
What is Dharma Anyway?
Introduction
Let's explore the concept of Dharma—its meaning, its role in Buddhism, and how it connects to wise action in our daily lives. Let’s start by defining Dharma in a straightforward way.
What is Dharma?
In Buddhism, Dharma (or Dhamma in Pali) has several interconnected meanings:
The Teachings of the Buddha
Dharma represents the guidance and wisdom shared by the Buddha. This includes key teachings like the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path.
It’s not just the words of the Buddha—it’s the path of practice and the realization of enlightenment.
The Nature of Reality
Dharma also refers to the true nature of things, including the natural laws of the universe.
For example, we often hear, "All dharmas are without self-essence," which highlights the impermanence and interconnectedness of all phenomena.
A Universal Truth
Dharma is universal, applicable to everyone, regardless of their circumstances. It’s a path we follow to live in harmony with the way things truly are.
In essence, Dharma is both the path and the goal—a guide for reducing suffering and achieving liberation.
Key Aspects of Dharma
Let’s break it down into a few key points:
Universal Truth Dharma is rooted in timeless truths, such as impermanence, suffering, and the absence of a permanent self. Nothing is lost in this universe, Everything Changes, Laws of Cause and Effect
The Three Jewels Buddhists take refuge in the Buddha (the awakened one/you/teacher) the Sangha (community), and the Dharma (the truth or teachings). These "Three Jewels" form the foundation of the Buddhist path.
Practical Application Dharma is not just philosophy. It’s practical—it teaches us how to live through meditation, mindfulness, and ethical conduct.
Individual Interpretation While the core teachings remain the same, how we apply Dharma in our lives varies depending on our unique circumstances. Come and see for yourself. See what is true for you.
How Do We Practice Dharma Today?
Here are some common ways people engage with Dharma in their daily lives:
Meditation
Practicing meditation helps us calm our minds and see reality more clearly.
Ethical Conduct
Living by principles such as right speech, right action, and right livelihood fosters a harmonious life.
Study of Texts
Reading and reflecting on Buddhist teachings deepens our understanding.
Community Practices
Chanting, Dharma talks, and retreats provide support and encouragement on the path.
Wise Action: Living the Dharma
Let’s connect Dharma to daily life through the lens of wise action.
Phillip Moffitt writes in Dancing with Life:
"Wise action is any action that liberates the mind, moves you toward freedom from suffering, and supports a feeling of well-being that is independent of external conditions."
Wise action isn’t just about major decisions; it’s about the small, everyday choices we make:
How we speak and act toward others.
How we eat, work, and rest.
How we pace ourselves and treat our own minds and bodies.
The Buddha taught that our happiness depends on our own actions, not external conditions. When we act from a place of harmlessness and goodwill, we are cultivating wise action.
“The great way” “The Truth” “The laws of nature” “the way things are”.
Cultivating Wisdom and Compassion
In Buddhism, we often talk about "cultivating wisdom and compassion." This requires patience and effort, just like growing a garden:
Wisdom comes from listening to the teachings, contemplating their truth, and integrating them into our lives.
Compassion arises as we train our minds through meditation, learning to respond to life’s challenges with kindness and understanding.
Meditation, such as sitting meditation, helps us calm the mind and see beyond the noise of constant thoughts. Over time, this practice leads to deeper awareness and insight, enabling us to live in alignment with the Dharma.
Stephen Batchelor, author of Buddhism Without Beliefs, explains, "Dharma practice requires the courage to confront what it means to be human.”
Dharma is the cosmic order, a path of right action guided by ethical principles, encouraging one to live in harmony with oneself, others, and the universe, ultimately leading to liberation from suffering through mindful awareness.
Key points:
Wise action: Following moral principles and acting with compassion.
Inner harmony: Cultivating a peaceful and balanced mind through meditation and self-reflection.
Universal truth: Recognizing the interconnectedness of all beings and the underlying order of existence
Closing Reflection
Living in harmony with Dharma isn’t something we master overnight. It’s a lifelong journey of study, practice, and reflection. As we cultivate patience, wisdom, and compassion, we learn to let go of suffering and find true liberation.
Let’s carry this understanding into our week, observing how the principles of Dharma can guide our actions and decisions.
I learned of a dharma talk Sally Armstrong once did entitled: “the Dharma in six words” from a teacher, David Chernikoff. This is a shorter explanation to encapsulate the essence of the Buddhist teachings if that's even possible? We will leave you with those words to practice with, and remember and see for yourself:
Pay Attention
Don’t Cling
Be Kind
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