Religion is God's direct law governing human nature, not a matter of faith or cultural preference.Listen — Srila Prabhupada Uvaca
Lecture "What is Religion?" — August 23, 1973, London 730823LE-LONDON [44:53 Minutes] Lecture_730823LE-LONDON Prabhupāda: Today's subject matter is "What is Religion?" So we are reciting some verses from the Sixth Canto of Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam, where the subject matter, dharma, is discussed. It is said that dharmaṁ tu sākṣād bhagavat-praṇītam [SB 6.3.19]. Dharma, it is Sanskrit word, and the English translation, generally it is made as "religion." Religion is accepted as a kind of faith. But faith may be wrong or right, according to the different time, persons, climate, condition—so many consideration.
But Śrīmad-Bhāgavata says, dharmaṁ tu sākṣād bhagavat-praṇītam. Dharma, or religion, means the law given by God. Simple formula. As there are laws given by the state, similarly, the supreme state, supreme governor is the Supreme Personality of Godhead. God means the supreme being, supreme person.
So... Or the supreme authority. Supreme means the greatest authority. As in a state the greatest authority is the government, similarly, throughout the cosmic manifestation, throughout the whole creation, there must be some supreme authority.
So that supreme authority is God, and whatever He gives, the rules and regulation, that is called religion. You cannot change it. That the law whimsically, you cannot change. Then you will be punishable.
Similarly, the laws or the words are the regulative principles given by God. That is religion. And if you do not follow it, then you'll be punished. Actually, the Sanskrit word dharma means the constitutional position. We may try to understand what is the meaning of dharma.
Just like fire. Fire means there must be heat and light. Without heat and light, there is no meaning of fire. If you say that "We have got fire," but there is no heat and no light, so what kind of fire it is?
So that fire and light of..., heat and light of fire is to be understood as dharma. You cannot change it. This is no possibility. Otherwise, there will be no meaning.