A-Level Hinduism - Core Concepts & Philosophy

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Dharma vs. Rita

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**Dharma** is the duty or moral law sustaining the cosmic and social order. **Rita** is the fundamental cosmic order or truth prevalent in the Vedic period. Dharma is the action required to maintain Rita.

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Varnashramadharma Components

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A combined concept of **Varna** (class system based on aptitude: Brahmins, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas, Shudras) and **Ashrama** (stages of life: Student, Householder, Retiree, Ascetic). It provides a structured framework for Hindu life.

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Sadharana Dharma

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Also known as **Universal Dharma**, these are eternal ethical duties applicable to all humans regardless of class or gender. Examples include non-violence (Ahimsa), truthfulness (Satya), and compassion.

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Svadharma and Conflicting Obligations

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**Svadharma** is personal duty, specific to an individual's varna, ashrama, and capacity. Conflicts arise when personal duty clashes with universal duties (e.g., Kshatriya duty to fight vs. the universal duty not to kill).

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Samsara and the Mechanism of Entanglement

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The cycle of birth, death, and rebirth. Beings are trapped due to **Avidya** (ignorance) of the true self (Atman) and attachment to sensory objects, which creates **Karma** that fuels the cycle.