Karma is a word originating from Sanskrit, a scared language of Hinduism. Karma itself means the work or deed and the result of the work that follows up. It is also a well known word these days used by many people leaning toward Hinduism. It is said, everything you do in your life comes back to you. Something good done, comes back to you as a reward, whereas bad deeds come back as sufferings. But right now we are not interested in Karma. We are going to look into what Dharma is.
Dharma another Sanskrit word, has almost similar meaning as Karma with just a little tweak. Dharma stands for all the good deeds that one does, without any greed. As famous as “karma” maybe, I believe that we should be following dharma more than karma. Dharma is also a lifestyle, a way of living, where doing right by everyone is the only goal. It does not matter who the person, animal or any living creature it is, dharma says to approach everyone with compassion, empathy and love.
Why choose Dharma over Karma?
We are living in a modern life style where every person is so focused only on themselves. And why shouldn’t they be, right? Its our modernized and capitalistic society that teaches us to be competitive and the best. Just like that we forgot to think about people around us. When someone does a mistake, we yell at them, give them shit about what a looser they are. We forgot how to be passionate to other being.
Dharma teaches us all these things mentioned above. It says , for one to live a fulfilling life, one should give more than take. One should show love to everything that surrounds them. Be grateful to everything the universe has given them. Help the beings who are less fortunate than them.
But it is not only about how to treat other being, it is also how we are with ourselves. As I wrote earlier, humans these days are treating other beings in such a bad manner and sometime or even more we are on the receiving end. With all the negativity around us, we might feel we do not deserve anything, and in extreme cases even this life.
Do Dharma to yourself
As you read earlier, sometimes we are stuck in a place where we are hopeless and do not see any hope. In such times, I want you to remember Dharma, and do dharma to yourself. We now know the definition of Dharma i.e. being compassionate, empathic and loving. Show yourself all these things. Look into the mirror and say: “I love you, and you are an amazing being.” Do Dharma to yourself, make some nice food and cheers to yourself. Do Dharma to yourself, move and workout. Do Dharma to yourself, smile and laugh at your own joke.
Do Dharma to yourself. That’s all I have to say.
Until next time!!
Prabin Shrestha