R  E  S  O  U  R  C  E  S

Dhamma

Dhamma as a refuge?

The Dhamma is usually thought of as the teachings of the Buddha. These teachings are really just expressions of natural law - particularly the laws of human nature. When we take refuge in Dhamma we take refuge in the teachings of the Buddha - which is refuge in the truth and purity of (our own) nature. Having some faith in the possibility of enlightenment we can then think of his teachings as a good guide to realise our own enlightenment; freedom. So, refuge in Dhamma naturally follows refuge in Buddha - confidence in the life, teaching and realisation of the Buddha inspires confidence in the lifestyle he suggests, in what he taught and the possibility of enlightenment.

When you are travelling in a strange country you can take refuge, or feel safe, using a good map to guide you safely home. In the same way you can take refuge, or trust in using the Buddha's teaching to guide you 'home'. The 'shelter' of freedom is actually my real home.

Dhamma is sometimes just translated as 'nature.' The trees are Dhamma, the clouds are Dhamma, my body is Dhamma; in fact, everything is Dhamma. The trees and the clouds are true to their nature – just trees and clouds – not pretending to be anything else. Human beings aren't always true to their nature. Sometimes I pretend I can when I can't; I think I'm something when I'm not; I say I will when I won't. Some humans can't be trusted to be truthful; to offer the truth. We try and fake it. But when I am really true to my own nature I am free of lies, I am perfectly natural.

I can take refuge in the truth of the Buddha's teaching (the Dhamma) and I can take refuge in the truth of nature (the Dhamma).

On the teachings themselves see the "Teachings" section [§] and for details on the scriptures - the physical form in which the teachings appear see "Art & Culture [§].