Karma or Dharma?

There are many questions, discussions, and sessions on how to practice Dharma. Broadly, people tend to approach it in three main ways:

Thought Process #1: It is not possible to practice Dharma in today’s world due to the lack of pure materials, a focused mind, and the fast-paced demands of modern life.

Thought Process #2: It is definitely possible—by turning inward and distancing oneself from the crowd and external activities.

Thought Process #3: It is all in the mind—reflecting on our actions and aligning them with good morals and values.

All of the above thought processes seem ‘valid’ in their own way. But let’s take a closer look at what authentic, time-tested knowledge says about karma and dharma, and how to practice dharma in our daily lives.

What is karma?

Karma is defined as any action or activity we perform in this world, whether through the body or the mind.

na hi kaschith kshanam api
ja:thu thishttathy akarmakruth |
ka:ryathe::hyavasah karma
sarvah prakruthijair gunaihi || BG. 3.5

Lord Krishna says that as long as one lives in this world, there is not even a single moment when one is free from action. Even if someone resolves not to act, the body—being a form of Prakriti (Nature), composed of the three gunas—will still engage you in some activity.

Even when you’re sleeping or sitting idle, you are still breathing. Even if you hold your breath, that act of holding itself is karma. So, refraining from karma (action) is not the right approach. The right reflection is understanding how to qualify the karma you are doing so that it becomes dharma.

What is dharma?

A great sage said,

yathaha abhyudaya nissre:yasa siddhi sa dharmaha

abhyudaya refers to progress that can be experienced in this world.

nissre:yas refers to that which benefits us in the higher realms or spiritual world.

Dharma is that action which not only leads to well-being and progress in this world but also contributes to your spiritual growth and benefit in the world beyond this body..

Hence, dharma is also karma—action—but of a kind that brings benefit in both material and spiritual realms.

What kind of karma becomes dharma?

God is omnipresent, which means God exists within your body too. When divinity resides in a structure, we call it a temple. In the same way, since God dwells within you, your body is also a temple—a moving mandir.

Audience Listening to Speech of Karma and Dharma

Once you understand and accept this truth, every activity that flows into your mind or body becomes an offering to the indwelling Supreme Power. Similarly, every action that flows out of your mind or body becomes an offering to that same Divine Presence, now present in the world around you.

You will no longer speak harshly to someone just to satisfy your ego. You won’t hurt others; instead, you’ll aim to uplift, support growth, and nurture skills for a greater cause. You won’t buy a house just for personal comfort, but as a shelter to support righteous living. You won’t love someone purely for sensual pleasure, but with the intention of nurturing future generations where dharmic values can continue.

In this way, every action you perform becomes dharmic, not just karmic. It’s not about carving out an hour or a moment to practice Dharma—your entire life becomes dharmic.

– From the discourse of HH Chinna Jeeyar Swamiji
– 9th Apr 2025, Dharma in Daily Life
– ICC Auditorium, 12 Whylla St, Willetton,
– Perth, Australia