There are ten characteristics of religion. There are many misconceptions and doubts about religion in the society, so at this stage religion should be taken as an art to live a proper life. While describing ten characteristics of religion, it is said in Manusmriti that 'धारणात् धर्म इत्याहुः धर्मो धारयति प्रजाः।' means those who adopt it is religion. The religion contains the preachings given by Gandhiji also, such as truth, non-violence, abstinence from theft, celibacy and hardwork. In Manusmriti also the characteristics of religion such as - धृति, क्षमा, दम, अस्तेय, शौचम, इन्द्रियनिग्रह, बुद्धि, विद्या, सत्य and अक्रोध are described.