Buddhism is the by-product of dharma
Thangjam Sanjoo Singh *
'Reclining Buddha Temple at Bangkok, Thailand in 2007
The perfect explanation of Dharma according to Buddhism
Dharma means truth, that which really is; it also means law – the law which exists in the man’s own heart and mind; it is the principle of righteousness; therefore, the Buddha advises to man to be noble, pure and worthy of honour. Dharma, this law of righteousness, exists not only in a man’s heart and mind, but exists in the universe also.
The etymological meaning word is ‘ that which has upholds or supports’, therefore is Dharma is every principle on which on the comos operates.
The entire universe is an embodiment or revelation of the Dharma. The law of nature which modern science has discovered is the revelations of Dharma, for Dharma is that law within the universe which makes matter act in the way studied to physics, chemistry, zoology, botany and astronomy. Dharma exists in the universe just as gravity, wind and heat.
The teaching of the Buddha is called Dharma because he explained how natural occurrences take place according to world conditions and universal law. Buddhism is the philosophy of awakening. Buddhism as religion or a science is unique in the importance it attaches to philosophy and metaphysical inquiry. As such, it is often regarded as the most advanced of the philosophic systems of India.
Ethics , science and philosophy are delicately interwoven into the system, which is divorced from mythology and which attempts to unravel the real nature of life. There is no aspect of the Buddha-Dharma, or the Buddha teachings, which does not stem from the logical and rational foundations of that philosophy. The Buddha Dharma is to pave the way for final salvation by leading a noble life.
Buddhism may be defined as way of life, called the the Noble Eightfold Path, leading to a goal called Nirvana. This goal or deliverance is the state of supreme good, because it is free from defects, and has ultimate peace, purity and the highest happiness that our minds can conceive. Yet, it is something , which cannot be conferred by another person, however exalted he or she may be, but must be won by one’s own effort. Buddhism teaches the principle that everything in the world comes on account of something else.
There is no first event or first cause.
Dharma quenches your thirst, the Buddha said
The Buddha said that having drunk this Dharma medicine, you will be ageless and beyond death; having developed and seen the truth, you will be quenched and will be free from craving.
The Buddha said Dharma exists forever
O Monks, whether there is the appearance
of the Perfected Ones
Or there is not the appearance of the Perfected Ones,
There is this established condition of Dharma,
This fixed law of Dharma.
All conditioned phenomena are impermanent,
sorrowful and not self
A perfected one who has fully awakened
Is one who fully understands.
He then declares, expounds, and explains that
All conditioned phenomena are impermanent, sorrowful, ad not self.
Dharma of Buddhism is not appreciated by everybody because
This Dharma is for one who wants little, not for one who wants much.
This Dharma is for the contented, not for the discontented.
This Dharma is for the secluded, not for one who wastes time in the society.
This Dharma is for the energetic, not for the lazy.
This Dharma is for the mindful, and not for the flustered.
This Dharma is for the wise, not for the unwise.
The essence of the Dharma of Buddhism
In its most basic formulation, the essence of the Dharma, the Buddha’s teaching, is sila, samadhi and panna – moral discipline, mental development and enlightenment.
Dharma is above all
No one is above the Dharma. Even the Buddha himself cannot change the Dharma. Dharma is the unconditioned universal law.
Many meaning of the word ” Dharma”
– Nature
– Teaching
– Doctrine
– Wisdom
– Intelligence
– Justice
– Right way
– Truth
– Norm
– Usual
– Primary condition or state
– Merit , meritorious deeds
– Virtue, good conduct or good manners, civility
– Concentration , mental disciplines
– Non-being , non-self
– Transgression
– Disciplinary code
– Law
Dharma is like a wondrous herb that heals the sick
The Buddha opens the gate to liberation to all without discrimination. Caste, class, race, sex or religious labels meant little to him. All can benefit from the Dharma if we strive diligently to cultivate virtue, self-discipline and the mind. The Dharma is like a wondrous herb that heals the sick, regardless of their labels or social, cultural or political affiliations.
The knowledge of the Dharma
According to the Buddha, what human begins need for happiness and liberation are not mere religious beliefs, rituals or mass theories, but the knowledge of the Dharma: universal nature or cosmic nature and complete harmony with the law of cause and effect. Until this principle is fully understood, life is only an imperfect and unpredictable manifestation of its own nature.
Dharma is the highest gift
According to the Buddha, the gift of Dharma excels all gifts
The flavour of Dharma excels all flavours
The pleasure of Dharma excels all pleasures
He who has destroyed craving (tanha) overcomes all sorrow.
* Thangjam Sanjoo Singh wrote this article for The Sangai Express
The writer is the president of Population Health Institute. He can be reached at thangjamsanjoo42(AT)gmail(DOT)com
This article was posted on May 02, 2016.
* Comments posted by users in this discussion thread and other parts of this site are opinions of the individuals posting them (whose user ID is displayed alongside) and not the views of e-pao.net. We strongly recommend that users exercise responsibility, sensitivity and caution over language while writing your opinions which will be seen and read by other users. Please read a complete Guideline on using comments on this website.