The word “Dharma”, is a Sanskrit word that has many meanings. The Buddhist definition of this word is the nature of reality regarded as a universal truth taught by the Buddha. The Dharma also refers to Buddhist doctrine and is often interpreted to mean the ‘teachings of the Buddha’.
We love Robert Aitken’s, author of The Dragon Who Never Sleeps: Verses for Zen Buddhist Practice, interpretation of the Buddha’s original essential teachings — the Four Noble Truths:
1. Anguish is everywhere.
2. We desire permanent existence of ourselves and for our loved ones, and we desire to prove ourselves independent of others and superior to them. These desires conflict with the way things are: nothing abides, and everything and everyone depends upon everything and everyone else. This conflict causes our anguish, and we project this anguish on those we meet.
3. Release from anguish comes with the personal acknowledgment and resolve: we are here together very briefly, so let us accept reality fully and take care of one another while we can.
4. This acknowledgement and resolve are realized by following the Eightfold Path: Right Views, Right Thinking, Right Speech, Right Conduct, Right Livelihood, Right Effort, Right Recollection, and Right Meditation. Here “Right” means “correct” or “accurate” — in keeping with the reality of impermanence and interdependence.”
At Awake Wellness we strive to live the Dharma and are committed to offering these practices in alignment with the highest good of all beings and in service of awakening the hearts and minds everywhere.