I love how many people who don’t practice Hinduism get dharma and karma mixed up. And, that Karma is not what its all about. “Building on the eternal concept of atman, karma is the belief that a person’s actions in life will determine their fate in the next life. With the belief in karma, Hinduism holds firmly to dharma, the moral force that orders the universe.” (study.com) While dharma deals with your roles in life and karma deals with action.
I like the story of Viswamithra; how everyone looked up to him and held him in high regards. He then sets off to defeat some beasts (p.7) and asks the king’s son to attend in this victory. Not only to share the victory, but to also mentor the younger boy in all that he knows regarding wisdom.
Do you think it’s any consolation or coincidence that after Rama learns this wisdom and mentorship from Viswamithra that he is able to get Sati by stringing an unstringable bow?
Both of the above stories (in their entirety) show older men not worrying about their present obstacles, whether a beast or a daughter’s marriage. But rather, looking to the future to worry about their personal future and the future of the next generation by doing good in their own actions?
A life of Good Dharma… through Karma.
Hum 115: World Mythology 
I really like your post and feel as if you did an amazing job. I also love the story of Viswamithra and using that story as an example was awesome. I loved your last quote as well, and believe it does describe dharma and karma well when it comes to life.
LikeLike
Did you ever see that show called “My Name is Earl” Earl wins the lottery and goes on a mission to repair is questionable karma. The show is kind of slap stick and goofy but that’s how I remember what karma is. He makes a list of all the bad things he did to people then tries to make it up to them or pay them back. But as the show goes on each week his list of “karmas” grows because while he’s trying to do the pay back he ends up messing up and then he adds that shenanigan to the list. I wonder if there were people in Rama’s world that tried to live by Dharma but ended up with bad karma because of their actions.
LikeLike
I liked the distinction you made to describe the differences between dharma and karma for those who mix them up. It seems that family is in a lot of these stories with dharma so it plays a huge role in it.
LikeLike