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(2)
: Nandanavana
development of human race, villages and towns, cities and countries were gradually developed. This led progressively to better crystallization of concepts of function and duties of men, leading as it did to newer and modified definitions of religion. Period of Definitions of Religion
The Uttarādhyayana* mentions that Lord Rşabhadeva was the first (teacher) to promulgate religion. Since then, the history of religions indicates that the definition of religion has passed through many epochs, out of which the following four are important:
1. Pantheonic and Ritualistic age 2. Intellectualistic age 3. Devotionalistic age and
4. Modern scientific age. It is an observable fact of history that the ritualistic and devotionalistic periods have shown status-quoism while the other two ages have been able to contribute globally to the growth and extension of knowledge and culture. The nature of these epochs indicates that the human tendencies have been as dynamic as the world itself. Meaning of the word 'Dharma' (Religion) and its definition
The Sanskrit term 'dharma' is generally translated as “religion'in English. Though this term does not seem to represent the whole essence of dharma' according to some scholars, it has none the less gained currency. Apte has given 17 meanings to the word 'dharma'. Nevertheless, the term has become mostly conventional to have a specified meaning representing a set of good actions, behaviours, conducts, tendencies, intentions, and sacred activities. The resultants of these processes are also termed as religion, on the basis of formalisation of cause-effect relationship. Thus, there might not be any living being who does not possess a religion. At least, he holds an idea of 'let me be happy.' He might be thinking about the 'welfare of all' while being at a little developed state of his consciousness. That is why, the author of the Sūtrakrtānga has said, “Religion is the welfare of the public.” Every individual tries to increase his happiness like a tradesman does for his wealth. It may, however, be possible that the definition of happiness may be different for different people. Some may go for worldly happiness; others may go for inner or psychical
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