Foundations of Indian Philosophy & Dharma Explained
Dharma, Karma, Pramana
Dharma is often confused to be religion, with the misuse of labels like Hindu, Buddhist, Jain. However, it is not a religion; rather, it can be best described as a culture. So what is the difference? A religion is a culture where a common ultimatum must be accepted by all members. However, a non-religious culture may have some common trends but there is no concrete common ultimatum. Schools within Dharma such as Buddhadhātu, and Jain are actually just Darshanas, which literally translates to “Views.” Also they are not alone, there are ten major Darshanas (You can read about them in this two part essay — Part 1, Part 2.) There are three common trends or questions in the culture of Dharma, and all Dharmikas are distinguished by how they answer these three questions. The three questions are Dharma — How things ought to be, Pramana — What are the valid sources of knowledge, and Karma — What actions must be taken. Dharma can be seen as a framework or laws, a vision for the world. Karma are the actions which lead to the achievement of Dharma. However, Karma must be validated by valid sources of knowledge which are the Pramana. These three questions can be applied to any academic or non-academic discipline; thus, Dharmika philosophy covers all facets of human knowledge at a remarkably high level, and is still extremely relevant.
Dharma, Karma, and Pramana, three simple questions devised in the Vedic Age leading to a diversity of ideas essential in the prosperity of humanity.
