Dharma

[Mujin]

I've been hesitant to post this question, as it will seem ridiculously ignorant, but here it goes.
What exactly is the Dharma? Is it just the 4 Noble Truths and 8 fold Path?
Is it the Way, the Dharma we take refuge in?

Gassho,

Mujin

SatTodayLAH

[Jundo]

Hi Mujin,

Not a bad question at all.

Dharma has actually three meanings, different but also related.

First, sometimes written as dharma with a small d, is something like "phenomenon." Any thing, being, event or quality of the universe is a dharma. You are a dharma, rain is a dharma, a star is a dharma, anger and generosity are dharmas, etc. Thus you'll hear teachings in Zen like "all dharmas are ultimately empty of separate self-existence."

Next. Dharma might be said to be reality, or the laws of reality or the cosmos. How reality works and really is. The cosmos abides by Dharma.

Finally, there is Dharma meaning the Buddha's teachings on how reality really is and how things work. All preach the Dharma. So, it is really all his teachings, and really all Buddhist teachings, not just the 4 Noble Truths and 8- fold Path. We take refuge in these teachings.

It can be confusing which of the three is meant in a certain sentence, so depends on context.

Let me know if something there is unclear.

Gassho, Jundo
Stlah

[Junsho]

Indeed, not a stupid question at all. I heard this explanation years ago. In Brazil, we always used to ask, 'Dharma' with a capital D or not?

Gassho!
SatLah

[Mujin]

Hi Mujin,

Not a bad question at all.

Dharma has actually three meanings, different but also related.

First, sometimes written as dharma with a small d, is something like "phenomenon." Any thing, being, event or quality of the universe is a dharma. You are a dharma, rain is a dharma, a star is a dharma, anger and generosity are dharmas, etc. Thus you'll hear teachings in Zen like "all dharmas are ultimately empty of separate self-existence."

Next. Dharma might be said to be reality, or the laws of reality or the cosmos. How reality works and really is. The cosmos abides by Dharma.

Finally, there is Dharma meaning the Buddha's teachings on how reality really is and how things work. All preach the Dharma. So, it is really all his teachings, and really all Buddhist teachings, not just the 4 Noble Truths and 8- fold Path. We take refuge in these teachings.

It can be confusing which of the three is meant in a certain sentence, so depends on context.

Let me know if something there is unclear.

Gassho, Jundo
Stlah

In relation to Zen Buddhism then, in our tradition, are the teachings of Dogen considered Dharma as well?

[Jundo]

Yes. For sure.

Gassho, J
Stlah