Most people believe there is a synonym for Dharma and Religion. Actually Dharma is one of many Sanskrit words that has no equivalent in English. The word 'dharma' comes from the meaning of the Sanskrit root 'dhr' 'Hold' or 'Underpin' So 'dharma' stands for that which supports a thing 's life. Everything in this universe has its own dharma, because its existence must be based on something. Therefore the basic character of a thing is called its dharma. Dharma is what sustains, nourishes, upholds, spreads, incorporates, enhances, and unites.Put simply Dharma is the fulfillment of one's obligation. This is not equivalent to religion; this encompasses all facets of existence both within and outside. It refers to duties that are done in a harmonious, skillful, selfless and loving manner. As Swami Vivekananda said, "Religion is mankind's constitutional necessity. Dharma is what ultimately leads man to his true nature and the Supreme Goal"
In order to determine if the Gita is a religious text we need to know the context and core teachings in which it was said. The Mahabharat war between the Pandavas and Kauravas is the backdrop to the Gita. Arjuna has been in a state of conflict about whether or not to fight. He put his weapons aside and said, "I'm not going to fight." On the battlefield, Krishna counsels him with the psychological effect that can be gaged from when Arjun takes up arms. Therefore Krishna was an successful psychotherapist for the mentally torn Arjun.
The Gita 's 18 chapters with 700 hundred verses are in the form of a dialog between Krishna and Arjun, and set in the Mahabharata's Bhishma Parva. Some main verses are: verse 31 of chapter 2 reads, "There is nothing higher for a Kshatriya than a just war to look at your own duty." By being a personal call-of-character (Swadharma) of Kshatriya Arjuna is called upon to respond to a challenge from an organized un-Aryan force (Adharma), it is his duty not to waver but to fight and defend his sacred national culture. Here the Gita is akin to a General 's army asking his troops to recover the enemy-occupied territories.
"Truthfulness, being free from anger, sharing wealth with others, (Samvibhaga) forgiveness, procreation of children only from one's own wife, purity, absence of enmity, straight forwardness and keeping people dependent on oneself are the nine rules of the dharma of people belonging to all varnas." -Mahabharata Shantiparva
A careful re-reading of the Gita is recommended for those who think that Indic thought encourages inaction by emphasizing fatalistic approach. The Gita places utmost importance on nishkama karma-working arduously and intensely as ordained by one's sense of duty without being attached to the following fruits. "The right is only to work but never to its fruits. Do not be the creator of the fruits of your actions; nor let your commitment to inaction be. Section 11 v.46.
"The mother of the universe is the Gita. No-one 's turning away. I'm going back to the Gita when frustration looks at me in the face and I see not one ray of light all alone. I find a verse here and a verse there and in the midst of devastating tragedies I instantly start smiling. -Mahatma Gandhi
The Gita shows every human being, more than just a religious text, how to establish equanimity in inner life and dealings with the world. It helps one explore the meaning and purpose of life. It asks you to give your best by detached practice, accept the outcome in humility and focus on your acts to learn how you can do better.