Many people in the world consider religion as identical with Dharma. But Dharma is quite different from religion. Religion is like a river Dharma is like the ocean. There is well- known saying: "The ocean is the final destination of all rivers." All rivers ultimately merge in the ocean. The essence of all religions, the goal of all scriptures, the objective of all aspirations is Dharma.
It is totally wrong to equate the vast ocean of Dharma with the river of religion. "Religions are many, but the path is one. Jewels are many, but the gold in them is the same. Cows are of any colours, but their milk is white. Living beings are numerous, but the Indwelling Spirit is one and the same. Flowers may be many, but the worship is one only." (Telugu poem).
Religions have come into existence for the purpose of regulating human life. What is common to all of them is the Prema tattva (principle of Divine love). (SSS Vol.30)