I struggled to understand the concept of dharma even after reading some of Fisher's text! I have come to realize that, while dharma does translate to "religion", it seems to go even deeper than that (Fisher 72). Dharma is an all-encompassing way of life: it is a code of ethics, a deeply spiritual practice, and a view of life. It describes our materialistic lives as a single, momentary wave from the ocean, as it is fleeting in the grand scheme of things (89). It emphasizes spirituality over materialism and using your time on Earth wisely. The concept of time and death has always been difficult for me to grasp, as I'm sure it has for others, so the imagery of the entire universe being akin to an ever-moving ocean is beautiful and comforting.
The Ramayana likely focuses on dharma because it is so all-encompassing in the lives of those who follow it! With some religions and other practices, it can sometimes slip from our minds. However, dharma is constant, influencing your every action.