Re: dharam versus religion
Posted by Serjinder Singh
Re: dharam versus religion
Posted by Serjinder Singh on Saturday, 2/14/2004 6:45 AM MST
| Waheguru ji ka khalsa Waheguru ji ki fateh Jasdev ji 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 Humbly Serjinder Singh |
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| . . . . . . . . . . Re: dharam versus religio... (Jasdev S Rai - 13.Feb.04) | |
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| . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Re: dharam versus religio... (Karan Deep Sagri - 14.Feb.04) | |
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| . . . . . . . . . . . . Re: dharam versus religio... (Karan Deep Sagri - 13.Feb.04) | |
| . . . . Re: dharam versus religio... (Chober Singh Sandhu - 1.Mar.05) | |
| . . Re: dharam versus religio... (Aneeta - 1.Mar.05) | |
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| . . . . . . Re: dharam versus religio... (Aneeta - 2.Mar.05) | |
| . . Re: dharam versus religio... (Manjit_Ss - 2.Mar.05) | |
| . . . . Re: dharam versus religio... (Chober Singh Sandhu - 3.Mar.05) | |
| . . . . . . Re: dharam versus religio... (Indy S Dhillon - 3.Mar.05) | |
| . . . . . . . . Re: dharam versus religio... (Aneeta - 4.Mar.05) | |
| . . . . . . . . . . Re: dharam versus religio... (Indy S Dhillon - 4.Mar.05) | |
| . . . . . . . . . . . . Re: dharam versus religio... (Aneeta - 5.Mar.05) | |
| . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Re: dharam versus religio... (Indy S Dhillon - 5.Mar.05) | |
| . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Re: dharam versus religio... (Aneeta - 7.Mar.05) | |
| . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Re: dharam versus religio... (Jasdev S Rai - 11.Mar.05) | |
| . . Re: dharam versus religio... (Amarpalsinghxx - 6.Mar.05) |
