Concept of Ṛta, Dharma, and Karma and its interconnection

Ṛta, Dharma and Karma are core Vedic concepts where Ṛta represents the cosmic order, Dharma guides ethical and moral duties and Karma reflects the consequences of one’s actions, together ensuring harmony in the universe and human life.

1. Concept of Ṛta, Dharma, and Karma
1. Introduction
This sub-chapter provides an overview of the Vedic concepts of Ṛta, Dharma, and Karma,
with explanations, illustrations, and suggested resources.
2. Ṛta: The Principle of Cosmic Order
Definition:
Ṛta (Sanskrit: ऋऋ) is the Vedic concept of cosmic order, truth, and law. It signifies the
natural, moral, and ritual order that maintains harmony in the universe. Vedic deities like
Varuṇa and Mitra are invoked to uphold Ṛta.
Relation to Dharma and Karma:
- Dharma: Righteous duties aligning human actions with Ṛta.
- Karma: Actions and their consequences; right actions preserve cosmic order, wrong
actions disrupt it.
3. Dharma: Moral Duty
Nature:
Dharma is the ethical and moral law guiding human conduct and social responsibility.
Types of Dharma:
- Svadharma: Personal duties according to one’s nature and role.
- Sanatana Dharma: Universal moral duties applicable to all.
Moral Implications:
Following one’s dharma leads to spiritual growth, ethical living, and social harmony.
4. Karma: Law of Cause and Effect
Nature:
Karma refers to actions and their outcomes, emphasizing accountability and moral
responsibility.
Types of Karma:
- Sanchita: Accumulated past actions.
- Prarabdha: Present actions yielding current results.
- Agami: Future actions influencing upcoming experiences.

2. Moral Implications:
Actions aligned with dharma produce positive karma, while actions against dharma
produce negative karma.
5. Interconnections
- Ṛta maintains cosmic balance.
- Dharma aligns individual actions with Ṛta.
- Karma determines moral outcomes.
- Together, they ensure harmony between the individual, society, and the cosmos.
6. Suggested Resources
-Watch this video:
"Video on Rta and Dharma" by Pranavya is licensed under CC BY 4.0
<a>"Video on Rta and Dharma"</a> by <a>Pranavya</a> is licensed under <a
href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0" target="_blank">CC BY 4.0</a>