I understand dharma to be a flexible term with many different definitions but on a broad scale it means morally upright, good behavior, law, virtue, good works, the correct path, “social welfare, ethics,… transcendental realization” (72). I think it more describes a behavior much like the Ramayana describes King Dasaratha and Rama as being an embodiment of dharma. The Swadhyaya Movement is described as “using scriptural teachings to critically analyze oneself in order to improve” which I think speaks to dharma a bit in that you’re finding the correct path to follow and changing your behavior and morals (110). This dharmic movement also references the Ramayana saying that it’s encouraging the reader to realize that “the Lord is with us and within us all the time” (110). It reminds me a bit of how Christians are supposed to follow the Ten Commandments. These principles parallel Christianity so much which makes it easy for me to apply to my life in that I must constantly self analyze to improve and always follow my moral compass. I think dharma is so important in Hinduism because it gives followers a path to follow and improve and something good that they can believe in and see true growth. I think it is focused so much in the Ramayana because it serves as a parable-like story for Hindus to use as a guide and example to see dharma embodied in the characters. I think dharma converges with bhakti in that as you worship Vishnu or Shiva, etc. you are actively praising, honoring, and on the right path within your belief system and actively practicing dharma as you worship.
Kathryn,
Some good stuff here! I really like what you have to say about the parallels between the idea of Dharma and the Ten Commandments, I had never thought of that before! One interesting difference I see, however, is the idea that the Ten Commandments are rules that dictate our way of life in a way that will make us live a holy existence, while Dharma seems to me to be that idea of a holy existence itself. So Dharma seems more to be the direct result of the Ten Commandments as opposed to the Ten Commandments themselves.
Some good stuff here! I really like what you have to say about the parallels between the idea of Dharma and the Ten Commandments, I had never thought of that before! One interesting difference I see, however, is the idea that the Ten Commandments are rules that dictate our way of life in a way that will make us live a holy existence, while Dharma seems to me to be that idea of a holy existence itself. So Dharma seems more to be the direct result of the Ten Commandments as opposed to the Ten Commandments themselves.
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