February 05, 2014: The two Hindu principles that connect the divine to this world are karma and dharma. Both are linked to the Hinduism belief in a reincarnation cycle of birth, death and rebirth known as samsara. The primary spiritual goal in Hinduism is to break free from the samsara cycle and achieve a divine state known as moksha. Moksha is where Hindus are liberated from the suffering found in this world. Hindus believe that they can free themselves from the reincarnation cycle by doing good acts of karma that are based on the ideals set forth by dharma.

The Yajur Veda, one of Hinduism’s holy texts, says this about karma: According as one acts, so does he become. One becomes virtuous by virtuous action, bad by bad action. Hindu holy scripture says, Dharma yields Heaven’s honor and Earth’s wealth. What is there then that is more fruitful for a man? There is nothing more rewarding than dharma, nor anything more ruinous than its neglect.

                                                                                                --- Excerpts from Sri Ravi Shankar guru’s preaching