Dhamma
The teachings of the Buddha, known as Dhamma, form a profound framework for understanding the true nature of existence and and offer a path to liberation from suffering through wisdom, ethical conduct, and meditation.
At the heart of Buddhist philosophy lies the topic of the three characteristics of all conditioned phenomena
Everything is in a constant state of change, everything that arises, passes away.
All conditioned existence is inherently unsatisfactory or marked by suffering.
There is no permanent, unchanging self or soul. What we consider the “self” is a collection of impermanent processes.
The Four Noble Truths are the cornerstone of the Dhamma, encapsulating the essence of the Buddha’s insight into human existence:
Life in the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth is inherently marked by suffering, dissatisfaction, or unease. This includes physical pain and emotional distress.
Suffering arises from craving, which manifests as desire for sensual pleasures, existence, or non-existence.
The end of suffering is achievable by extinguishing craving and ignorance, leading to ultimate peace.
The way to end suffering is the Noble Eightfold Path.
The Noble Eightfold Path is divided into three trainings:
Wisdom Right View Right Intention
Understanding the Four Noble Truths and the three characteristics.
Cultivating wholesome intentions, such as compassion, renunciation, and harmlessness.
Ethical Conduct Right Speech Right Action Right Livelihood
Speaking truthfully, kindly, and constructively, avoiding lies, slander, and harmful words.
Acting in ways that are non-harming (e.g., refraining from killing, stealing, or harming others).
Earning a living in a way that does not harm other beings.
Meditation Right Effort Right Mindfulness Right Concentration
Cultivating positive mental states and abandoning unwholesome ones.
Awareness of body, feelings, phenomena and observing the mind.
Calming the mind
The Buddha’s teachings are not dogmatic but experiential, encouraging practitioners to test them through personal practice. The Buddhist path is the Middle way, avoiding extremes of indulgence and asceticism, advocating balance in spiritual practice and daily life.