How Ṛta Became The Foundation For Dharma

By Author: Chaitanya kumari
Total Articles: 264
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The modern scientific worldview often describes the universe as a completely random chain of events that gave birth to human beings and all life on earth quite by chance. This mechanistic worldview completely erases the importance of a spiritual force governing life on earth and the rhythms of the universe. However, if we look at the most primitive accounts of the Vedic worldview, we come across a concept called Ṛta.

Rta explains the cosmic rhythms that govern everything from the motion of celestial bodies to the cyclical nature of the seasons and the moral balance of life. The Ṛta represented a universal and eternal order that was older than the gods themselves. It spoke of a metaphysical truth from which all the later concepts of social, ethical, and spiritual ideas of duty, righteousness, and law arose.

The unique nature of Ṛta was that, unlike most modern concepts that we aim to understand, it was something that was felt and experienced and not simply defined. The sages of the Vedic era did not identify Ṛta as a merely rigid code. Instead, they perceived it as a natural and harmonious order that one ...
... could sense through intuition, ritual precision, and truthfulness. By living in tune with Ṛta, one could live in accordance with the laws of the universe itself. The Vedic sages understood human emotions and behaviour as an extension of this divine cosmic order, and moral and ethical conduct was seen as an integral part of this order itself and not something separate. Unlike in modern society, the ideas of moral law were not seen as something separate and distinct from natural law, and both were seen as expressions of the same underlying universal order.

Once the Vedic society started to become more organised and structured, there came a time when the ancient sages felt the need to translate the cosmic principles inherent within Ṛta into concrete and relatable guidelines to govern human life holistically. Such a move led to the birth of Dharma. Just like Ṛta was the force that governed the cosmic universe, Dharma arose to govern human behaviour and regulate human society. Dharma effectively retained the essence of Ṛta but presented it in situational and contextual terms so that it can be used by all for constructive and practical purposes. One could follow the principles of Dharma as a form of guidance at any stage of life, to perform their roles and duties effectively and adhere masterfully to social responsibilities. Therefore, Dharma effectively localised Ṛta to suit the daily needs of human existence.

The transition to Dharma from Ṛta also indicates a move from society’s emphasis on natural intuition to articulation. While Ṛta was impersonal and cosmic in nature, Dharma became relational and practical. However, Dharma never really lost touch with its original sacred origin. Dharma’s importance and authority came directly from its intimate connection with Ṛta. Therefore, righteous acts were not simply socially acceptable due to their inherent quality, but they were seen as appropriate on a cosmic level.

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