“Buddhism is a personal journey into the depths of one’s heart and mind—an exploration of who we are and what we are. The Teachings of the Buddha show us how to rediscover that essence and come to a full realization of that reality.”
—Dzogchen Ponlop Rinpoche, Wild Awakening
Buddha Dharma
Motivated by great love for all beings, the Buddha shared countless methods for transforming suffering, living skillfully, and waking up from confusion. He taught each person according to what would be most helpful for their unique situation and interests. These different methods are called dharma practices. The goal of dharma practice is not to go to heaven, gain the favor of a deity, or to obey spiritual or cultural laws, but—with compassion and an awareness of interconnection—attain wellbeing and liberation. All dharma practices work with one main point: getting to know your own mind. In this sense, dharma practice is a journey to discover who you truly are; a journey towards freedom, developing positive qualities, and authenticity. This is reflected in the many meanings of this Sanskrit term “dharma”: reality, spiritual path, and quality.
The Buddha Transforms Indian Cultural Roots
The Buddha did not invent the term “dharma” or dharma practice. In Indian culture, a person’s dharma referred to their particular lifeway or caste—being a householder, wandering yogi, worker, business owner, ruler, etc.—and the cultural and spiritual guidelines for how to live. In this sense, dharma was one’s duty to customs and mundane and spiritual law; how each person should act according to their social location. The Buddha did not embrace this idea of dharma practice and rejected the caste system of social hierarchy. Instead, he taught dharma practice according to each individual’s needs and interests regardless of their place or rank in society. For the Buddha, dharma practice is about how to skillfully relate with oneself and the world. Whatever disposition or aims a person has in life, dharma practice encourages insight into how one’s actions can lead to wellbeing or suffering for oneself, other people, beings, systems, and the environment.
Personal Dharma Practice
Dharma practice as taught by the Buddha is personal and comes in many forms: meditations, reflections, logical inquiry, as well as rituals, physical exercises, and devotional rites. Your practice doesn’t have to look like anyone else’s. Monks and nuns, wandering yogis, and householders with families practice dharma. Those on the Buddhist path to enlightenment practice dharma as well as those who are not Buddhist, but seek to live meaningful, compassionate lives. Your personal dharma practice begins with questions. Perhaps you can articulate a question in words, or maybe it is just a feeling of curiosity and inquisitiveness. In Buddhism, this questioning, curious, and open heart is the ground for the path of awakening.
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