Karma and dharma are two of the most important ideas in Hinduism. Together they explain how a Hindu should live and what happens after death.

Karma - the Law of Action

The Sanskrit word karma simply means "action". Every action has a moral consequence, which affects future lives. Good karma comes from kindness, honesty and following dharma; bad karma comes from cruelty, greed and ignoring duty. Karma is not a punishment handed down by a god - it is more like a natural law, the spiritual version of cause and effect.

Dharma - the Path of Duty

Dharma is a Hindu's religious duty - the right way of living. Dharma depends on who you are:

Your ashrama (life stage): student, householder, retired, renouncer.
Your varna (social role): traditionally four broad groups.
The general dharma owed to all - truthfulness, non-violence (ahimsa) and compassion.

The strict caste system based on varna has caused great injustice in the past, and many modern Hindus reject it.

Karma Yoga

In the Bhagavad Gita, Krishna teaches Arjuna the path of karma yoga - performing your dharma without being attached to the results. Acting selflessly in this way creates good karma without binding you to rebirth.

Y8 Hinduism

Karma and Dharma