We need more people to understand the correct definition of religion and the ultimate meaning of the word religion. The word religion comes from the Latin word religare that means to re-join or re-connect. However, I then found on the internet that this origin of the word religion is in dispute. Does that mean that all fine sentiments about the word’s significance are worthless? Nothing is worthless if something can be learned from it.
Religion is not a bad word. It doesn’t encourage people to stop thinking. In fact, religion encourages people to think about how they can re-join themselves or re-connect with an almighty who is infinitely more intelligent and loving. I have witnessed those that have dedicated their lives to reconnecting with the almighty, become infinitely happier than those that fight against almighty, or even the very idea of a almighty or intelligent designer. Almighty might also mean universe or supreme being or different things for different people.
There is massive controversy surrounding the word religion and the definition of religion. People define religion as a set of beliefs, and then atheists assume that because a set of beliefs has become corrupt, then all religion is corrupt. But, ancient wisdom has answers—straight ones. Let’s see what can be learned from ancient wisdom:
धर्म is a Sanskrit word, often mistakenly used as religion. But it’s not, in fact, Bhagavad Gita , in its introduction, gives a beautiful definition of धर्म—ultimate duty or righteousness or love. मज़हब is an Arabic word, often mistakenly used as religion. But it’s not, in fact the real meaning is something different—route or path.
Ancient wisdom has given clear definition of what religion is and as per that we can clearly see that Hinduism, Islam, Sikhism, Christianity, Jainism, Buddhism, Zoroastrianism, Judaism etc. are all ways or paths to reach religion—not religion itself; as per my limited knowledge and sense of understanding.