Significance of True law
True law, according to various Buddhist traditions, refers to the ultimate truths and teachings of the Buddha that guide followers toward enlightenment and liberation from the cycle of birth and death. It encompasses essential principles of morality, righteousness, and conduct that lead to wisdom and spiritual development. These authentic teachings serve as a foundation for ethical behavior, promoting understanding, moral integrity, and the pursuit of Nirvana. True law is seen as a vital source of guidance for practitioners in their spiritual journeys.
Synonyms: Natural law, Divine law, Universal law
In Dutch: Echte wet; In Finnish: Todellinen laki; In Spanish: Ley verdadera
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'True law'
True law in Buddhism embodies ultimate truths leading to enlightenment, guiding moral conduct, and offering genuine teachings that emphasize liberation from suffering. It represents principles derived from Buddha's teachings for a righteous and wise life.
From: The Fo-Sho-Hing-Tsan-King (A Life of Buddha)
(1) The fundamental truths and principles taught by Buddha that lead to wisdom and liberation.[1] (2) The essential principles of righteousness or religion that guide moral conduct.[2] (3) The ultimate principles or truths of existence that guide the path toward enlightenment and liberation.[3] (4) The righteous teachings that the Bodhisattva is destined to spread, emphasizing morality and wisdom.[4] (5) Refers to the teachings or doctrines espoused by Buddha, embodying principles associated with purity and the joy of perfect rest (Nirvana).[5]
From: Lotus Sutra (Saddharma-Pundarika)
(1) The authentic teachings of the Tathagata, seen as a source of guidance for achieving enlightenment, which remains in the world after the Buddha's passing.[6] (2) The authentic teachings and principles as taught by the Tathagata for the benefit of all beings.[7] (3) The true law represents the authentic teachings of Buddhism that guide practitioners towards enlightenment, which is vulnerable to misunderstanding over time.[8] (4) The authentic teachings of the Buddha that lead practitioners toward enlightenment; compared with the counterfeit in terms of longevity and adherence.[9] (5) The authentic teachings and principles that Purna and the Tathagatas have adhered to throughout their existence.[10]
From: Buddhacarita
(1) The fundamental truths taught by the Buddha that guide beings away from suffering.[11] (2) The authentic doctrine taught by the Buddha that leads to enlightenment.[12]
From: Dhammapada (translated from the Pali)
(1) The fundamental moral or ethical principles derived from the teachings of Buddha.[13] (2) Represents the teachings of the Awakened, emphasizing the importance of understanding pain and the path to its cessation.[14] (3) The ultimate reality or principles that guide wise living, which foolish individuals fail to recognize.[15] (4) Understanding and adhering to the fundamental principles that lead to peace of mind.[16]
From: Maha Buddhavamsa—The Great Chronicle of Buddhas
(1) The teachings of the Buddha, which are considered essential for spiritual development and enlightenment.[17]
Hindu concept of 'True law'
In Hinduism, True law pertains to the fundamental principles regulating disputes between cattle owners and keepers, emphasizing equitable resolution and societal harmony within traditional legal frameworks.
From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi
(1) The established rule that governs disputes between owners and keepers regarding cattle.[18]
Jain concept of 'True law'
True law in Jainism encompasses the genuine principles understood by Pratyekabuddhas, the teachings of the enlightened guiding moral conduct, and authentic moral principles steering individuals toward righteousness, distinguishing it from other religious teachings.
From: Acaranga-sutra
(1) The authentic principles of conduct and morality that guide individuals towards righteousness.[19]
From: Uttaradhyayana Sutra
(1) The genuine principles and truths that the Pratyekabuddhas come to understand, as opposed to the teachings propagated by other religious figures like Tirthakaras.[20]
From: Sutrakritanga (English translation)
(1) The teachings or principles espoused by the enlightened, which guide moral and spiritual conduct.[21]
The concept of True law in local and regional sources
True law signifies the proper legal and spiritual teachings that diverge from the king's practices, embodying authentic Buddhist principles contrasted with heretical beliefs, and reflects the ideals upheld by the Bodhisattva in regional understanding.
From: Buddhist records of the Western world (Xuanzang)
(1) The correct teachings or principles that align with the religious and philosophical understanding upheld by the Bodhisattva.[22] (2) The authentic teachings of Buddhism as compared to heretical ideas.[23] (3) The genuine principles of Buddhism that have been gradually spreading in the region.[24] (4) Indicates the conventional or accepted legal or religious doctrines that the king does not follow.[25] (5) The authentic teachings or beliefs that some individuals in the country adhere to, contrasting with widespread heretical views.[26]