The full purpose of the Dhamma
(Skt. ‘DHARMA’) is to understand and heal DUKKHA; to develop compassion; to cease harm and develop good, to cultivate the path of peace.
The Four Noble Truths
1. It is true: There is Dukkha;
The harm and ill of ignorance, darkness and confusion, misunderstanding, greed, hatred and delusion.
2. It is true: Dukkha arises with a cause;
Reactive need, close mindedness, mistaken views, confused intent.
3. It is true: Dukkha can be purified;
Addressed, thought about. It is not permanent; harm can be reduced, transformed, brought to an end.
4. It is true: There is a way to bring an end to Dukkha;
The Eightfold Noble Path; steps to take; compassion.
The Eightfold Noble Path
1. SAMMA DITTHI
2. SAMMA SANKAPPO
3. SAMMA VACA
4. SAMMA KAMMANTO
5. SAMMA AJĪVO
6. SAMMA VAYAMO
7. SAMMA SATI
8. SAMMA SAMADHI
The fourth noble truth is realized through practicing the eightfold noble path and the ideas and practices that arise through the eightfold path.
1. Sammā ditthi – right understanding of the Dhamma, causative and interested.
2. Sammā sankappo – right intention resolution, aspiration and creative thought.
3. Sammā vācā – right speech, communication, dialogue, negotiation.
4. Sammā kammanto – right occupation, daily work, business, job, profession, craft.
5. Sammā ājīvo – right way of living, framework for engaging life.
6. Sammā vāyāmo – right effort, struggle and endeavour; actual and effective.
7. Sammā sati – right mindfulness and memory; balanced, calm and interested, attentive and engaged.
8. Sammā samādhi – right focus, contemplation; undistracted and aware.
The first two, sammā ditthi and sammā sankappo are known as PAÑÑA – wisdom.
The second three, sammā vācā, sammā kammanto and sammā ājīvo are known as SĪLA – morality and ethics.
The last three, sammā vāyāmo, sammā sati and sammā samādhi are known as SATI – mindfulness.
From the Theravada Dhamma Training Text from Karma Lama Chime Shore.
Copyright: Coorain, Origins Centre (Society Incorporated) Inc.