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Tasia Rasmussen
Wijitha Bandara
World Religions RELS-2300
07 December 2015
Introduction
Hinduism is a vast dimension of deities, worship, and ritual. In fact, there are so many
different variations that people who practice Hinduism did not actually place this name on
themselves, indeed, each different dialect of Hinduism, at least internally, was viewed as a
separate body, not as a piece of a whole. Rather, it was outsiders who originally coined the term
and grouped all of these separate bodies under the single umbrella that is Hinduism. Each of
these separate units within Hinduism has their own particular brand of Dharma. Dharma is a
system of standards, beliefs, rituals and morals. Dharma itself is not translatable in any single
word in any other language because its meaning is so vast and diverse that it is most difficult to
define. Dharma is the basis on which Hindus live their lives. That being said, there are so many
countless practices within Hinduism, each with their own unique and different nuances, that a
question must be posed. Is Hinduism a religion, or should Hinduism be called Dharma?
What is Religion?
Throughout human history and into present day there are, and have been, so many
different religions that it is unfeasible for one single definition to result from the varying
perspectives that attempt to define religion as a whole. For example, three types of these
varying definitions include the Functional perspective, the Materialist perspective, and the Faith

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perspective. Functionalist perspectives examine a variety of definitions that convey the idea that
religions exist because human beings have a need for them. Materialistic views revolve around
the idea that religion is a figment of human imagination, meaning that humans created religion
and it is a fantastical thing not rooted in reality. Another realm of definition exists in the Faith
perspective where it is generally believed that religion exists because there is indeed some
alternate reality which humans cannot experience through their menial mortal senses.
Undeniably, so many religions and so many various definitions of religion exist and have
existed, that the very act of defining religion becomes a mountainous feat. Indeed, religions are
just as diverse as the human beings who practice them.
Regardless if one believes in the sacred or not, religion remains a general term for the
thousands of varying practices and beliefs that human beings have absorbed into their lives
throughout history and present day. In its many different forms, religion is an idea that people
use to better their lives, to protect themselves, and to provide answers to the questions on life,
morality, and mortality which have challenged humanity since the dawn of self awareness.
Religion consists of a set of rules or standards that humans use to live what would be widely
considered a good life, possibly through acceptance, love, charity, and acts of kindness.
Religions can inspire people and invoke passion and a sense of purpose; they help to provide
meaning to an individuals life. Religions are different sets of rules, standards, routines, rituals,
morals, and beliefs which different groups of people live their lives by.
What is Dharma?
Dharma is a comprehensive system of beliefs that incorporates rituals and whose
foundation is built on personal ethics and morals. The meaning of Dharma is so encompassing

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that it translates into many different words and meanings in other languages, rather than one
single definition. The idea of Dharma embraces ethical and good moral behavior which is
valued in Hindu society. To practice, apply, act, think, or react in any way that contradicts the
principles of Dharma is to invite social and moral consequences. Dharma is the basis on which
Hindus live their lives.
Dharma is very circumstantial as it applies expectations to individuals that are differing
depending on gender, age, and position or role within society. Varnasrama-Dharma focuses on
two central concerns of responsibility due to an individuals social class and role, and the stage
of life an individual is in. Life stages, or asramas, include the celibate student, the householder,
the hermit, and the renouncer. Each life stage revolves around differing bodily routines that
focus on self control in areas such as sexuality and diet1. Gender determines an individuals role
and responsibilities, for example, in marriage women are to be honored, but controlled by men.
In marriage, men are responsible for honoring women and keeping them happy so that the family
will prosper. All of these different expectations, routines, and obligations are Dharma.
Spirituality is inherent in Dharma and the Hindu way of life2. Dharma applies an internal
way of thinking and viewing the world. It is practiced through the application of both public and
private rituals and ceremonies, which was evident during the Eastern Site Visit Assignment in the
various ways that worshippers interacted with each other, their deities, and the priest. Dharma is
1 Gavin Flood said, All these stages are characterized by different regimens of the
body, particularly the control of diet and sexuality.
2 In her text, Living Religions, Mary Pat Fisher describes, Although there is no single
founder, devotional tradition, or philosophy which can be said to define Hinduism,
everyday life is so imbued with spiritually meaningful aspects that spirituality is
never far from ones mind.

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expressed through the reverence of the beauty and abundance of the earth such as with rivers and
trees. It is applied through the art and practice of love, and through the practice of self control.
Dharma is the application of morals, beliefs, and ethics throughout an individuals life. It
encompasses entire ways of living life through religious and self devotion, by adhering to both
strict and contextual laws that organize social structure, household structure, and individual
living.
In Conclusion
What we have come to know as Hinduism, it seems, never truly existed. Rather, Dharma
existed. Hinduism should not be referred to as Hinduism; it should be called by its rightful
name, Dharma. Dharma is a religion in the same sense that many other ritual and spiritual
practices are considered religions. It is a set of morals and standards which people choose to live
their lives by. Though it may not be as straight forward to understand as some practices and
standards in other religions, it is in its own right a religion or religious law by which people
choose to live. Dharma is a way of life and can be encompassed in many other faiths, just as the
religious laws in Judaism came to be encompassed and evolved in other religions. In conclusion,
Hinduism is actually Dharma, it should be called so, and Dharma is a religion in and of its own.

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Works Cited
Fisher, Mary Pat. Living Religions. 9th ed. London: Lawrence King Publishing Ltd, 2014.
Print.
Flood, Gavin. An Introduction to Hinduism. Cambridge University Press, 1996. Print
Various Definitions of Religion (1). 06 September 2015. Web. n.p. n.d.