Dhamma

Dhamma:
The Buddha’s teachings, also known as the universal law.

Sangha:
The worldwide community of people who follow the Buddha’s teachings.

The meaning of Dhamma

Universal law
Buddhists believe that the Buddha explained something about life that was already a fact, that suffering exists and a way out of it.

Path of training
Buddhists believe that the Buddha recommended a specific way or ‘path’ for people to live their lives to reach enlightenment.

Refuge
Buddhists take refuge (look for safety from suffering) in the Buddha’s teaching because they believe it can lead them away from suffering.

Truth
Buddhists believe that the Buddha realised how things really are, i.e. found out the truth about why suffering happens.

“My teaching is like a raft used to cross the river.”
Thich Nhat Hanh

“To the Dhamma for refuge I go.”
Buddhist teaching

Buddhists believe that suffering is a painful experience that all humans go through. However, the Buddha taught that it is possible to leave suffering behind by following his teachings (Dhamma). This can be interpreted as the Dhamma offering safety from suffering, if a Buddhist chooses to follow what the Buddha taught.

Dependent origination

Dependent origination links to the middle way because everything comes from something.

You should avoid extremes.

The cycle of life, death and rebirth repeats.

The wheel of life keeps turning because of hatred, greed and ignorance (three poisons).

The way to end the wheel of suffering is by following the Eightfold path.

The Three Refuges

1.The Buddha
•Analyse how the Buddha can be a source of refuge to Buddhists today.
2.The Dhamma
•Analyse how can the Dhamma help Buddhists to escape suffering.
3.The Sangha
•Analyse how the Sangha can support Buddhists to reach enlightenment.