The Importance Of Religion In Hindu Religion

The Hindu religious tradition is a tradition unlike any other. As a conglomeration of varying beliefs and practices, Hinduism defies the western ideology of a compact religion, and through its historical significance has incorporated itself into all aspects of Hindu society. This assumed spirituality within Hindu culture serves as a platform for the ideas of dharma and moksa to be intertwined not only within Hindu social and religious practices, but in the very identity of Hinduism as well (Heehs 19). There is an inherent tension between dharma and moksa, but rather than opposing each other, they make the other stronger, as one must live a satisfactory lifestyle within each to live a complete life through the eyes of Hinduism.

In its simplest form, dharma means to uphold, or to sustain (Heehs 58), but within Hindu culture it means much more. Dharma helps to explain changes, frictions, and the diversity within Hindu society and acts as a source of coherence for the distinctive and defining differences within the society (Heehs 18). More specifically, one’s dharma is their duty in life; what is required for the greater good of society and for future personal liberation or complete freedom from the material world. As Krishna said in the Bhagavad Gītā, “A warrior serves his king and country, but he fights in a just cause for the sake of dharma itself (Mittal & Thursby 149)” – that is, even if the warrior does not want to fight for his country, it is still his duty to maintain peace and balance through dharma by fighting.

The idea of complete liberation from the physical and material world that one can achieve through dharma is called moksa. Moksa is comparably as important as dharma in Hindu tradition and is a religious idea that ...

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...arma- yoga is the path of action and focuses on” disinterested, selfless action. Both dharma and moksa play a large role in Karma- yoga, as directed action turned into worship is the direct path to moksa- yet again showing the tension between the two (Heehs 63-4).

Dharma and moksa have an intertwining relationship that weaves throughout all parts of both social and religious practices and traditions in Hinduism. The two are neither in harmony, nor irreconcilable, but act as balancing agents toward each other. The Hindu social systems, as well as religious traditions have been influenced greatly by dharma and moksa, and the three main yogas all reflect the goals and effects of the ideas. Dharma’s many forms reflect the intricate variability within Hindu society and identity and both dharma and moksa still serve as a guide for the way of life and culture of India.