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Violet Maw
Wijitha Bandara
RELS-2300
Reflection/Eportfolio
August 4, 2016

Reflection

This semester, Summer 2016, is my last and final semester at SLCC. I only had one last
credit/class that I needed to fulfill in order to graduate. When looking for a class to take, I
wanted to choose a class that seemed really inspirational. As I browsed classes, I came across
the class called World Religions. I thought to myself, this class seems very interesting. This
class did not disappoint. Not only was it interesting, but it was very eye opening. We learned
about 5 major religions, and they were the following: Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism,
Christianity, and Islam. All 5 religions are profound, and to me, very complex. We had many
assignments that we had to complete. Essays, group discussions, quizzes, tests, and site visits.
One of my favorite assignments was the site visits. We had to visit both an Eastern and a
Western religions site. As my eastern site visit, I chose to attend a Hindu Temple service. This
visit was very enlightening. Aside from things I had learned in class, and watched on movies, I
really did not know what to expect. I took my 10 year old daughter with me as well. Both of us

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had a great experience. This experience led me to understand that Hinduism is a beautiful
religion. The people at the temple were beautiful, as well. Not just beautiful in an aesthetic
sense, but beautiful in the way they treated us as obvious visitors. Though, I did think to myself
that there was a lot of ritual involved for a path to God, I enjoyed the meaning that Hindus put
into these rituals. My horizon was broadened by this experience, as was my daughters.
Another assignment that we had to complete was an essay on South Asia and the concept
of Dharma within both the Hindu and Buddhist religions. The term Dharma can be very
misunderstood, especially by Westerners. But even within the two above mentioned eastern
religions, there is also a difference in how this term is used. Learning about this difference,
helped me to better understand how both of these religions actually use this term, and what it
means within the terms of each religions. I think that by better understanding the different
understandings of this term, I am then better able to understand the practices of each religion,
and how the practices of these religions have then effected the surrounding culture as well. I have
attached this essay below for review.
In conclusion, this class has most definitely given me a broader perspective into some of
the worlds largest religions. I have learned their roots, their similarities, and their differences.
Knowing this information helps me, as a lover of humanities, to have an even better
understanding and love of why humans do they things that they do based upon their religious
beliefs. It has given me the tools to have intellectual conversations with others about these
religions, and to converse with people of these religions, knowing that I understand the roots of

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their beliefs. Learning about these religions has also taught me that what I learn on the news and
through mass media is not always the truth or represent a certain religion completely. To that
end, I am very glad that I chose this class as my last class at SLCC. Who knows, maybe it was
the divine power of Shiva, Buddha, YHWH, Jehovah, and Allah, that inspired me to take this
class.

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Violet Maw
Wijitha Bandara
RELS-2300
Essay No. 2
June 26, 2016

South Asia and the Concept of Dharma

Religious teachings in the areas of South Asia, are often misunderstood or may seem
complicated by other regions of the world. South Asia is the home of some of the worlds oldest
religions known to man. Two of these ancient religions are Hinduism and Buddhism. Within
each of these religions is the concept of Dharma. This term is used loosely by others who are
not familiar with the true meaning or religious context behind the religious term of Dharma.
Often times, South Asia, and the religions it contains are given a description that often includes

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the term Dharma. To get a better understanding of what these terms actually mean, we would
have to take a deeper look within both Hinduism and Buddhism, to get a better grasp on what
these South Asia religions believe to be Dharma. There are three areas that we will look at to
gain a better understanding. They are: 1. what does Dharma mean within Hinduism?; 2. what
does Dharma mean within Buddhism?; and, 3. How does knowing what each religion teaches
help us to know why South Asia religions are described the way they are and the concept of
Dharma?

Hinduism, which is the oldest known religion known to man, worships a number of
deities and is quite diverse in its traditions. Hinduism teaches that there is only one truth, but
many ways of reaching that truth. But, they also believe in a moral order, or righteousness.1
This belief in a moral order or righteousness is called Dharma. Often times when this term is
translated into English, it is simply translated as religion.2 It is much more complex than that.
It includes fully grasping each individuals place in the great scheme of things. Dharma, within
Hinduism involves being aware of natural law, social welfare, ethics, health, wealth, power,
fulfillment of desires, and transcendental realization.3 Being aware of how connected everything
1 Fisher, Mary. (2014). Living Religions: Ninth Edition. Boston: Pearson (pg. 537)
2 Fisher, Mary. (2014). Living Religions: Ninth Edition. Boston: Pearson (pg. 71)
3 Fisher, Mary. (2014). Living Religions: Ninth Edition. Boston: Pearson (pg. 71)

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is to everything will help one come to a self-realization that will take away the bonds of suffering
from worldly things. Much the same as within Hinduism, the term Dharma is also
misunderstood within Buddhism.
Buddhism, which is another ancient religion, seeks to find a way from the earthly and worldly
suffering that humans and all other living creatures endure. The Buddha taught that by
understanding how we create suffering in our lives, we can become free.4 Buddhas teachings
have spread far and wide, but yet the term Dharma within this religion is often misunderstood, as
well. Within this religion, Dharma is the doctrine or law, which was revealed by Buddha, to help
us correct our actions in order to attain a higher level of awareness.5 It is very important to note,
that awareness is key to gaining a higher level. One of the most important steps to awareness, is
realizing how connected we all are to each other. We are not interdependent. Also, to not live
from a place of fear of the unknown, because this shows a lack of awareness as well. The four
main principles of this awakening include the following: 1. Life inevitably involves suffering,
dissatisfaction, and distress; 2. Suffering is caused by craving, rooted in ignorance; 3. Suffering
will cease when craving ceases; and, 4. there is a way to realize this state: The Noble Eightfold
Path.6

4 Fisher, Mary. (2014). Living Religions: Ninth Edition. Boston: Pearson (pg. 137)
5 Fisher, Mary. (2014). Living Religions: Ninth Edition. Boston: Pearson (pg. 537)
6 Fisher, Mary. (2014). Living Religions: Ninth Edition. Boston: Pearson (pg. 144)

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Knowing how both Hinduism and Buddhism view Dharma, helps us to be better understanding
of how South Asias religious teachings are often described. Those who are not from that area
are better able to understand why these cultures and traditions are handled the way that they are.
The people who follow these principles are living their lives in a way so as to be more aware,
and to be released from the suffering that takes place within the confines of earth. Knowing that
we are all connected can only help us to examine our actions, and the ripple effect that they can
have.
In conclusion, Hinduism and Buddhism have been around for some time. Within each of
these religions is the concept of Dharma. The term Dharma is often misunderstood by others
around the world. To gain a better understanding of this term it helps to take a look at: 1.
Dharma within Hinduism; 2. Dharma within Buddhism; and, 3. knowing what each religion
teaches help us to know why South Asia religions are described the way they are relating to the
concept of Dharma. Knowing these things helps us each to be more aware, which as these
religions teach, is the key to enlightenment.

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Works Cited
Fisher, Mary. (2014). Living Religions: Ninth Edition. Boston: Pearson.