The "Dharma" and "Rita" depict a central Idea of ancient Vedic civilization of India. In this context, consider the following statements: 1. Dharma was a conception of obligations and of the discharge of one's duties to oneself and to others. 2. Rita was the fundamental moral law governing the functioning of the universe and all it contained. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
UPSC CSE Pre. 2011
A. 1 only
B. 2 only
C. Both 1 and 2
D. Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: Both 1 and 2
Option c is the correct answer
Statement 1 is correct. In Hinduism, dharma is one of the four components of the Purushartha, the aims of life, and signifies behaviours that are considered to be in accord with Rita, the order that makes life and universe possible. It includes duties, rights, laws, conduct, virtues and "right way of living".
Statement 2 is correct. Rita is the physical order of the universe, the order of the sacrifice, and the moral law of the world.