduism. Dharma and karma are closely connected. Moreover, dharma acts as a guide for making the right decisions. Therefore, following dharma naturally leads to good karma.

What is the difference between dharma and karma? Dharma focuses on what is right and one’s responsibilities in life while karma focuses on the consequences of one’s actions.

Key Areas Covered

1. What is Dharma 
     – Definition, Features
2. What is Karma
     – Definition, Features
3. Similarities Between Dharma and Karma
     – Outline of Common Features
4. Difference Between Dharma and Karma
     – Comparison of Key Differences
5. FAQ: Dharma and Karma
     – Answers to Frequently Asked Questions

Key Terms

Dharma, Karma, Hinduism 

What is Dharma

Dharma is an important idea in Indian religions like Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Sikhism. It comes from Sanskrit word and refers to living in a way that supports the natural order of life. In Hinduism, dharma is connected to Ṛta, the cosmic order that keeps the universe in balance. It covers a wide range of things, like duties, rights, laws, virtues, and the right way to live. It also includes the practice of religious disciplines and duties, like honesty, brahmacharya, and non-violence. Moreover, dharma is seen as universal and timeless. The opposite of dharma is adharma, which means actions that go against this natural order.

There are different types of dharma:

1. Sanātana Dharma – eternal principles that apply to everyone
2. Varṇāśrama Dharma – duties based on a person’s role in society or stage of life
3. Svadharma – personal duties unique to an individual
4. Āpad Dharma – duties in times of crisis or difficulty
5. Sādhāraṇa Dharma – basic moral responsibilities like honesty and kindness
6. Yuga Dharma – duties that change depending on the era or age

What is Karma

Karma is a concept in Hinduism that explains how actions create effects in a person’s life both in the present and future. It works like a system of cause and effect – good actions bring positive outcomes, while harmful actions lead to negative results. This idea applies to physical actions, thoughts, and words. It even applies to actions done by others under one’s guidance. Moreover, karma influences the cycle of rebirth and shapes the experiences of a soul (jivatman) across lifetimes.

In Hindu stories and beliefs, the planet Saturn (Shani) is often said to represent the lord of karma. According to Vedanta, which is a major school of Hindu philosophy, karma is ultimately guided by God Isvara.

There are four types of karma:

1. Prarabdha Karma – the karma experienced in this life, which comes from a portion of past actions
2. Sanchita Karma – the accumulated karma from all past lives
3. Kriyamana Karma – the karma created by actions in the present
4. Agami Karma – the future karma that results from current actions and choices.

Similarities Between Dharma and Karma

• Dharma and karma are closely connected and guide how a person lives their life.
• Following dharma naturally leads to good karma.
• Karma is the result of actions, while dharma makes sure those actions are righteous and ethical.

Difference Between Dharma and Karma

Focus

Dharma focuses on what is right and one’s responsibilities in life while karma focuses on the consequences of one’s actions.

Nature

Dharma is a guide for how to live a virtuous and meaningful life. Karma, on the other hand, is a system that controls the outcomes of actions over time, including across lifetimes.

Includes

Dharma includes moral duties, responsibilities, laws, and virtues that uphold order and harmony, while karma includes thoughts, words, actions, and their effects on a person’s present and future.

Result

Following dharma leads to inner peace, balance, and spiritual growth. Meanwhile, good karma leads to positive outcomes, and bad karma leads to negative outcomes.

FAQ: Dharma and Karma

1. Is karma bigger than dharma?

No, karma is not bigger than dharma. They are connected and work together. Dharma shows the right way to live, and karma is the result of how well you follow dharma.

2. Which comes first, karma or dharma?

Dharma comes first because it guides you on what is right and how to act. Karma is the result of those actions. If you follow dharma, your karma will naturally be good.

3. What is an example of Dharma?

Common examples of dharma include pitri dharma (a father’s duty), putra dharma (a son’s duty), and raj dharma (a king’s duty). These represent the specific responsibilities tied to a person’s role in life.

4. How to turn karma into dharma?

To turn karma into dharma, focus on doing the right things with good intentions. Make sure your actions, words, and thoughts are kind, honest, and responsible. When you live by these values, your actions (karma) will be in harmony with what is right (dharma).

Reference: 

1. “Dharma.” Wikipedia. Wikipedia Foundation.

2. “Karma in Hinduism.” Wikipedia. Wikipedia Foundation.

Image Courtesy:

1. “Original Dharma Wheel” By User:Shazz – Version of File:Dharma Wheel.svg that was uploaded on 2006-07-21, and subsequently overwritten with a completely different version. (CC BY-SA 3.0) via Commons Wikimedia