The concept of Dhamma (Dharma)
Amalasiddhi talks about his life as a Buddhist
The Dhamma (Dharma)Dhamma is Buddhist doctrine about the nature of existence and includes the teachings of the Buddha., as taught by the BuddhaThe founder of Buddhism, Siddhartha Gautama, after his enlightenment. It is a title which means the enlightened or awakened one., is about overcoming dissatisfaction or suffering, which Buddhists call dukkhaSuffering, illness, dissatisfaction or imperfection. An unavoidable fact of existence according to the first Noble Truth of Buddhism.. The Dhamma refers to Buddhist DoctrineA set of beliefs or teachings held by a religion or within a particular subject. and is often interpreted to mean the ‘teachings of the Buddha’.
This doctrine was originally passed through word of mouth from the Buddha to his group of followers. These teachings were not written down for many years. They first appeared in written form in the Pali canonThe collection of scriptures preserved in the Theravada Buddhist tradition., also known as the Tipitaka. Other teachings followed, including the Mahayana sutrasSacred Buddhist scriptures..
The Dhamma reveals truths as taught by the Buddha. It also gives people a way to live life that can lead them towards achieving enlightenmentThe realisation of the truth about life. In Buddhism it releases a person from the cycle of rebirth.. It encourages Buddhists to follow the Noble Eightfold PathBuddhist practises that can lead to the end of suffering and the cycle of rebirth: right views, right thinking, right speech, right action, right livelihood, right effort, right mindfulness and right meditation. and to practise meditationThinking quietly as a spiritual or religious exercise. Connection of the mind and soul with the Divine using breathing and other techniques. In Buddhism, using one of a set of techniques or exercises for calming the mind, developing positive emotions and understanding the way things are.. Buddhists believe that following the Dhamma in their daily practice, can help them to overcome suffering.
The Dhamma is one of the 'Three RefugesThe three most important features of the Buddhist life, recited as an expression of belief and commitment: I take refuge in the Buddha, I take refuge in the Sangha, I take refuge in the dhamma (teaching).' of Buddhism, which are the Buddha, the Dhamma and the SanghaThe Buddhist community of people who practice the faith, usually used to mean the community of monks and nuns. . Buddhists see these refuges as ways through which they can be protected from suffering they encounter in the world.
Beliefs about Dhamma
The majority of Buddhists believe the same things about the Buddha and his teachings.
Dhamma means 'to uphold', and therefore it is central to Buddhist belief as it 'holds up' the religion and Buddhists may also believe that it upholds the natural order of the universe. Dhamma is based upon the actions and teachings of the Buddha, which Buddhists are encouraged to follow. For example, a Buddhist may follow the Noble Eightfold Path to overcome extremes of behaviour.