Living Dharma: Complete Series

1. Introduction – Karma
2. Dharma
3. Artha
4. Kama
5. Moksha
6. Summary

Introduction - Karma

Science teaches us that for every action there is an equal and opposite reaction. The ancient Vedic culture knew that these laws governed more that merely the physical world and also included human evolution from lifetime to lifetime. As Jeffrey Armstrong so intriguingly puts it, the universe is in fact a University, and karma is how the soul, or more precisely the "atma", learns the lessons it needs to progress through this cosmic school.  

Dharma

Why are we here and what is our purpose? If you've ever considered the idea that it was no accident that you were born, then the next thought should be, "How should I live and what should I do that fulfills the reason for my life?" Dharma looks at what rules constitute right living so that we are not only in alignment with our purpose, but also with the well being of all living beings and the entire planet.

Artha

According to the Vedic culture, one of the four duties, or purusharthas, in human life is the creation of wealth. But, how can we really understand this as a sacred dharma when we live in a money-obsessed world that seems bent on destroying everything in the name of profit? As Jeffrey Armstrong points out, with more wealth comes more—not less—responsibility. Artha, therefore, is not simply mindless acquisition, but entails the well-being and long-term care of the planet and all the resources for the common good.

Kama

How does the enjoyment of life feed the soul? In western traditions, pleasure was often seen as sinful and in opposition to spiritual pursuits, while the east took a very different point of view. In this class, Jeffrey Armstrong shows how the Vedic culture used Kama, or the sixty-four arts and sciences, to link us to our deepest hunger for divine connection. 

Moksha

Why is it that we so often feel trapped: in our jobs, our relationships and our daily lives? Is it possible that our deep yearning for freedom is an essential quality of the soul and therefore we unconsciously rebel against being stuck or limited in any way? By understanding our true nature, we begin to free ourselves from bondage and take the path that leads towards liberation, or Moksha, rather than burying ourselves deeper into distractions and addictions.

Summary

Why are we here and what is our purpose? If you've ever considered the idea that it was no accident that you were born, then the next thought should be, "How should I live and what should I do that fulfills the reason for my life?" Dharma looks at what rules constitute right living so that we are not only in alignment with our purpose, but also with the well being of all living beings and the entire planet.