Dhamma

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Dhamma is a term derived from the Sanskrit word 'Dharma' which refers to the
universal law based on righteousness. It is an essential aspect of Buddhism as it holds
up the religion and is the central theme of Buddhism. Dhamma teaches people a way
to live a life that can lead them to achieve enlightenment by revealing the truth as
taught by Buddha. It is based on the actions and teachings of Sangha and is one of
the Three Refuges of Buddhism. The Dhamma teaches people to overcome
dissatisfaction or suffering (dukkha), which is the central message of Buddhism. The
teachings of Dhamma were initially passed through the sayings of Buddha to his
group of followers and were not written down for many years. These teachings first
appeared in written form in the Pali script, also known as the Tipitaka. The Dhamma
encourages Buddhists to follow the Noble Eightfold Path and to practice meditation to
help them overcome their sufferings. Buddhists believe that by following Dhamma in
their daily practice, they can be protected from the suffering that they encounter in
the world.
In Buddhist Dhamma, certain words hold great significance. One of these words is
Nibbana. It refers to the state where a person has achieved complete understanding
and has broken free from the cycle of samsara. Nibbana is the Pali term for the
Sanskrit word "Nirvana".

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According to Joseph Goldstein, the Pali term Nibbana is more appropriate to use than
its Sanskrit form Nirvana. This is because Nirvana has been used in various ways that
have only a vague connection to its original meaning. For instance, Nirvana has been
used as a name for restaurants, rock bands, health drinks, coffee, and perfume. By
using the Pali term Nibbana, we can explore its profound meaning and recognize that
our understanding of it will always be incomplete until we become arahants.
Anatta, which refers to the doctrine of non-self, Anicca, which means impermanence,
and Dukkha, which refers to pain, distress, and suffering, are other essential words of
Buddhist Dhamma.

1
Web source: The concept of Dhamma (Dharma) - Dhamma in Buddhism - GCSE Religious Studies Revision - AQA
- BBC Bitesize (Date accessed – 27th September)
2
2.Joseph Goldstein,2021, Reflections on Nibbana( Nibbana-article-2021.11.5-FINAL_Updated.pdf
(buddhistinquiry.org) Buddhist Inquiry. (Date accessed –28th September)
Buddha
Buddhism is a religion that originated around 2,500 years ago and was founded by a
man named Siddhartha Gautama, who later became known as the Buddha. Despite
being born into a wealthy family, he chose to leave his comfortable life and embark on
a spiritual journey to discover the meaning of life.
For Buddhists, the Buddha's life and teachings are of great significance and are
considered the foundation of their beliefs and way of life. The Buddha was born in
Lumbini, which is now a part of Nepal, to royal parents of the Sakya clan. However, he
decided to follow a different path and renounced his luxurious lifestyle to seek
answers to important questions about human suffering and how it can be alleviated.
After years of practicing meditation and living an ascetic life, he attained
enlightenment at Bodh Gaya. Following his enlightenment, the Buddha travelled
throughout the lower Indo-Gangetic Plain, teaching and establishing a monastic order.
He taught the path to Nirvana, which is the ultimate goal of Buddhism and represents
freedom from the cycle of rebirth, suffering, and ignorance. The Noble Eightfold Path,
which includes ethical and meditative practices such as mindfulness, kindness, and
restraint, summarizes the Buddha's teachings. He passed away in Kushinagar, where
he attained Parinibbana.
Throughout Asia, the Buddha has been revered by different religions and
communities. A few centuries after his death, he came to be known as the Buddha,
which means "Enlightened One." His disciples compiled his teachings in the Vinaya
and Sutta Pitaka. During the Buddha's lifetime, religious traditions in India focused on
the worship of deities and faith in God. However, the Buddha's message was different
and focused on spiritual development without reference to any particular deity. He
also emphasized the importance of compassion and opposed discrimination based on
caste and gender.

Ashoka’s Policy of Dhamma

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Ashoka, the son of Mauryan Emperor Bindusara and Subhadrangi, was a visionary
king who was renowned for his policy of Dhamma. This policy was a comprehensive
moral code that guided the behaviour of the people under his rule.
Ashoka's inscriptions were replete with references to Dhamma, which was designed to
be all-encompassing, acceptable, and relevant to people from all cultures and
religions. Dhamma was a broad concept that aimed to promote inclusivity and
tolerance of individuals, regardless of their social standing or background. It also
emphasized care for slaves, servants, and the elderly, as well as giving to the
destitute, Brahmans, and Sarmanas.
Ashoka's policy called for tolerance of various religious factions and other welfare
initiatives, such as tree planting and well digging, which were all aimed at promoting
the well-being of the people.
To ensure that the many components of Dhamma were executed effectively and
popularized throughout the land, Ashoka established a corps of officials known as the
Dhamma Mahamattas. These officials were tasked with spreading Ashoka's message
to all segments of society, regardless of their status or background. Ashoka's policy of
3
Dharma vs Dhamma: Common Misconceptions and Accurate Usage (thecontentauthority.com)
(Date accessed – 1st October)
Ashoka's Dhamma - Ancient India History Notes (prepp.in) (Date accessed – 1st October)
Dhamma was non-religious, and he emphasized respect for elders, refraining from
harming animals and being generous to friends. In addition, Ashoka's efforts were
aimed at promoting the well-being of all, and his policies and initiatives had far-
reaching effects on the society of his time. Overall, Ashoka's policy of Dhamma was a
reflection of his commitment to promoting social justice, inclusivity, and tolerance,
and it remains an enduring legacy of his reign.

Dhamma and Dharma

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Conclusion
The Dhamma philosophy is deeply rooted in the teachings and actions of Buddha, and
as such, it holds great significance for those who follow Buddhism. At its core,
Dhamma emphasizes values such as peace, enlightenment, and freedom from the
cycle of birth and death known as ‘samsara’. It also promotes the idea of salvation or
liberation, which can be achieved by following its principles.

During the reign of Ashoka, Dhamma evolved into a policy of administration. As a

king, Ashoka promoted the principles of Dhamma and encouraged his subjects to
adopt its teachings in order to live a life of peace and prosperity. Under his leadership,
Dhamma became a way of life for many people, and its influence spread throughout
India and beyond. Ashoka's efforts to promote Dhamma were not limited to his own
kingdom.

He also sent emissaries to other countries to spread the word of Dhamma and
promote peace and non-violence. As a result, Dhamma became one of the most
influential philosophies of its time, and its principles continue to be followed by
millions of people around the world today.

Dhamma is a complex concept that encompasses many fundamental principles of

Buddhism. In addition to the idea of Dharma, which emphasizes the importance of
living a moral and virtuous life, Dhamma also includes the Four Noble Truths and the
Noble Eightfold Path. These principles provide a roadmap for spiritual growth and
enlightenment, and are essential to the Buddhist philosophy.

Moreover, Dhamma advocates for the idea of equality among individuals, regardless
of their caste or social status. This means that everyone is considered equal and
should be treated with respect and dignity. Additionally, Dhamma promotes non-
violence and peace as a way of life. This is because Buddhism believes that all living
beings are interconnected, and that violence and aggression only lead to suffering
and unhappiness. Overall, Dhamma is a comprehensive philosophy that encompasses
many aspects of Buddhist thought. By following its principles, individuals can achieve
spiritual growth, inner peace, and a greater understanding of the world around them.

By- Mohana Dutta

Roll no. – 20233838

Course- BA (Hons) Political Science

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The Four Noble Truths and The Noble Eightfold Path

The teachings of Buddha can be comprehensively understood through two
principles, namely, the Four Noble Truths and the Noble Eightfold Path. The
Four Noble Truths, which are considered the main elements of the Buddha's
teachings by many Buddhists, are as follows:

- The truth of suffering (dukkha) - accepting that all life is impermanent and
5.

imperfect and that it involves suffering (frustration or dissatisfaction).

- The truth of the origin of suffering (samudaya) - knowing that there are things
in life that cause suffering, such as desire, which is the need for things to be a
certain way.

- The truth of the end of suffering (nirodha) - understanding that suffering can
be ended if we detach ourselves from craving and desire.

- The truth of the path to the end of suffering (magga) - knowing that there is a
way to end suffering: the Noble Eightfold Path.

The internal unity of the Dhamma is ensured by the fact that the last of the
Four Noble Truths, the truth of the way, is the Noble Eightfold Path, while the
first factor of the Noble Eightfold Path, right view, is the understanding of the
Four Noble Truths. The Noble Eightfold Path, also known as the Threefold Way,
contains the three basic aspects of Buddhist life, which are ethics, meditation,
and wisdom.

The Noble Eightfold Path is not a set of steps but rather eight guiding principles
that suggest the way to end suffering and ultimately achieve enlightenment. It
is also known as the Middle Way, as it avoids the extremes of self-indulgence
and self-mortification. To follow the path is a matter of practice rather than
intellectual knowledge, and it requires a strong commitment to personal
transformation.

6.
The Eightfold Path consists of the following:

1. Right view - understanding the Four Noble Truths and the nature of reality.

2. Right intention - having the right attitude and motivation.

5. The Four Noble Truths - Life and teachings of the Buddha - Edexcel - GCSE Religious Studies
Revision - Edexcel - BBC Bitesize (Date accessed – 4th October
6. The Noble Eightfold Path: The Way to the End of Suffering (accesstoinsight.org) (Date
accessed- 3rd October)

3. Right speech - speaking truthfully and kindly.

4. Right action - acting ethically and with compassion.

5. Right livelihood - earning a living in a way that does not harm others.

6. Right effort - making an effort to cultivate positive qualities and eliminate

negative ones.

7. Right mindfulness - being aware of one's thoughts, feelings, and sensations

without judgment.

8. Right concentration - cultivating focused attention and tranquillity through

meditation.

To apply the path correctly, it has to be properly understood. In fact, right

understanding of the path is itself a part of the practice. It is a facet of right
view, the first path factor, the forerunner and guide for the rest of the path.
Thus, though initial enthusiasm might suggest that the task of intellectual
comprehension may be shelved as a bothersome distraction, mature
consideration reveals it to be quite essential to ultimate success in the
practice.

Buddhists believe that everything comes from something else, and if the cause
of suffering is removed, then the suffering will be stopped. By working through
the Four Noble Truths and following the teachings of Buddha, a Buddhist can
"blow out" the Three Poisons of greed, hatred, and ignorance, which
perpetuate human suffering. This makes it possible to reach enlightenment and
attain liberation from the cycle of birth and death (samsara).