HINDUISM AND DHARMA (DUTY).
The word "Dharma" has several meanings. Shri Shashi Tharoor, made a refreshing analysis of the term of Dharma, which I believe is worth discussing. The article was also published in the Hindu. I furnish below, its URL:
http://www.shashitharoor.com/articles/hindu/dharma.php.
Without sounding rude, I wish to make clear: I have given the link for the benefit of readers. I may not agree with some of the views contained therein.
MY SUGGESTION
This problem of one word having numerous meanings leading to unnecessary disputes is common in all the languages of the world.
Naturally, we must be more concerned about the words in our Indian languages, particularly those relating to philosophy and religion. We can minimise confusion by creating compound words, adding suitable prefixes. Examples:
1. Kula-Dharma : Duties imposted by birth caste. In Bhagavad Gita, Krishna used the term 'SvaDharma' to mean this kula-dharma.
2. Mata-Dharma : Duties imposed by one's religion (birth religion or chosen religion).
3. Kut`umba-Dharma : Duties of a member of family. Here we can have some associated words:
Pitru-Dharma : Duties of a father;
Maatru-Dharma : Duties of a mother;
Bhraatru-Dharma : Duties of a brother;
4. Samaaja-Dharma : This word literally may mean duties of a society. Contextually, there is a derived meaning: Duties of a member of a society/community.
The word "Mata" or "Mat" itself is used with several meanings. Examples: 1. religion 2. opinion 3. vote.
5. When a language is unable to invent/develop a new word in short term, it is better to borrow words from foreign languages.
It will, therefore, minimise disputes if we use the word "Hindu Religion" when we refer to "Hindu Dharma or Sanaatana Dharma" in the meaning of a religion.
The word religion again has numerous meanings, among which the most commonly used meaning is discussed in the above paragraph.
Religion means "a way of life" in a general sense. The phrase "Hindu Religion" fits to this general sense also because it does not have any rigid organisational hierarchy and structure. Even customs and practices are not really rigid. Now-a-days, attempts is made by fanatics to create such structures which are to be resisted by those who are born in Hindu religion. Authority structures promote bigotry and blind obedience.
