Rita,
Maya and Dharma
The
evolving literature of Sanatan or Hinduism linked Dharma to two other important
concepts: RITA and MAYA.
Ṛita in Vedas
is the truth and cosmic principle which regulates and coordinates the operation
of the universe and everything within it.
MAYA in
Rig-veda and later literature means illusion, fraud, deception and magic that
misleads and creates disorder.
Thus is contrary to reality, laws and rules that
establish order, predictability and harmony means Dharma.
Paul Horsch suggests RITA and DHARMA are parallel concepts, the former being a
cosmic principle, the latter being of moral social sphere.
While MAYA and
DHARMA are also analogous concepts, the former being that which corrupts law
and moral life, the later being that which strengthens law and moral life.
Dharma
in American English (ˈdɑrmə; därˈmə; ˈdɑrmə; dʉrˈmə)
Noun
Hinduism and Buddhism
1.
Cosmic order or law, including the natural and moral principles that apply to all
beings and things
2.
Dutiful observance
of this law in one's life; right conduct
No comments:
Post a Comment