Dharma and Religion

 

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Dharma and Religion

In the journey of self-realisation, understanding the subtle difference between Dharma and Religion becomes crucial. While these two terms are often used interchangeably in daily conversation, their essence is vastly different - especially when viewed through the lens of Himalayan Samarpan Dhyanyog and the divine guidance of Satguru Shivkrupanand Swamiji.

Swamiji often emphasises that Dharma is an eternal, inner principle - an unchanging truth that flows from within us. It is not bound by external rituals, cultural boundaries, or man-made doctrines. Dharma is the innate nature of the soul, the path of universal truth, and the law that governs the balance of existence. In contrast, religion is a structure created by societies to help guide individuals toward that truth. But over time, religion often becomes entangled in rituals, divisions, and identities, sometimes losing touch with its original spiritual purpose.

According to Swamiji, Dharma cannot be taught; it can only be realised. It is the natural flow of life when one is in harmony with the divine. A leaf follows its dharma when it absorbs sunlight and gives oxygen. A river follows its dharma when it flows towards the ocean. Likewise, the human soul follows its dharma when it seeks unity with the Divine Source. Religion, however, tries to define this journey in external terms - through names, forms, scriptures, and customs. While these can serve as helpful signposts, they are not the destination.

Himalayan Samarpan Dhyanyog is not a religion; it is a path of direct experience. In silence, we learn to connect with the inner Guru, the soul, which holds the truth of our own dharma. Swamiji never asks us to change our religion. Rather, he guides us to transcend the external and experience the formless divine within. In this experience, all barriers of race, caste, creed, nationality, and belief fade away, and what remains is pure consciousness - our true dharma.

When we meditate in the Samarpan way, we move beyond mental concepts and step into direct awareness. Here, we do not ask, "Which religion is right?" Instead, we ask, "Am I aligned with my inner truth?" This shift is subtle but profound. It moves us from seeking outside validation to inner realisation. Religion is often inherited; we are born into it. But dharma is discovered - through awareness, surrender, and inner silence.

Swamiji reminds us that in the higher Himalayan tradition, the Rishis did not promote any single religion. They lived in tune with cosmic dharma. Their lives were an embodiment of surrender, simplicity, and service. This is the essence that Himalayan Samarpan Dhyanyog brings to us - not another religion to follow, but a mirror to discover our true self.

When we follow our dharma, we become like a flute through which the divine plays its melody. We no longer resist life; we flow with it. There is peace, purpose, and power in such alignment. Religion may provide us a stage to begin this journey, but only dharma can take us to the final union.

Let us then move beyond the walls of religious identity and touch the vastness of dharma within. Let us walk the inner path, guided by the Guru’s subtle presence, and realise that the soul has no religion - it only knows the bliss of divine connection. In this realisation, we become truly free.