Karma and Dharma: Simplified for Western Audiences

Many people think that “karma” and “dharma” are synonymous, with each other. But that is not true. This article is going to cover the basic details of both these terms. That will give a clear understanding of the difference between karma and dharma.

• “Karma” is about the result of actions; the law of karma deals with cause and effect. Good karma leads to good effects, and bad karma will cause negative outcomes. The past karma determines present circumstances, while present actions decide the future pattern of life.

• “Dharma” includes several moral laws and guidelines, adherence to which is called “dharmik outlook”. The term is inclusive of various social and religious responsibilities, too. It is the dharmik outlook that encourages people to do good karma. Here, karma covers actual deeds. Dharma both guides and advises people to do the right actions, and helps in distinguishing between good karma and bad karma.

• There are two major types of karma: Nishkam karma and sakam karma. Nishkam karma includes those actions that are done without any selfish motive. Therefore, this form of karma conforms to dharmik precepts. On the other hand, there is sakam karma; this kind of karma is done for materialistic benefit or fulfilling desires. Hence, that is not by dharma.

• In Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna says that following the dharmik path is necessary to attain God-realization. In this holy scripture, the lord stresses the importance of doing karma in such a way that there is no violation of dharma.

• At this juncture, a salient point is worthy of special mention. It has to be emphasized that every aspect of dharma need not be the same for everyone. Sometimes, the exact dharma varies with the place, time, and the precise role of an individual. But there are certain virtues, such as honesty, chastity, compassion, and avoiding violence, which apply to everybody. These dharmik principles have to be followed by all people.

• The consequences of bad actions of the past can be mitigated to a significant extent if the individual takes a dharmik approach towards life. Here, people are advised to do karma that conforms with dharma. Sticking to dharmik principles is of great help in ensuring that the person’s future is overall free from unpleasant situations.

• There are a few types of bad actions that are recognized as unforgivable sins. People who commit such sins are called atatayis, and there won’t be any relief for these bad deeds.

• Karma, which is dharmik in nature, helps people find real happiness that is not dependent on any material things. These people develop great inner strength and their minds are always tranquil, irrespective of the external situations.

• When a person does karma that does not deviate from the path of dharma, it’s considered a service to God as well as to humanity. It is only by doing deeds coming under the purview of dharma that humans can lead meaningful lives. They can then contribute to the growth and well-being of the society.

The topic of understanding the differences between dharma and karma is a vast one; all the aspects cannot be covered in a brief write-up. Yet, a sincere attempt has been made to explain the most pivotal aspects of the subject at hand.