Yesterday, during visit to my grandma, she said and she wanted to ask me something which she had penned down in her note book. This turned into a conversation that sparked deep reflection and might be helpful. Thus i wrote it down. She shared a that she read an article in which reference was given about a verse from the Bhagavad Gita (18.66):
"सर्वधर्मान्परित्यज्य मामेकं शरणंव्रज",
which means "Abandon all varieties of dharmas and simply surrender unto Me alone."
She then asked that if we Hindus leave our dharm, why will the Muslims also leave their dharm and surrender to Lord Krishna instead of their Alla. She seemed puzzled and and further asked "what is dharm exactly? All spiritual Gurus say that dharm is same but there is so much of difference between Hindus and other dharmas?"
She added further " also there is verse in Geeta where Lord Krishna says that He resides in all of us. Now how can Krishna reside in Muslims? Isn’t it Allah, the God of Muslims, who resides in them?”
She had written down un her note book this question to ask me and this question had been on her mind for a while. She wasn’t just asking for the sake of it; she was genuinely curious, searching for some deeper clarity. Her face held that thoughtful expression that grandparents often have when they’ve been reflecting on something over time. And honestly, it’s a question that cuts to the heart of something many people think about but rarely discuss openly.
Her question felt important — not just because she asked it, but because it’s a question so many people today might have. The world has long divided itself into different religious camps — Hindu, Muslim, Christian, Sikh, Buddhist, and so on. These divisions often seem stark and rigid, even causing conflict at times. So, I understood why my grandma was puzzled. After all, if Krishna is in everyone, how can these divisions even exist? How can there be separate 'dharmas' for different groups of people when we all share the same divine presence?
So, after a brief pause, I replied, “ Bai (Grandma), I think a lot of people have the same question. But what you’re calling 'dharma' — Hindu *dharma*, Muslim 'dharma' — is actually a misunderstanding of what 'dharma' really means. Many people have established this false religion which they call 'dharm' to establish their dominance and that religion in reality is not a true dharm. ”
She looked at me, intrigued, as I explained further. “What we often hear today about 'dharma' — terms like ‘Hindu Dharma,’ ‘Muslim Dharma,’ ‘Christian Dharma’ — is not what *dharma* itself is about. These are not dharma but rather labels for different religious traditions or paths. True *dharma* is not something that divides people or creates barriers; it's much deeper than these labels."
I could see her processing this, so I continued, “'dharma is a universal principle. It’s the way we are meant to live — with compassion, selflessness, and service to others. In fact, there’s a beautiful Sanskrit verse that explains this clearly: 'Paropkārārtham idam śarīram', this means that life body is meant to do service to others".
I could see her reflecting on the meaning, so I continued, and told the full verse:
"परोपकाराय फलन्ति वृक्षाः
परोपकाराय वहन्ति नद्यः ।
परोपकाराय दुहन्ति गावः
परोपकारार्थ इदं शरीरम् ।।
Meaning that the trees produce fruits and it doesn't eat it's own fruits but it makes for others and while giving to others it bends down. Similarly the river flows through the ups and downs and crosses the barriers to provide the life water to people and similarly the cow also doesn't drink it's own milk but it makes for others.
This is the real essence of 'dharma'. Our existence, our very lives, are meant to be used in service to others. It’s the same teaching you’ll find in every major religion — whether it’s the compassion of Buddha, the teachings of love from Jesus, or the message of peace in Islam. The principle remains the same: we are here to help, uplift, and support one another.”
I paused to let that sink in, then said, “When you ask how Krishna can reside in Muslims, it’s important to understand that the divine essence, is in form of energy whether called Krishna, Allah, or any other name, exists in everyone. Just as Krishna represents the divine in Hinduism, Allah represents the divine in Islam. Both are expressions of the same universal truth. They are different paths leading to the same goal of realizing our connection with the divine. The question is not which God resides in whom and also question is not to segregate people based on dharm or the essence is recognizing that God or supreme energy is within us all.”
She nodded, and I could tell she was starting to see the bigger picture. I went on, “What people often call ‘Hindu Dharma’ or ‘Muslim Dharma’ are identities, traditions, and rituals that belong to their respective cultures. But that’s not what 'dharma' really is. These labels can divide, but 'dharma' itself never divides. True 'dharma' brings us together by reminding us of our shared humanity and our duty to help each other.”
Grandma smiled as she listened, and I could see that she was starting to see things in a new light. “I think a lot of people don’t realize that,” she said softly.
And she’s right. Many people don’t realize that what they often call 'dharma' is actually just a label or identity they’ve grown up with. But 'dharma' isn’t something that divides people into groups. True 'dharma' is a force that unites us because it’s based on universal values like compassion, selflessness, and service to others. The verse 'paropkārārtham idam śarīram' reminds us that the highest purpose of life is to serve, no matter what path we follow.
As our conversation came to a close, I felt grateful for the chance to reflect on what 'dharma' truly means. It’s not about what religion you identify with; it’s about how you live and how you treat others. The verse 'paropkārārtham idam śarīram' — “This body is meant for the service of others” — is a reminder that our purpose is to uplift, help, and unite, no matter who we are or where we come from.
So, next time someone talks about 'dharma' in the context of religious labels, I hope they remember that true 'dharma' is universal. It transcends labels and traditions. It’s the way we serve and uplift others that defines our real 'dharma'.
- Be blessed by the Divine,
Manjushree Rathi
Director, ME Holistic Centre
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