Karma, Dharma, and Moksha are the three foundational concepts of Hindu philosophy — shaping everyday decisions, how parents raise children, how individuals face suffering, and how a life is evaluated as well-lived.
Quick Answer
Karma: every action generates consequences across lifetimes. Dharma: righteous duty specific to one's role, stage of life, and nature. Moksha: liberation from the cycle of rebirth — the ultimate aim of life. Samsara: the cycle of rebirth. Atman: individual soul. Brahman: universal consciousness. Primary texts: Bhagavad Gita, Upanishads, Yoga Sutras.
Explaining Karma to Children
Every action is like a seed planted — it grows into a fruit that reflects the nature of the seed. Actions done with love grow beautiful fruits; actions done with selfishness grow painful ones. We may not see the fruit in this lifetime — but the law is reliable. This cultivates ethical sensitivity and personal responsibility without external punishment as the primary motivator.
Dharma in Family Life
In Hindu family life, dharma is expressed through specific roles: parent's dharma is to protect and educate; child's dharma is to honour and learn; householder's dharma is to fulfil family duties while maintaining ethical conduct. The four ashramas (Brahmacharya, Grihastha, Vanaprastha, Sannyasa) each have their specific dharma.
Moksha — Not Just After Death
Moksha in living yoga traditions is understood as a state of consciousness achievable in this lifetime — the recognition of one's true nature as pure awareness, beyond ego and karma. The Jivanmukta (liberated while living) has achieved moksha while still embodied. This makes spiritual practice an immediate possibility rather than a posthumous hope.
💡 Family tradition tip
Document your family's specific understanding — how parents and grandparents explained karma, what your family considers dharmic behaviour, how moksha is discussed. Philosophical transmission is one of the most intimate forms of family heritage — the specific way your family understands life's purpose is worth preserving.