Abstract
This paper discusses Hinduism. It specifically discusses the definition and evolution of dharma and how dharma symbolizes the hard to classify and all-encompassing nature of Hinduism. The paper looks at the history of dharma in the Vedic period and the forms of dharma and the modern perspective on dharma. The paper also discusses how this perspective is constantly seeking new definitions.

From the Paper
"The modern perspective on dharma continues to ask these questions and probe out new definitions for this broad term. Modern figures such as Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, as a result of their encounter with Western categories and models, have "developed their own distinctive interpretations of dharma in which they abandoned the traditional emphasis on var ramadharma and attempted instead to 'ethicize and universalize dharma'" (Holdrege 244). These "neo-Hindus" seek to espouse different kinds of dharma or different interpretations of it. This shows a continuation of a tradition that began over two millennia ago of critiquing and evolving the conception of dharma to fit the context of modernity and time. The evolution of dharma serves to strengthen its central thesis of contextualization and subtlety even more - empowering this term as an intrinsic force in human life that constantly reminds people of the intricate and multi-faceted existence we live in. Dharma truly epitomizes Hinduism."

Tags:Vedic, duty, ceremony

Abstract
This paper examines the different concepts of Dharma in Hinduism and Theravada Buddhism by focusing on the differences and similarities of the way of life between the followers of the two religions. It looks at how Dharma represents the beliefs about how things are or the right way of living. It shows how although the teachings of Dharma are eminent in both Hinduism and Theravada Buddhism, both however display similarities and distinctiveness. The Theravada Buddhists strictly confine themselves to the dharma or teachings of the ancient Buddha contained in the volume called the Tripitaka.

From the Paper
"Hinduism believes that all things have a dharma or participate in the dharma of the world. Man is given the responsibility to practice dharma by implementing its principles in their life and doing what they believe is right. This practice according to the concept of dharma will allow them to live a life of peace and harmony. According to dharma, if a man lives by these practices he will attain the goal of life, which is eternal peace. Hinduism also states that it can take several incarnations to achieve the state of nirvana, dharma of moksha, but to reach the goal of this task is equally important."

Tags:karma, buddha, tripitaka, life, peace

Abstract
The paper discusses how Yudhisthira uses inaction to follow the path of righteousness and he used his ability of prophecy to attain righteousness not for just his family but for mankind. The paper explains that he used dharma, not adharma, to maintain and sustain his virtue and he was truly an inspiring character in the Mahabharata. The paper describes how he used inaction and passivity to achieve positive societal goals for humanity.

From the Paper
"Yudhishthira, leader of the Pandavas, was a very appealing character in the Mahabharata. He was an extremely passive character that used inaction such as in Lao Tzu's, the Chinese philosopher, Tao Te Ching. According to the Tao Te Ching, Lao Tzu said, "The softest thing under heaven gallops triumphantly over the hardest thing under heaven. Nonbeing penetrates nonspace. Hence, I know the advantages of nonaction. The doctrine without words, the advantage of nonaction-few under heaven can realize these!"(Mair,11) Nowadays, we witness the result of our American troops fighting the War on..."

Tags:hinduism, theology, buddhism

Abstract
This essay focuses on two major features of Hinduism that impacted on Siddhartha Gautama : dharma and nirvana. The paper examines predominantly Buddhist texts in order to analyze the negative and positive responses they had on Gautama's teachings. However, since both terms can have widely varying meanings attached, depending on sect, especially within Buddhism, and usage, only a general overview is practical in this short essay.

From the Paper
"At the time Siddhartha Gautama (c. 560 BCE - c. 480 BCE) was born both Western and Eastern civilizations were experiencing a sharp rise in intellectual and religious development, and India was no exception. Born into the kshatriya, or warrior caste, in the predominantly Hindu region of north-east India, raised in luxury and well educated, Gautama took advantage of the developments of this period and attempted to reinterpret traditional Hinduism."

Tags:buddhism, hinduism, history, india, religon

Abstract
The paper mentions the fact that Krishna Vasudeva's exhortation for Arjuna to go into battle because it is dharma for a "man of action" to fight without regard for the consequences raises some interesting questions: most of all, if a man from Arjuna's class is simply to fight, then how can he possibly know that what he is doing is morally defensible? The paper also discusses the odd paradox in what Krisha says insofar as he tells Arjuna to engage in brutal practices while simultaneously telling him to do so without any larger goals in mind; in other words, Krishna is being told to kill without apparently thinking of why he is killing. The paper explains that this odd moral precept can never fully be explained and its implications - that actions of any kind are basically defensible as long as the man of action acts as an automaton - also brings out the significance of the exchange between Arjuna and Krishna; to wit, Arjuna is told that he is violating his dharma by not fighting, but - so it seems - by fighting he is violating the prescriptions of the moral dharma that warns against the shedding of blood. The paper shows how this explains why Arjuna and his brothers are unhappy for the rest of the epic "Mahabharata".

From the Paper
"The following paper will look at the significance and implications of Arjuna Pandava going against his dharma when he steps forward to do battle with the army of Duryodhana. In particular, the paper will make mention of the fact that Krishna Vasudeva's exhortation for Arjuna to go into battle because it is dharma for a "man of action" to fight without regard for the consequences raises some interesting questions: most of all, if a man from Arjuna's class is simply to fight, then how can he possibly know that what..."

Tags:mahabharata, paradox, dharma

Abstract
This paper examines Buddhist Dharma - the law, truth and virtue of Buddhism. The author points out that it defines the way of life to attain Nirvana or Bodhisattva - the extinction of desire and release from the suffering it causes. The paper relates the essence of the Dharma and how it applies to a Buddhist life.

From the Paper
"Dharma comprises the essential ideas of the words truth virtue and law Kaviratna. The path of Dhammapada dhamma or Dharma was composed by the First Council of Buddhist Elders shortly after the passing of Lord Buddha and consists of a collection..."

Tags:Dharma, the path, Four noble Truths

Abstract
"This paper discusses one of the most famous Sanskrit texts of India, the "Mahabharata," the great epic heroic poem, which tells of the historic Great War of India between the Pandavas and the Kauravas. Encompassing over one hundred thousand verses, and steeped in cultural and religious meaning, this text presents a near impossible task for any student of India to analyze in its entirety. However, the paper notes that the most widely known act narrated by "The Mahabharata" is that of "The Dice Game", and Darupadi's disrobing. This paper analyzes the events leading up to, and following the disrobing, the larger dharmic implications this act offers, and the reflection of Hindu culture the scenario provides.

From the Paper
"However, as a sign of the changing times, this tale, in the modern India of today has come to showcase an example of the Pandavas' male chauvinistic attitudes in treating Draupadi as their property by putting her at gambling stake, and their strange prioritizing of virtues, where pledges matter more than the honor and safety of one's family. A sharp contrast to the pillars of virtue they had previously been seen as. Not to say that the Pandava family is not still highly regarded and seen as examples of dharma and righteousness."

Tags:embarrassment, shameful, treatment, callous, rude, unavoidable, fate

Abstract
In this article, the writer notes that Hinduism grew up around a collection of different traditions and stories, and as such has many sacred elements. The writer discusses five elements that are the most fundamental and characterize the Hindu tradition, those of dharma, samsara, karma, moksha and yogas. The writer maintains that these five influence every aspect of Hindu life, as they represent the Hindu's understanding of the nature of the universe, the nature of life, the goals that a soul must have, and the pathways to achieve these goals. The writer concludes that the five sacred elements of dharma, samsara, karma, moksha and yogas combine to outline the Hindu understanding of the nature of the world, the goal of Hinduism and the path taken to reach that goal. Most of Hinduism's daily rituals, activities and traditions derive from these sacred beliefs.

From the Paper
"This is a key difference between Hindu tradition and many other religions in that because of dharmic law, Hindus believe that the keys to eternal bliss are here on Earth. The concept of dharma has a counterpoint in adharma, which includes intoxication, pride and contact.
"Samsara is the cycle of life, death and rebirth. This cycle is at the foundation of Hindu belief about the nature of the universe, and much of the faith is derived from this sacred element. The cycle of life, death and rebirth is endless, and driven by karma. The ultimate objective for a Hindu is to exit this cycle. To be trapped in this cycle is therefore undesirable, as it means that one does not understand one's true self. That lack of understanding traps one in the phenomenal world, in the cycle of samsara."

Tags:karma, sacred, texts, dharma, samsara, yogas

Abstract
The paper relates that Hinduism is one of the world's oldest religions. The paper explains that its concepts can be useful for individuals interested in answering some of the core philosophical questions about the nature of reality and of self. The paper examines the concept of Atman that is central to Hinduism, a religion that stands out among others for its open-mindedness and tolerance. The paper notes that it is likely that the Hindu concepts of Atman and Brahman foster open-mindedness with regards to spiritual practices. The paper discusses how Atman and other concepts in the Sanatana Dharma reveal the interconnectedness of all things.

Outline:
Introduction
Atman and its Relationship to Other Key Concepts in Sanatana Dharma
The Importance of Atman in Terms of What it Does and What it Is
Atman in Comparison/Contrast with Concepts in Other Religions
Applications of the Theory of Atman
Recommendations
Conclusion

From the Paper
"Who am I? What is the meaning of life? These are the essential, fundamental questions that religions and spiritual traditions help people to answer. Eastern religions like Hinduism are especially suited for answering such questions because their philosophical underpinnings promote a deep awareness of the truths underlying reality and the nature of self. The Sanatana Dharma is a complex and ancient set of philosophical, metaphysical, and cosmological doctrines that range from tales of supernatural beings to treatises on the nature of reality."

Tags:Eastern, Sanatana, Dharma, meditation

Abstract
This paper looks at the Hindu creed concerning life and death. It examines how according to the "Bhagavad-Gita", an ambiguity arises as to how one is supposed to live life in accordance with Krishna's teachings of life and death. It argues how Krishna brings up the fact that one should not worry about killing because of the insignificance of the current life. Thus, leading one to question why one should refrain from killing at all. It evaluates how the teachings of Krishna portray how one should live life in a disciplined manner so that one may attain knowledge. It shows how the ultimate goal that Krishna teaches is to detach oneself from the fruits of ones actions so that one may conduct oneself in a manner that may allow one to fulfill his/her dharma and therefore be closer to the ultimate goal of immortality.

From the Paper
"Knowledge plays a very important role in reaching the ultimate goal. "You will cross over all evil on the raft of knowledge" (Gita 54) assures Krishna. If one wishes to attain a goal, one must have knowledge on what he/she must do in order to achieve it. "He who really knows my divine birth and my action, escapes rebirth when he abandons the body "and comes to me"" (Gita 50). Thus, the person who has faith in the divinity and does his duties without seeing a clear cause to do so will be the one who will be able to escape this vicious cycle of birth and rebirth. Ultimately, it is a combination of discipline and knowledge that is required of a person who wishes to attain moksha."

Tags:bhagavad, gita, krishna, dharma