The dhamma/dharma

The Dhamma/Dharma

Definition

  • Dhamma (Pali) or Dharma (Sanskrit) refers to the teachings and doctrines of Buddhism, as put forth by Siddhartha Gautama, the Buddha.

Relationship with the Buddha

  • Dhamma is considered one of the Three Jewels of Buddhism, alongside the Buddha and the Sangha (the community of monks and nuns).
  • After achieving Enlightenment, the Buddha taught the Dhamma to guide others on the path to liberation from suffering.

The Four Noble Truths

  • At the core of the Dhamma are The Four Noble Truths, which depict the reality of existence, including the universality of suffering, its cause, and the means to end it.
  • These truths are: Dukkha (suffering), Samudāya (the origin of suffering), Nirodha (the cessation of suffering), and Magga (the path leading to cessation of suffering).

The Noble Eightfold Path

  • The Dhamma contains the practise of the Noble Eightfold Path as the recommended way of life to alleviate suffering and achieve spiritual Enlightenment.
  • This path includes: right understanding, right thought, right speech, right action, right livelihood, right effort, right mindfulness, and right concentration.

The Five Precepts

  • Included in the Dhamma are The Five Precepts which outline moral guidelines for Buddhists: refraining from harming living beings, stealing, sexual misconduct, lying, and the use of intoxicants.
  • These precepts provide a moral compass for Buddhists to live ethically and mindfully.

Significance for Buddhists

  • Understanding and following the Dhamma guides Buddhists towards peace, freedom from suffering and ultimately, Nirvana.
  • Additionally, a proper understanding of Dharma ensures proper understanding and application of Karma and assists in escaping the cycle of Samsara.

Preservation and Continuation of the Dhamma

  • The Dhamma is preserved and studied in Buddhist scriptures, such as The Tripitaka, ensuring its continuity for future generations of Buddhists.
  • It is also propagated through verbal teachings by the Sangha and lay teachers, and through observing it being practised in day-to-day life by practising Buddhists.

Importance of Dhamma

  • Living in accordance with the Dhamma, Buddhists believe, brings harmony and balance to their lives and helps progress towards Enlightenment.
  • For Buddhists, the Dhamma’s laws underpin every aspect of life, dictating the way individuals should behave and treat others to live a life of compassion and peace.