Rita (Hinduism)

Rita ( ऋत , ṛtá ^IAST ) - the term in Vedic Sanskrit , literally meaning “the natural order of things”, is related to the Avestan aša . The antonym of rita is anrita .

The concept of rita set forth in the Vedas was the philosophical basis for the concept of dharma in Hinduism and other Indian religions . Rita is a universal cosmic law, in accordance with which there is a "streamlining of the disordered", the rotation of the universe and the existence of all things, including space , humanity and its moral principles. Rita is accepted as the basis of justice , righteousness and morality . Rita is regarded as truth in the broadest sense of the word.

The various manifestations of rita are the devas invisible to ordinary mortal people and their deeds, their controlled processes in the Universe and natural phenomena on Earth . An individual characterized by righteousness and piety always acts in accordance with rita. Rita is determined not from without, but from herself, she defines everything, including herself. Established by the devas, rita by them is guarded and supported in the fight against its complete opposite - anrita ("disorder", "lack of rita").

In the modern context, instead of the term “rita”, the more developed and currently standard term “ dharma ” is used.

Of the Vedic devas, they are most closely associated with the concept of the rites of Varuna and Mithra .