Rta and Spiritual Authority
From Hindupedia, the Hindu Encyclopedia
Rta is the cosmic truth, and is hence, also called Satya. It is how behavior should be. When humans behave in accord with the Rta, they've behaved in harmony with the universal laws which the Rta is a collection of.
Maurice Bloomfield writes, "The high thought of the rta is in many ways similar of the Confucian idea of order, harmony and absence of disturbance. It is unquestionably the best conception that has been elaborated by the Aryans."
Maurice Bloomfield also writes, "As far as the Veda is concerned, it presents itself under the threefold aspects of cosmic order, correct and patting cult of the gods, and moral conduct of man. We have in connection with the rta a pretty complete system of Ethics, a kind of Counsel of Perfection."