On Hinduism

Dharma is not the same as religion. Dharma has the Sanskrit root dhri, which means, “that which upholds”, “that without which nothing can stand” or “that which maintains the stability and harmony of the universe.” Dharma is often translated as laws and order by which this universe is sustained.

This dharma is not only limited to human beings. Fire’s dharma is to burn and a tree’s dharma is to bear fruits. This dharma principle also applies even to an inert material, like an electron’s dharma is to constantly moving in an orbit around proton and neutron. The day electrons decide to be a-dharmic and stop moving in that orbit, the world will fall apart in a second.

Dharma is the mode of conduct for an individual that is most conducive to spiritual advancement. Dharma encompasses ethics, morality, natural laws, conduct, etc. that is the most harmonious and aligned way to live as a society and on this planet. Dharma is, therefore, a conduct according to principles of universal order, social and moral conduct, that is righteous and takes an individual closer to divinity.

Abrahamic traditions are looking for a moral code. Dharma is searching for T/truth.

.Other reading material: Short answers to real questions about Hinduism, Rajiv Malhotra: Dharma is not the same as Religion, Rajeev Singh: What is Dharma?

Relevant videos: Swami Nikhilanand Hinduism Q & A: What Is Dharm,

Contributor: Dilip Amin

Location of this post (9a): https://www.hinduspeakers.org/ufaqs/what-is-dharma/

• Whole world is one family. All have to live together, cooperate, assimilate and enjoy each other.
• Practice Ahimsa (non-cruelty) towards all living beings, because everybody has the right to live – “Live and Let Live”.
• Treat every human being like how you would like to be treated.
• God is one and there is nothing else but God. God is omnipresent, omnipotent and omniscient.
• God has created the whole universe and He is present in every particle of the universe.
• God is present everywhere, in all living beings – all humans, all animals, birds, insects. trees, etc. – and in all non-living objects like rivers, oceans, hills etc. and, therefore, everything is worship-able.
• Hindu Dharma is an open minded religion not bound by any incontrovertible pronouncements and rituals.
• Hinduism is not a dogmatic religion. There are no binding rituals and everyone is free to follow or not to follow any particular ritual.
• Hindu Dharma welcomes and accepts noble thoughts from all around the world.
• Hindu Dharma respects all religions and accepts their good points.
• Hindu Dharma believes in non-violence, not to kill any person or animal etc. except in self defense.
• Hindu Dharma believes in moral and ethical values, respect for parents, teachers and elders and knowledgeable persons all around the world.

Other reading material:

Relevant videos

Contributor: Sudhir Gupta

Location of this post (9b): https://www.hinduspeakers.org/ufaqs/what-are-tenets-of-hindu-dharma/