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Meaning of Dharma

The Sanskrit word Dharma comprises the essential ideas of the words truth, virtue and law (Kaviratna). The path of Dhammapada - dhamma or Dharma, was composed by the First Council of Buddhist Elders shortly after the passing of Lord Buddha and consists of a collection of verses giving the essence of Buddha's wisdom. The verses are derived from various sermons delivered by Buddha to all kinds of people from kings and queens to ministers and merchants, peasants and paupers, saints and criminals, the grieving, the distressed, and the monks. Guatama Sakyamuni took on the task of synthesizing "the realism of the physical philosophers with the idealism of the ancient Vedas" to create the Dhammapada, a treatise consisting of 26 cantos which are teachings expressing the universal wisdom of the Buddha Dharma - the eternal wisdom.

The first verse of the Dhammapada attacks the materialism which was prevalent in Buddha's time, and says in essence that the mind is not the product of physical things, but it precedes everything that exists (Kaviratna). It also says that the destruction of the physical body is not the end of existence, but "the external cosmos is a creation of mind integrated into a cosmic order of cause and effect."

According to the Dalai Lama, the perfection of Buddhist practice can be achieved by having the right mental attitude, then all activities, actions and speech become religious (Dalai Lama). It is not necessary to lead a monastic life and recite sacred texts; this type of life is not a good Buddhist life as it helps no one. The first requirement of Buddhist practice is a change in mental attitude. The Three Jewels of Buddha, Dharma and Sangha should be taken as the final refuge and the laws of karma and its consequences need to be regarded, and the person should concentrate on thoughts which will benefit others.

The renunciation of worldly goods brings joy to people, but it is not possible for every...

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Meaning of Dharma. (1969, December 31). In LotsofEssays.com. Retrieved 06:25, March 29, 2024, from https://www.lotsofessays.com/viewpaper/1703396.html