If you are interested in practicing Kriya Yoga, you may have heard of the term “dharmic life.” But what does it mean to live a dharmic life, and what is dharma, anyway? In this article, we’ll take a look at the basics of the term, what it means, and what steps you need to take to live a more awakened, spiritually-rewarding life. Let’s get started now.
What Is Dharma, And What Does It Mean?
Dharma is one of the key principles of dharmic living, set out in the Vedas. This word, which is derived from Sanskrit, is not easy to translate. But usually, it is translated as “purpose.” It’s one of the four components of dharmic living.
The other three are Artha (wealth), Kama (Pleasure) and Moksha (liberation of consciousness). Artha does not mean material wealth – but the physical necessities required to enjoy our lives. Kama refers to things and activities that bring true joy to our souls.
Moksha is a more complex concept, but it essentially means self-realization – the true freedom and unburdening associated with understanding your place in the world and in the greater order of things.
Together with dharma, these four components are what make up dharmic living – but arguably, dharma is the most important of these principles. It means living a life that has a higher or spiritual purpose. In fact, dharma is often called “the way of righteousness.”
By following your dharma and abiding by Vedic principles, you can fulfill your spiritual purpose – and follow your own personal life path at the same time. This provides spiritual and emotional fulfillment, and allows you to become closer to the Divine.
What Does It Mean To Live A “Dharmic Life?” Understanding Awakened Life
To live a dharmic life essentially just means to live with purpose – with the understanding that you must live your life in a way that promotes the principles of dharma – Dharma, Artha, Kama, and Moksha. You can take a look at this post from Yogacharya O’Brian to learn more about these principles, and what it means to live an awakened life.
At its most simplified, living a dharmic life means living a life that is in harmony with yourself, with nature, and with others. If you live in a way that allows you to treat others with respect, do good for them, and be at peace with the world around you, you are living a dharmic life.
This may seem simple, but it isn’t. Our natural state as humans is not to live according to the principles of dharma – but to submit to our basic instincts (to be jealous, to be selfish, to treat others as lesser than ourselves).
The path toward dharmic living, then, is one that can be long and difficult. But if you can follow the four Vedic principles that allow you to live an awakened life and provide your life with purpose, you will feel fulfilled in every way – and truly be in accordance with dharma.
Learn More about Dharma and Dharmic Living with Dr. Ellen Grace O’Brian
If you’re interested in becoming a spiritual practitioner of Kriya Yoga and following the path of dharma, Yogacharya Ellen Grace O’Brian can surely help.
Yogacharya O’Brian was ordained by Roy Eugene Davis, one of the disciples of Paramahansa Yogananda, who was responsible for introducing Kriya Yoga to the West around the turn of the 20th century. Learn more about Kriya Yoga and explore how it is to live an awakened life.
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