'धर्म' और 'Religion'

'धर्म' और 'Religion' 

'shreyAnswadharmo viguNaH 
paradharmAtswanuShThitAt,
swadharme nidhanaM shreyaH
paradharme bhayAwahaH ' (GitA : 3/35).
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श्रेयान्स्वधर्मो विगुणः परधर्मात्स्वनुष्ठितात्  |
स्वधर्मे निधनं श्रेयः परधर्मे भयावहः || ( गीता ३ / ३५ ).
says GitA.
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The dharma here means 'dhRti', the natural tendencies, temperament and orientation of the mind. Taking use of them in their best possible way according to one's wisdom and understanding is what is meant by dharma. Taking into consideration this, Arjuna, who is a kShatriya (warrior) is adviced to engage in war, because he is not a brahmin and can't go begging for alms. His 'dharma' is quite different. And It is right, natural and so meritorious for him, if he does not run away from the war that has been imposed upon him by the circumstances.
So 'dharma' is not the same as 'religion', while 'religion' is but traditions of different 'social groups'. Unfortunately all our political-understanding (?) does not takes into consideration of this fact, and there are differences and rivalries of all kinds in society.
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