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Translation and or meaning of word Dharma.

shanyinshanyin Novice YoginSault Ontario Veteran
edited September 2010 in Buddhism Basics
Hello. I've heard many things about the meaning of the word Dharma:

I heard or read that in the Buddha's time Dharma meant teachings,

I've heard that the translation is "method".

I've heard that it is a 'univsersal principle'.

What is the translation and what does it mean to you?

Comments

  • JeffreyJeffrey Veteran
    edited September 2010
    For me it means teachings. Thats what I understand. I also know it is used to mean 'things' as in 'all dharmas are empty'.
  • questionfulquestionful
    edited September 2010
    Say there is a fire next to some barrels of gunpowder and a fire extinguisher. The Truth of the matter is that there is a fire next to some barrels of gunpowder and a fire extinguisher. However, there is also the Truth that you should take the fire extinguisher and put the fire out. This to me describes Dhamma. Dhamma is the Truth, and the Truth the Truth brings with it. It´s like "well, because of this, then that." Dhamma is both the this and the that. So I guess one way to explain how I see it is, Dhamma is the answer to the question: What is the fourth noble truth and why?
  • Vegan_JackieVegan_Jackie
    edited September 2010
    I was told by a monk once that Dharma means protection. When you practice Dharma you are protecting yourself from suffering and problems. When you protect yourself from suffering you are keeping your mind at peace and by that you can spread happiness to others instead of lashing out and letting hate in. So I guess to me Dharma is a protection from suffering.
  • questionfulquestionful
    edited September 2010
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fVqXx7oTB8o
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