Question

What is the difference between karma and dharma

Answer 1

 The concept of "karma" ("kamma") is probably one of the most misunderstood yet readily recognized words in the Buddhist lexicon. In Buddhism karma may be either virtuous or non-virtuous since the term "karma" simply means "action". Karma as I understand results in causality for one's intentional actions and/or thoughts and is a key aspect in Buddhism. 

The term "dharma" ("dhamma") depends whether it is capitalized or not. Dharma in general means "righteousness", "teaching", "the way things are", or "truth". It is also used to imply "the laws of nature" or "that which sustains the universe"( http://www.dharmanet.org/lcdharma.htm ). When capitalized (Dharma) or preceded with "the" (The Dharma) it refers to the collective teachings of the Buddha ( http://buddhism.kalachakranet.org/dharma... ). Since in my tradition a sutra (sutta) is said to be incomplete without a commentary, works by well respected and renown Buddhist scholars and teachers "round out" The Dharma. 

May all be at peace.