[iamkund]

This has spawned many arguments over the last few days with a friend of mine, so it needs clearing up.

So the religion that is Hinduism is often referred to as Sanatana Dharma, which is usually translated or construed as 'The eternal law'. Now, when the term Dharma is used on it's own, it has a different meaning, mostly of which I am told is seen as 'way of life' or 'destiny in life'.

For example, a warrior has to live up to being a warrior; he must kill when instructed etc, otherwise he will not be fulfilling his Dharma. I've been told this by a so called Buddhist who has read quite extensively on the subject (not a native). He got quite irate when I challenged this.

However, I was told by an Indian national a few months back that Dharma on it's own simply means 'law', and that's it. Now, I'm inclinded to believe this guy more than my caucasion friend, despite how much he's read.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dharma

It says on that entry that is usually substituded in meaning for 'religionl', which would in effect make it law? I know wikipedia has many conflicting definitions concerning such subjects, but there has to obviously be on iron definition or meaning that is accepted in the religions homeland and/or to foreigners following it.

Can any nationals shed some light?

[Magnum Opus]

This sounds very similar to Shari'a, which in Arabic means way or path but is commonly seen as law. I think you need to look at what you mean by law in the first place, law legally, theologically, what? If law is some kind of code to use in life, then things which tell you how to live life, be it Shari'a, Dharma, can be called laws, life codes.

[purplefrog]

(Original post by iamkund)
So the religion that is Hinduism is often referred to as Sanatana Dharma, which is usually translated or construed as 'The eternal law'.

Yes, that's is correct. Can also be translated to 'Eternal Righteousness' or 'Eternal Duty'. Sanatan Dharma is the true name for Hinduism. Hinduism and India are the names the British gave.

And Sanatan Dharma is essentially a code of conduct to lead your life by as laid down in the Vedas. Therefore, it could be interpreted as law.

Now, when the term Dharma is used on it's own, it has a different meaning, mostly of which I am told is seen as 'way of life' or 'destiny in life'.

Your 'dharma' would be your role in society, so it could be the function you have to do in life (your destiny, being what are you meant to be). It is up to you to live up to your dharma.

For example, a warrior has to live up to being a warrior; he must kill when instructed etc, otherwise he will not be fulfilling his Dharma.

In Hinduism the aim of life is to attain 'moksha' (liberation from the cycle of samara (being reincarnated)). One way to attain moksha is to follow your VarnaAshramDharma. By that it means fulfillng the duties of your Varna (Caste - therefore your trade, in this case a warrior), your Ashram (stage of life - e.g., if a student you should study, if a parent you should uphold a family honestly and raise children etc.). These two things are your duty (dharma). Therefore, if you do not do your function in society, you are not fulfilling your dharma.

I've been told this by a so called Buddhist who has read quite extensively on the subject (not a native). He got quite irate when I challenged this.

What exactly did you say to challenge this?

However, I was told by an Indian national a few months back that Dharma on it's own simply means 'law', and that's it. Now, I'm inclinded to believe this guy more than my caucasion friend, despite how much he's read. It says on that entry that is usually substituded in meaning for 'religionl', which would in effect make it law? I know wikipedia has many conflicting definitions concerning such subjects, but there has to obviously be on iron definition or meaning that is accepted in the religions homeland and/or to foreigners following it.

And as Sanatan Dharma isn't originally seen as a religion, but a way to lead your life - it was a way to create a structured and harmonious society (all the castes contributing to a functioning settlement and all people of different ages doing their thing), it could indeed make it a law.

Can any nationals shed some light?

I'm Hindu and am of Indian descent. Hope my answer helps - and feel free to ask any questions.

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though obviously with Hinduism being such a broad religion and it not being an 'organised religion' such as Islam is, there is bound to be a breadth of variation in interpretations and definitions and the such.