Buddhism: The Concept of Dhamma (Dharma) (AQA GCSE Religious Studies A (8062))

The Concept of Dhamma (Dharma)

• Dhamma (or Dharma) generally refers to the Buddha’s teachings

• It also has the following meanings:

  • The “truth” about the nature of existence the Buddha realised when he became enlightened

  • The path of training for enlightenment, including the Eightfold Path

  • A universal “law”, as in a law of nature/the way things are

 The Importance of the Dhamma

• The Dhamma is one of the three refuges (or jewels) of Buddhism. The other two are the Buddha and the Sangha

• Buddhists see these refuges as the central values in their life. Refuge means shelter, and Buddhists go to the three refuges to get shelter from suffering and seek guidance

• Buddhists often recite these words at the start of religious meetings, such as the ceremony where a person becomes a Buddhist:

Spider diagram: The importance of the Dhamma

The Concept of Dependent Arising (Paticcasamupada)

What is Dependent Arising?

• The concept of dependent arising (Paticcasamupada) is the belief that:

  • Everything depends on supporting conditions

  • Everything is interconnected

  • Everything affects everyone

  • Nothing is independent

• Dependent arising also means that everything is in a constant process of change

• Everything, mental or physical, depends on conditions which are constantly changing

Examples of dependence

• This means that dependent arising may influence how a Buddhist behaves:

  • They are aware that their actions have consequences and, therefore, aim to treat others positively

  • Treating others with loving kindness (also known as Metta) will bring Buddhists closer to achieving Nibbana, a process also known as Kamma (or karma)

• Tenzin Gyatso (the Dalai Lama) explained dependent arising like this:

“All events and incidents in life are so intimately linked with the fate of others that a single person on his or her own cannot even begin to act.”

The Tibetan Wheel of Life

• The famous image called The Tibetan Wheel of Life shows how the concept of dependent arising is applied to Samsara:

  • A wheel on the outer edge shows the 12 links or stages (Nidanas) in this process

  • The wheel depicts how human beings are subject to a cycle of birth, death, and rebirth, which can continue for many lifetimes

  • By following the Buddhist path (particularly through breaking the habit of craving), the person can break free of the cycle and may achieve enlightenment and Nibbana

The Tibetan wheel of life

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The Tibetan Wheel of Life image that shows how the concept of dependent arising is applied to samsara.