There are so many things I can say about the relation between dharma and time, but here is the gist of it. If you have expectations from the universe, which is something you shouldn’t have, but if you do. Please make sure that you follow your dharma to the best of your knowledge.
And here comes the most important question in your life. What is your dharma? Because once you understand it everything else will become clear, I’m not saying it will get easy. I’m just saying it will become clear.
So here are a few good videos that can help you understand what your dharma is and how it is related to the world we live in. It’s a 2 way street, you experience the world and the world provides you with knowledge and more experiences. You take that knowledge and experience, and you follow them to understand what your dharma is.
Explaining Dharma - Morality Vs Duty#
Key learning points from the discussion include:#
- Dharma is not a sole endeavor (8:53). Dr. K’s own Dharma of helping others with video game addiction emerged from the overwhelming response to his Reddit AMA, indicating a clear need from the world (7:07-8:12). If there was no public demand, his current path would not exist (8:57-9:05).
- The world tells you what it needs (10:35-10:46). Just as a doctor’s Dharma in an emergency room is determined by the patient’s specific needs, an individual’s Dharma is revealed by what circumstances and people the world sends their way.
- Dharma is a meeting between who you are and what the world asks of you (11:17-11:22). This implies a dynamic interaction rather than a pre-defined personal purpose.
- Dharma can be grand or humble (13:40-13:45). While examples like Rosa Parks and MLK represent large-scale Dharma, personal duties like raising a family or helping individual patients are equally valid and sufficient forms of Dharma (13:54-14:27).
- Preparation is the first phase of finding your Dharma (29:57-30:00, 31:26-31:36). This involves self-improvement, learning, and understanding yourself and the world, as you don’t know what life will demand of you. Leveling up “player 1” (yourself) is the fundamental Dharma (33:17-33:22).
- Dharma changes over time (30:03, 31:19-31:21). As one prepares and interacts with the world, new opportunities and challenges arise, leading to an evolving sense of purpose.
- To discern if your Dharma is “right,” reflect on the origin of your beliefs (38:56-39:00). If the underlying motivation is rooted in hurt, anger, or hatred, it’s crucial to be cautious, as these may not stem from a calm or clear mind (39:07-39:48). Self-reflection and understanding the source of your thoughts are key (40:40-40:58).
Difference between Dharma and Morality#
Here are the key learning points:#
- Dharma as Duty and Responsibility: Dharma is defined as one’s duty or responsibility, and it’s presented as a powerful way to move forward in life and gain strength (0:32-0:44). It’s distinct from morality, which focuses on good vs. evil (0:30, 9:07).
- The Story of Bhishma: Dr. K illustrates Dharma through the story of Bhishma, who makes a “terrible vow” to give up the throne and never marry or have children for his father’s happiness (0:15-8:41).
- Dharma vs. Morality in Practice: The story highlights that someone perceived as a “hero” (Bhishma) might not be living their Dharma, while a “villain” (the boat king) might be (10:01-14:02).
- The Boat King: He is portrayed as doing his Dharma by looking out for his daughter’s best interests (10:55-11:03).
- Bhishma: Despite being a “good guy” and making sacrifices, Bhishma is argued not to be doing his Dharma because his primary duty was to the kingdom, and a son doesn’t sacrifice for a father in the same way a father sacrifices for a son (11:10-12:49).
- Finding Your Dharma: Dr. K advises not to think about “good and evil” when seeking your Dharma, but rather about your duty and responsibility (13:44-14:02).
- Self-Care as Initial Dharma: The most crucial first step in living your Dharma is to take care of yourself (15:09-17:11). This includes eating healthy, meditating, polishing your resume, cleaning your room, and understanding you deserve a better life. This personal “leveling up” is necessary before you can effectively help the world (17:16-17:45).
Dharma is also related to karma, once you understand the link between the two you can then see why following your dharma is important in your life, why it will be helpful to you and the world.
