The Eternal Rhythm: Understanding Time, Karma, and Dharma
Hindu dharma presents a profound understanding of time and existence, far removed from the linear, one-dimensional perspective of past, present, and future. It recognizes time as a cyclical and simultaneous reality, where all moments exist parallelly. This view is not just a metaphysical abstraction but has deeply practical implications for living a harmonious, stress-free, and fulfilling life.
The Cyclical Nature of Time
In Hindu thought, time (kāla) is not a straight line; it is a cycle—a perpetual rhythm of creation, preservation, and dissolution (srishti, sthiti, laya). This cyclical nature reflects the rhythms of nature: day and night, the changing seasons, the phases of the moon, and the larger cycles of the cosmos itself. Time is not an absolute entity but a subjective construct that facilitates the experiences of the jīva (soul).
This understanding dissolves the distinction between past, present, and future. These states are interconnected and ever-present, occurring parallelly within the grand scheme of existence. A jīva can take rebirth in what is perceived as the past or the future because time, as we know it, is illusory and relative to perception.
The Conservation of Jīva
Just as mass and energy are conserved in physical sciences, the jīva too is eternal and uncreated. It does not arise or perish but transitions through various states of existence. This aligns with the philosophy of Advaita Vedānta, which posits that there is only one reality, Brahman. Everything else is māyā (illusion). Since Brahman is indivisible and eternal, nothing can be truly destroyed or lost. The jīva, as an expression of Brahman, undergoes transformation within the cycles of existence, but its essence remains conserved.
Time and Space as Subjective Realities
Time and space are frameworks for the soul’s journey. They are not absolute entities but relative phenomena, existing only to provide the jīva with a stage for its experiences and growth. Long or short, big or small—these distinctions depend on the perceiver’s state of consciousness. When this subjective experience is transcended through self-realization, the distinctions of time and space dissolve, revealing the eternal now and the infinite here.
The Order of Existence: Ṛta and Dharma
Ṛta, the cosmic order, is the universal rhythm that governs all existence. It ensures the harmonious interplay of creation, sustenance, and transformation. Everything that exists, transforms, and comes into existence again, following this cyclical law.
In practice, ṛta translates to dharma—the principles of righteous living. Dharma is not a rigid code but a dynamic understanding of what is appropriate in any given situation. It is the conscious alignment of individual actions with the cosmic rhythm. Living in accordance with dharma ensures balance, harmony, and the fulfillment of one’s role within the greater order.
Living in the Present with Awareness
This understanding shifts the focus from the anxiety of linear progress to the harmony of the eternal rhythm. One stops worrying about "what will happen tomorrow" or regretting "what happened in the past" and instead focuses on karma in the present moment. The past and future are already happening; one is merely living through them, shedding the saṃskāras (impressions) accumulated over countless lifetimes.
Karma, therefore, is not a means to achieve results but a process of liberation. Every action performed with awareness and detachment loosens the binding effects of saṃskāras, gradually freeing the soul from the cycles of birth and rebirth. This transforms daily life into a sacred opportunity for self-purification and growth.
Not Blind Belief but Conscious Engagement
This approach is not blind surrender to fate but a conscious acknowledgment of the probabilities of results. It is rooted in understanding the cosmic order (ṛta), trusting in dharma, and maintaining equanimity toward the future. The goal is not to attain results but to perform actions, for karma is the process through which the jīva becomes free from saṃskāras. This perspective fosters clarity, purpose, and peace, liberating one from the clutches of fear and ambition.
The Role of Purusharthas
The purusharthas—dharma (righteousness), artha (prosperity), kāma (desire), and moksha (liberation)—serve as guiding lights in this journey. They are not rigid goals to be achieved but principles that help navigate life in alignment with the cosmic rhythm. Dharma provides the foundation, artha and kāma fulfill the material and emotional aspects of life, and moksha remains the ultimate aspiration: liberation from attachment and rebirth.
By seeing purusharthas as guiding principles rather than fixed destinations, life becomes a harmonious flow where each moment is lived fully, and every action contributes to the greater journey of self-realization.
Equanimity and Joy
Understanding the cyclical nature of existence fosters equanimity—a balanced state of mind that is unaffected by external circumstances. This equanimity is not indifference but a profound acceptance of life’s rhythm. It allows one to act with clarity and purpose, focusing on the process rather than the outcome. This attitude cultivates inner joy, as one experiences the peace that comes from aligning with the natural order of existence.
Practical Outcomes of This Understanding
1. Stress-Free Life: Letting go of unnecessary worry about the future or regret about the past leads to mental peace.
2. Clarity of Purpose: Every action is performed with awareness, aligning with one’s dharma and the larger cosmic order.
3. Emotional Balance: Success and failure are seen as transient phases; equanimity replaces emotional turbulence.
4. Harmonious Relationships: Trust in dharma fosters compassion and understanding in interactions with others.
5. Self-Realization: The ultimate goal of liberation (moksha) becomes attainable through the shedding of saṃskāras and alignment with ṛta.
References and suggested readings:
Rta The Cosmic Order Edited by Madhu Khanna
Engineering Thermodynamics by PK Nag
Yoga Vashista (Story of Leela)
Mahabharata - Shadaj Gita, Story of Dharmavyadha, Bhagavad Gita
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