Dharma cannot be comprehended by our senses, but through mental understanding we can experience it, then live it, then be it.
What is Dharma
The technical definition of Dharma is related to the order of, or natural law of the universe. In a more simplified version, it refers to our moral conduct, precepts and teachings (which are a sort of law) of a master and method. Since the master represents God, Dharma becomes the holy teachings of God. Dharma is the real truth, not theory in a book as it is said that Dharma cannot be spoken, it must be imparted, experienced and shared.
As with all things Buddhist, the definition is somewhat complicated and abstract. The word itself is an ancient Indian Sanskrit, closely related to the Pali form known as Dhamma. In other languages, it is known as ‘fa’ in Chinese, ‘ho’ in Japanese, and ‘chos’ in Tibetan.
- Guru was the Buddha
- Sangha was his original Arhats, monks, nuns and lay disciples. These days there are millions of followers who practice to some degree
- Dharma are the precepts, diet, meditation, holy Sutra’s and the way of life
For Christianity
- Jesus Christ was the master
- Sangha were the Apostles and those he baptized by the light (his disciples)
- Dharma are the commandments, Holy Bible and covenant with God
In eastern philosophy there are also Dharma guards or protectors. Buddha had highly elevated invisible beings protecting his temples and followers from astral/hell beings. Often in front of temples you will see statues of these beings, often they look demonic or quite ugly because they came from lower realms to be uplifted by the master, with a duty to protect the sacred assembly. These days we have symbolic dharma guards that look after the congregation just like body guards.
