RinpocheWhat is Buddhist philosophy (dharma)?
It is the teachings that come from Buddhas. A Buddha is anyone who, by relying on the practice of a spiritual path, completely transcends the disturbing and negative emotions that bind us to ordinary existence. Furthermore, a Buddha is someone in whom all inherent positive qualities have fully blossomed. Benefit for one-self is accomplished because all flaws have been eliminated and realization is perfected; benefit for others is accomplished because spontaneously present love and compassion move one to act continually for the welfare of others.
Dharma is a Sanskrit word referring to the path of skillful means, which is endowed with the two qualities of transformation and protection, through which we can find what we are truly searching for within our own minds. What all beings — both humans and non-humans alike — are searching for is the elimination of suffering and the pursuit of not only temporary but lasting happiness.
However, even though all of us want to be free of suffering and find happiness, despite our efforts we have yet to achieve our goals. This is because all effort spent manipulating our external environment and situation is proven, by our own experience and by logical reasoning, to be in vain. Therefore, to turn our attention inwards and to change our own mind is crucial.
To change our mind, we begin by cultivating a strong intention to not harm any living being; furthermore, we develop loving kindness and compassion and base all our actions on that. With that as a foundation, one engages in introductory and extraordinary methods of practice with ease and little difficulty.
The methods gradually tame and refine away the flaws of our mind, allowing peace and happiness to well forth from within. Thus, we accomplish great benefit for others, while our positive qualities naturally emerge. Finally, we gain complete mastery over the treasury of precious and positive qualities within our mind and our hearts’ wishes are attained.
— Khentrul Lodrö Thayé Rinpoche, translated by Paloma Landry
