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Dharam versus religion


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Religion as a concept is often described as a set philosophy(beliefs) enshrined in rituals, writings and/or physical appearence requirements; regarding the existence of a divine entity or entities and the relationship between humans and it in worship and daily life. These religions are conducted within a purpose built environment and the aim is to spread the religion's influence;propagation seemingly purely for numbers(as push is from within and judgemental tone against all other faiths). Religion is something that happens to life, it is an entity in it own right, the catalyst.

Dharam has elements in common with religion (as a concept) there are beliefs, rituals, writings , physical appearence but in additional to this is element of social conscience that is active rather than the passive e.g. Sikh Dharam uses the tolerance concept as does many other faiths however Sikhs are instructed to uphold these faiths' followers' rights too, even to the extent of losing life and limb, not just passively nod acceptance.

So Dharam is the 'pathway' of universal truth i.e. adherence to the task of realisation of that state that mool mantar expounds.It is the journey and the end- it is the living, dynamic, interaction between faith and practice - between religion and life. Without faith and practice of that faith Dharam cannot be seen or known i.e. Dharam is that process that transforms our state.

Contributor: Jasbir K Villaschi

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Religion in English or Mazhab in Arabic and Farsi are terms relevant to Seimitic traditions of Judaism, Islam or Christianity. These terms are indicative of a boundary or exclusiveness. That is you are either in it or outside.

On the other hand Dharam is an oriental term nothing to do so much as to the boundaries but to the actions or duties of an individual. Dharam in oriental system is the duty or moral code applicable to a person.

To illustrate this, the four castes of Hindu society all belong to the "Hindu" religion in the western sense. But according to the Indian tradition the "Dharam" of Brahman is totally different from that of a Kashatri. The Dharam of the former is to study scriptures and to teach recitation of scriptures and to preside over the Yagya or fire rituals. On the other hand the Dharam of a Kashatri is to fight in battle like a warrior and to govern justly. Similarly, the Dharam of a Shudra is to serve the higher castes.

Thus we see that the western concept of Mazhab did not arise in Indian society but only that of Dharam. The term religion or Mazhab arrived in India only at the arrival of foreigners with seimitic faiths.

Guruji refers to Dharam in the traditional sense rather than that of Muslims or Chritians when in Japuji Guru Nanak Dev ji says:

Dhaul Dharam Daya Ka Poot

The Dharam (humans following the MORAL CODES and DUTIES in society) is the (mythical) white (bull that sustains the earth ( say society) on its horns). This Dharam is the son of (arises out of ) Daya (compassion).

Santokh thap rakhia tin soot

The soot (formula) established or employed to inculcate this Daya or Dharam is Santokh or contentment (to control desires and mind).

Similarly, fifth Guru ji says in Sukhmani

Sarab Dharam Mahi Sreshat Dharam

Har ko naam jap nirmal karam.

Of all the Dharams that Dharam is the supreme dharam when one remembers God and does pious deeds.

Thus here Guru ji is not talking about Sikhism, Islam, or Hinduism as examples of Dharam but moral actions and pious lifestyle.

I hope it helps to clarify

Contributor:Serjinder Singh

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Guest Singh47

Dharm is a Sanskrit work meaning “Rightousnessâ€. Example of "Rightousness†is doing simran, giving daswand, keeping babek etc.

The opposite of Dharm is “Adharm†which basically means falsehood. Example of falsehood is worshiping false Gurus (like the Radhaswamis), cutting Kesh, doing Nindya of Singhs.

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Dharm is a Sanskrit work meaning “Rightousnessâ€. Example of "Rightousness†is doing simran, giving daswand, keeping babek etc.

The opposite of Dharm is “Adharm†which basically means falsehood. Example of falsehood is worshiping false Gurus (like the Radhaswamis), cutting Kesh, doing Nindya of Singhs.

You were doing so well until the second paragraph. lol :)

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  • 1 month later...

Dharm is a Sanskrit work meaning “Rightousnessâ€. Example of "Rightousness†is doing simran, giving daswand, keeping babek etc.

hey

if this is the case, then dont u think sikhism is a follow up of hinduism? i mean sikhism is bout doing simran, giving daswand, keeping babek. this stuff is already in hindu scriptures. sorry if i sound offensive or anything but i been doing a few readings on guru nanak dev life and teachings and mostly looks similar to hinduism school of thught.

can some one elaborate and tell me what the actual distinct and sepearation of both religions are???

bull chak maff

Mod Note: To keep the discussion flowing, please adhere to the topic at hand (Dharam Vs Religion). This question (distinction of both religions) has been discussed before, if you choose to bring it up again please do so in the Question/Answer Section. Thank You.

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