Brief Introduction to Dhamma
While life is a condition we find ourselves already in, we are not very sure of its purpose, meaning or direction. and though life or existence is a given, the material requisites to sustain it aren’t. So we are in constant pursuit of food, clothing, shelter and other requisites for survival. In this pursuit we are forced to make many decisions and these decisions are often dictated by the beliefs system and perspectives we Inherited from society. Unfortunately the choices we make have significant impact on the course of our life, the joys and sorrows we encounter and the circumstances we end up in. Instead of providing a system of belief, be it theistic or atheistic, materialist or idealist, democratic or communist; the Buddha’s teachings attempt at helping us make skillful choices and avoid unskillful ones.
The parameter for recognizing a choice or an action to be skillful or otherwise is not the ambiguous standards of what is considered good or bad by specific societies or religious groups but rather the impact of choice on oneself and others.
If for instance a choice is motivated by greed, the individual immediately starts experiencing dissatisfaction and unease, for afterall greed is but the sense of lack of what is desired. Also ones actions and attitude towards towards others will be one of jealousy and covetousness and in extreme circumstances one may even try to acquire others possessions by stealing or unlawful means.
Similarly when a choice is motivated by anger, the individual becomes deeply agitated, stressed and dissatisfied and also ends up hurting others who come in contact with him by using harsh or abusive language or in extreme circumstances even physical violence.
To live and act in a way that doesn’t harm oneself and others is itself then the fundamental goal of life that man must aspire towards. To understand that actions motivated be greed, hatred and delusion lead to suffering while actions born out of generosity, love and wisdom create happiness is to understand the essence of spiritual life. And to live in accord with these principles is to live in harmony with nature(dhamma). Conversely, adhering blindly to beliefs, ideologies, philosophies and dogmas only end up dividing humanity and creating differences, struggle and wars.
By opting for a harmonious course of life( eight fold path) which is pragmatic and aimed at end of all forms of suffering, it is not only possible to find joy and harmony in our daily lives but also find the transcendental happiness, often referred to by sages and saints as Nirvana or Moksha. It is in fact the complete cessation of greed, hatred and delusion from mind, the defilements which are at the root of all stress and suffering.
As long as man exists exists, he lives in fear of losing people he loves and often he has to associate with disagreeable people and circumstances. Such suffering is unavoidable. Also there is the constant fear of sickness, old-age and death. Our usual approach towards these is often one of denial as our worldly pursuits and accomplishments are incapable of alleviating the fear, anxiety and dissatisfaction arising from facing the hard truths of life. Nibbana is the only way to overcome this suffering.
The path towards this unconditioned freedom is to become aware of ourselves in our actions, speech and intentions. The more sensitive we become of our actions and their underlying motivations, the less likely it is that we act based on greed , hatred or delusion. Progressively this awareness and understanding transforms our thoughts, speech and actions, in fact our very life and thus leads towards a purity of mind which is sublime, peaceful and free from all suffering.