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
By Sanjoo Thangjam
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.
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 cosmos operates.
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
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.
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
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.
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 overcomes all sorrow.
(The writer is a journalist based in Imphal)