Why Dharma Isn’t About Religion – It’s About Responsibility
In our modern world, the very mention of the word Dharma immediately evokes a feeling of religion, belief, and ritual. This has been like this for a long time, and it is hardly surprising that people instinctively think that the role of Dharma is to function very much like a classical religious doctrine. This is because most people associate it with temples, priests, scriptures, and moral concepts. However, the truth is that Dharma is a universal and practical way for people to respond to life and its challenges and situations. According to its original philosophical outlook, Dharma is about living responsibly, and performing responsibility toward the self, other people in the society, as well as the natural order of things.
The original Sanskrit term “Dharma” is derived from the root term “dhṛ”. It means to sustain, hold, or support. Hence, it can be said that Dharma is the idea that supports and holds all God’s creatures or our being together. Such an interpretation immediately moves the focus of the concept of Dharma from dogmatic beliefs to social and moral functioning. Dharma implies the natural responsibility that every being or entity has. Just like the Dharma of water is to flow, fire is supposed to burn, and the sun’s Dharma is to provide light and life-sustaining energy. In that same way, every human being is subject to the principles of Dharma, wherein they must carry out their responsibilities necessary for sustaining harmony and balance in collective and individual life.
Dharma operates in a situational and contextual manner, and this makes it different from religion, which mainly relies on divine commandments and belief systems. Hence, something that can work as Dharma for one individual can work inversely for another person. A student can have a different Dharma from a merchant. Like a king has a different Dharma from a parent. Thus, Dharma should not be seen as an unyielding code of rules. It is more like a living principle that should be approached with discernment. Dharma is different from organized religion in that it does not ask for specific tasks to be performed by a person, but focuses on the things a person must do in a given context or situation.
It is for this unique reason that Dharma could never be simply reduced to moral absolutism and ritualistic correctness. A person who diligently performs religious tasks and rituals can still be considered Adharmic if he does not act with responsibility. On the other hand, an action performed without much religious identification can still be considered innately Dharmic if it aligns with truth, balance, and a holistic approach to life. In Vedic texts, we find plentiful instances of characters finding themselves in circumstances where they are forced to experience such conflicting circumstances. Such predicaments effectively highlight that Dharma does not ask for blind obedience but demands conscious responsibility and accountability. In this way, Dharma is closely tied to consequence and Karma. One’s choices not only shape the present moment but also the future to come.
You may also like to read:
- Dharma Meaning In English
- Understanding Sanathana Dharma
- Virtues Promoted by Dharma
- How Rta Became The Foundation For Dharma