Dharma, Karma’s lesser known cousin

Dharma is like the road map of your life, and the road is different for everyone based on your caste and your status. Similar to the idea of fate, dharma is the key to stop the spinning of the wheel of reincarnation, by following our dharma we acquire good karma, and once we acquire enough, once we have grasped the true meaning of life and understanding of the universe we can achieve a higher state. There are times when it is easier for people to follow and understand their dharma. In the Krita Yuga, the first age in the Maha Yuga, it is said that men follow their dharma without any problems. However, as the ages pass it becomes harder and harder for people to understand their dharma because it is being overpowered by greed and materialism.
Dharma plays a significant role in the story of Rama. Rama is an example from the gods as to how we should understand our dharma, and how to follow it. Valmiki said that Rama would have the following attributes: “ integrity, bravery, righteousness, gratitude, dedication to his beliefs, a flawless character, compassion for all living, learning, skill, beauty, courage beyond bravery, radiance, control over his anger and his desires, serenity, a lack of envy, and valor to awe Indra’s Devas.” (p. 4)
Understanding our dharma is difficult because of Maya, which is basically our desire to be separate from our reality and prevents us from becoming “one” with the rest of our kind. Sita’s father had embraced his dharma, he knew that he needed to ensure that only the very most worthy man was able to marry his daughter, and though he questioned his decisions he was ultimately rewarded with Rama easily stringing Shiva’s bow.