Dharma and Religion
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.
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