Dharma

Dharma in Sanskrit is equivalent to the properties of human beings suitable for living in a society or the basic philosophies governing their existence. Every element that makes the universe, such as the hydrogen, oxygen, iron, gold etc., are said to have chemical and physical properties. These are the 'dharma's of that element that does not change in any part of the universe. Religion, on the other hand is codified moral laws to be obeyed or followed in good faith. At present, there are about 10,000 distinct religions in the world with about 85% of the world's population is affiliated with one of the five largest religions, namely Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism or forms of folk religion.

 

 The dictionaris point out to the meaning of 'Religion' from Latin 'religionem' (nom. religio) "respect for what is sacred, reverence for the gods", "obligation, the bond between man and the gods".  The ultimate origins of the concepts are obscure. One possible interpretation traced to Cicero, 'religio' as cultum deorum, "the proper performance of rites in veneration of the gods."

 

It is often problematic to call 'Hinduism' as a religion because it does not fit the normal definitions of 'religion'. Although the general use of Hinduism is debated by scholars who like using 'Santana Dharma' instead. I prefer ether words for our  convenience and am prepared to adopt the logic of "Rose by another name". No two scholars or individuals agree upon a definition on what should be criterion of religion. Probably, it is safe to classify these as either prophetic or philosophical religions. 🙏