In Hinduism there are several concepts within the religion that are important and can be confusing at times. According to Fisher on pg. 72 he explains Dharma as a theological concept within Hinduism that, “encompasses duty, natural law, social welfare, ethics, health, wealth, power, fulfillment of desires, and transcendental realization.” When I hear this and apply it to my life I think about the duties I face as a human being, which are being ethical and not being unjust to others and being a good friend, etc., I also think about the duties to myself in which I can help others, graduate college, get a stable job, make good financial decisions, etc. I also have to remember to not keep myself in the dark about my faith. I think it is important in Hinduism because it brings a type of natural order to things within Hinduism and the followers of Hinduism. I think that Dharma is focused in the Ramayana because that is some of the basis of Hinduism. A lot of major stories come from the Ramayana and they were made to teach and to apply to everyone’s lives. On pg. 78, Fisher mentions that the Priests were the only ones that did ceremonies pre-600 B.C., then Bhakti started being done which was devotional prayer that everyone could do by themselves. This was something that “changed the game” and definitely gave more power to the people. This is related to Dharma because everyone has a duty to transcendental realization in which you experience the gods for yourself instead of the priests interpreting what they say for you.
Ethan, I like what you said about dharma being a way to bring natural order to Hinduism. It was definitely what I found to be most interesting about the reading. I love the fact that they view everything as being interconnected because it's a very important thing to do that is often overlooked in Western culture.
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