Significance of Dharma teaching
Dharma teaching in Buddhism encompasses a range of principles and instructions aimed at guiding individuals towards enlightenment and ethical living. It includes the teachings from the Buddha, spiritual friends, and enlightened beings, all promoting understanding of life and the nature of reality. In Jainism, Dharma teaching focuses on spiritual knowledge and ethical guidance, while Tibetan Buddhism emphasizes moral duties and the path to enlightenment as taught through various teachings. Across these traditions, Dharma teachings play a crucial role in spiritual education and liberation.
Synonyms: Buddhist teaching, Spiritual guidance, Wisdom teachings, Religious education, Philosophical doctrine, Spiritual instruction, Religious doctrine, Sacred teaching, Spiritual enlightenment
In Dutch: Dharma-onderwijs; In Finnish: Dharma opetus; In Spanish: Enseñanza del Dharma
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Dharma teaching'
Dharma teaching in Buddhism encompasses the wisdom and instructions provided by the Buddha and enlightened beings, aimed at guiding practitioners towards enlightenment, moral living, and understanding reality, helping sentient beings achieve spiritual liberation.
From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra
(1) The Buddhist teachings that Bakabrahma learned from Venerable Shariputra and Maudgalyayana.[1] (2) The teachings provided by the Tathagata regarding the nature of reality, which are said to occur as infrequently as the Udumbara flower's blooming.[2] (3) The inexhaustible preaching and teaching practice of bodhisattvas, which is both indomitable and contributes to their fearlessness.[3] (4) The core teachings of Buddhism, which, when preached well, gain acknowledgment and respect even from the gods.[4] (5) The act in which Sagaranagarajaduhita engaged while emitting light and conveying the teachings of the Buddha.[5]
From: Karandavyuha Sutra
(1) The teachings of Bodhisattva Mahasattva Avalokiteshvara to the Yakshas and Rakshasas focused on the accumulation of merit.[6] (2) The teachings provided by Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara to guide Bali toward creating merit and gaining wisdom.[7] (3) The lessons imparted by Avalokiteshvara focused on contemplating and turning the mind towards achieving nirvana.[8] (4) The teachings imparted by Bodhisattva Mahasattva Avalokiteshvara to the Asuras, meant to guide them toward enlightenment.[9]
From: Lotus Sutra
(1) The process by which a bodhisattva shares the teachings of the Buddha, intended for the cultivation of wisdom and compassion among sentient beings.[10] (2) The Dharma teachings are the instructions and wisdom provided by the Tathagata, aimed at guiding sentient beings towards liberation and enlightenment.[11] (3) The teachings and principles expounded by the Buddha that guide practitioners toward enlightenment and moral living.[12]
From: Vimalakirti Nirdesa Sutra
(1) The teachings attributed to the Tathágata, which guide beings towards enlightenment and understanding of ultimate reality.[13] (2) Instructions and principles given by the Tathágata and other enlightened beings to guide living beings toward enlightenment and moral conduct.[14] (3) The imparting of Buddha's teachings about the nature of reality and the path to liberation.[15]
From: Bodhisattvacharyavatara
(1) The teachings of the Buddha that guide individuals in their practice and understanding of spiritual principles.[16] (2) The spiritual lessons and guidelines provided by the buddhas to their followers.[17] (3) The teachings of the dharma that students listen to and practice, central to their spiritual education.[18]
From: Mahavastu (great story)
(1) The wisdom and teachings of the Buddha that were conveyed to his followers and the people present when he was in Rajagriha.[19] (2) The Buddhist teachings that the Exalted One imparts, which serve to guide followers towards understanding the nature of existence and achieving spiritual liberation.[20]
From: Vimalakirti Sutra
(1) The instruction and wisdom shared by the Buddha and bodhisattvas that guide practitioners toward enlightenment.[21]
From: Vimalakirti Nirdesa Sutra
(1) The Buddha's teachings which guide followers towards enlightenment and liberation.[22]
From: Shurangama Sutra (with commentary) (English)
(1) The instruction on spiritual truths, but can be misrepresented by individuals under demonic influence who distort the message.[23]
From: Blue Annals (deb-ther sngon-po)
(1) The teachings relating to the nature of existence and the path to enlightenment, imparted by dam pa.[24] (2) The religious instructions and messages that mkha' spyod dbang po imparted to his disciples and followers throughout his life.[25] (3) Religious instructions and philosophies imparted to g. Yag sde paN chen from a variety of teachers throughout his life.[26] (4) Refers to the practice of teaching the principles of Buddhism, particularly the ethical code provided by the Vinaya.[27] (5) The core teachings of Buddhism, emphasizing the way of truth and ethical living according to the Buddha's guidelines.[28]
From: Tattvasangraha [with commentary]
(1) Instruction and principles related to the natural law and order, specific to spiritual and ethical conduct.[29] (2) Instruction or guidance related to the moral and ethical duties and laws of the Buddhist tradition.[30] (3) Guidelines and principles regarding moral duties and religious laws, as derived from the Veda.[31]
From: The Great Chariot
(1) The lessons and principles taught by spiritual friends, aimed at guiding beings towards enlightenment.[32] (2) The teachings provided by enlightened beings, aimed at helping sentient beings understand the nature of reality and achieve liberation.[33] (3) The essential spiritual teachings given by a Buddha, which remain available for practice and understanding by others.[34] (4) The spiritual teachings given by the Buddha that lead to liberation and enlightenment, which some sentient beings fail to engage with properly.[35] (5) The teachings and principles in Buddhism that guide individuals towards understanding life, impermanence, and ethical living.[36]
Hindu concept of 'Dharma teaching'
Dharma teaching in Hinduism encompasses both religious and worldly duties, as outlined in the Smritis, guiding Aryans on their responsibilities in life and reinforcing the importance of ethical conduct and societal obligations.
From: Yajnavalkya-smriti (Vyavaharadhyaya)—Critical study
(1) The teaching of dharma encompasses both religious and worldly duties as conveyed through the Smritis for all Aryans.[37]
Jain concept of 'Dharma teaching'
Dharma teaching in Jainism encompasses spiritual guidance from sadhus to Nayasara and the ethical education practiced by Ambada, emphasizing the transmission of knowledge and values that promote spiritual growth and ethical living.
From: Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra
(1) The spiritual teachings given by the sadhus to Nayasara while they sat under a tree.[38] (2) The practice of imparting spiritual knowledge and ethical teachings, which Ambada engaged in.[39]
The concept of Dharma teaching in local and regional sources
Dharma teaching encompasses spiritual wisdom that the Bodhisattva monkey sought to impart to his offspring, aiming to cultivate moral understanding and enlightenment within them, thereby promoting a deeper connection to spiritual practices.
From: Tibet (Myth, Religion and History)
(1) Spiritual teachings and wisdom that the Bodhisattva monkey aimed to cultivate in his offspring.[40]