Dharma isn't really about a Religion!

I always avoid to get into any kind of argument. Any talks about religion, politics are very sensitive in nature especially when you are in India. Any discussion may end up with heated arguments which may lead to very tense environment. Still, I like to highlight something about Dharma, which many people consider as someone Religion. But few of the quotes made me to wonder, if they really the same :

Ahimsa paramo dharma - Non-violence is the highest dharma
Dharmo rakshati rakshitah - Dharma protects those who protect it.

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Dharma and religion, while often associated, have distinct meanings. In India, people often like to know the Dharma of a person, which is quite equitable to the Religion, like if you Hindu or Muslim etc. However, Dharma is a concept that is not easily translated into a single English word, but it encompasses ideas of duty, righteousness, law, order, and truth. Even I was also using dharma in context of religion only, untill i discover3e the true meaning.

Religion

Religion involves a set of beliefs concerning the cause, nature, and purpose of the universe, often involving worship, rituals, and a moral code. It typically includes a belief in a divine or supernatural entity or entities. Religion is concerned with the relationship between humans and the divine, often involving prayer, worship, and adherence to specific religious practices. Religion provides a framework for understanding the world, often including explanations for life, death, and the afterlife, and often includes practices like prayer, worship, and ritual.

Dharma

Dharma is referring to cosmic order, righteousness, duty, and a way of life. Dharma is concerned with the nature of reality, human life, and the universal laws governing existence. It emphasizes right conduct, virtuous behavior, and living in accordance with one's role in society. In Hinduism, it's the principle that maintains order in the universe and guides individual conduct through rituals and righteous living. In Buddhism, dharma refers to the Buddha's teachings and the path to enlightenment. emphasizes the importance of living in accordance with a natural order and fulfilling one's responsibilities.

I am not trying to put any religion on top of other. But just wanted to elaborate fundamental concepts about Dharma and Religion. What associated and used together are quite different from each other.

• Dharma is a broader concept encompassing the way of life and ethical duties, while religion is a specific system of beliefs and practices.

• Dharma may or may not involve a divine element, depending on the specific philosophical or religious tradition, while religion typically emphasizes belief in a divine entity or entities.

• Dharma focuses on ethical duties and living rightly, while religion often focuses on worship, rituals, and a relationship with the divine.

To sum up the entire concept, dharma can be seen as the underlying principle of righteous living, while religion provides a framework for understanding the divine and practicing faith. Dharma and Religion are often used interchangeably because of the common translation of "dharma" as "religion" and the overlap in their meaning, particularly within the context of Indic religions. However, understanding the broader meaning of dharma can provide a more nuanced understanding of its significance.

In good faith - Peace!!

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