Karma

Karma may be the second most important word after Dharma in hinduism .

Karma again has many meanings, but to put it simply , means deeds acts , works , or action , and the accumulated merits / demerits that accumulate as a result of such actions .

Karma is a fundamental concept in Hinduism , Buddhism etc . Closely linked to Karma is the belief in reincarnation , where all souls go through of thousands of rebirths into various living things . The highest birth is human , which gives one the opputunity and intelligence to make spiritual progress and release oneself from the cycle that binds and attain eternal freedom . Every act produces an effect which leaves behind a psychic residue called karman which binds the soul or atman to the world of existence .

The law of Karma governs the world where every action has its effect . In a way Karma assumes even more importance in Buddhism, since Buddhism is a bit agnostic in its approach ( especially the Hinayana form ) and is not too preoccupied with God . Karma and Dharma form the foundations of Buddhism.

The concept of conditioned rebirth also implies the eternity of the cosmic process , every existence being conditioned by a multitude of prior thoughts and acts done either in the present or in past births , whre there is no first beginning or definite end to the world , but a series of cosmic cycles . Every thing and every being is interdependent , each having its own place in the scheme of things . This knowledge also prevents the seperation between humans and animals , and humans and nature , which is unfortunately the case in other religions , thus leading to exploitation and cruelty .

A persons karma is a subtle substance that belongs to him yet which may be detached from him, as can fame , beauty etc . Just as the conduct of an individual is determined by his present and previous acts , so too does collective karma of all beings influence the type and quality of the world we live in , and will further condition the worlds to follow .

Karma should however not be confused with the western doctrine of divine retribution by an angry god for evil done by us ; since the effects of Karma are not decided by a deity but are immanent in all cosmic phenomena and processes and present in every deed .
One should not look upon the law of karma as fatalistic , since although ones present state is determined by past actions , ones future state is determined by present actions over which we have control .

Types of Karma - Sanchita , Prarabdha , and Agami .

Sanchita Karma is one's accumulated baggage of Karma .
Sanchita Karma can be destroyed through Jnana , or by bhakti leading to divine grace .

Prarabdha Karma is that portion of Sanchita Karma that has begun to bear fruit in the present life .
One cannot prevent the effects of Prarabdha karma .

Agami karma is the Karma that we are creating now , which is under our control , which will have its effect on future lives .

God is the Karmadhyaksha , the Supervisor of the Natural Laws of Karma .

Dharma

Entire volumes have been written about the word " Dharma " , which is one of the most important terms in Hinduism Buddhism etc . The term is infinitely rich in meaning and symbolism.

In short , however ,

Dharma is The sacred law , universal custom , Justice , morality , ethics , duty , truth ,nobility , etc all combined.

Dharma governs the the eternal wheel of time , being the axis of wheel .

The Vedas talk of Rta or Divine Law , which deals with the correct performance of sacrifices .

This concept later expanded and evolved into Dharma .

Dharma is Brahman .

In Theology Dharma is Divine Law.

In Epistemology Dharma is Truth .

In Ontology Dharma represents the balance of all Cosmic Manisfestation .

The ancient Sages

The term Saptha Rishis , refers to a list of seven very important ancient sages .

As per the Mahabharata they are

1. Vashistha ( Guru to King Dasharatha and Rama of the Ramayana)
2. Pulastya
3.Kratu
4.Pulaha
5.Angirasa
6.Marichi
7.Atri.

The Vishnu Purana adds Brighu and Daksha to the above list and calls them the Nava Prajapatis ( ie the Nine Brahma rishis ) .

The term Brahma Rishi is given to a sage of the highest attainment who has realised Brahman, the supreme spirit , and is a perfect being .

The four levels of rishis , in increasing order of attainment are

Rishi , Maharishi , Rajarishi , and Brahmarishi .

The Sathapatha Brahmana has a different list

1. Gotama
2. Bharadwaja
3.Vishwamitra
4. Jamadagni
5.Vashistha
6.Kashyapa
7. Atri

other lists include sages such as Kanva , Vyasa , Valmiki , Manu , Vibhandhaka etc .

Other famous sages who also play a major role in history and mythology are
Agastya , Durvasa , Parasara , Ashwathama , Garga , Kanada , Kapila , Pathanjali, Jaimini , Badarayana etc .