Buddhism: The Concept of Dhamma (Dharma) (AQA GCSE Religious Studies A (8062))
Revision Note
Written by: Angela Yates
Reviewed by: Bridgette Barrett
The Concept of Dhamma (Dharma)
Dhamma (or Dharma) generally refers to the Buddha’s teachings
It also has the following meanings:
The “truth” about the nature of existence the Buddha realised when he became enlightened
The path of training for enlightenment, including the Eightfold Path
A universal “law”, as in a law of nature/the way things are
The importance of the Dhamma
The Dhamma is one of the three refuges (or jewels) of Buddhism. The other two are the Buddha and the Sangha
Buddhists see these refuges as the central values in their life. Refuge means shelter, and Buddhists go to the three refuges to get shelter from suffering and seek guidance
Buddhists often recite these words at the start of religious meetings, such as the ceremony where a person becomes a Buddhist:
“To the Buddha for refuge I go
To the Dhamma for refuge I go
To the Sangha for refuge I go”
Spider diagram: The importance of the Dhamma
Examiner Tips and Tricks
Learn this quote to show that you understand that Dhamma, as one of the three refuges, is important to Buddhists as a refuge from suffering.
The Concept of Dependent Arising (Paticcasamuppada)
What is dependent arising?
The concept of dependent arising (Paticcasamuppada) is the belief that:
Everything depends on supporting conditions
Everything is interconnected
Everything affects everyone
Nothing is independent
Dependent arising also means that everything is in a constant process of change
Everything, mental or physical, depends on conditions which are constantly changing
Examples of dependence
Example 1 | Example 2 | Example 3 | Example 4 |
|---|---|---|---|
A tree depends on soil, rain and light to survive, and all of these conditions change with the weather | A wave depends on the strength of the wind, and that constantly changes
| A bee needs flowers to get nectar, and flowers need bees to pollinate. If the flowers die, the bees will die | A person’s survival and happiness also depend on conditions, especially their previous actions (kamma) |
This means that dependent arising may influence how a Buddhist behaves:
They are aware that their actions have consequences and, therefore, aim to treat others positively
Treating others with loving kindness (also known as Metta) will bring Buddhists closer to achieving Nibbana, a process also known as Kamma (or karma)
Tenzin Gyatso (the Dalai Lama) explained dependent arising like this:
“All events and incidents in life are so intimately linked with the fate of others that a single person on his or her own cannot even begin to act.”
The Tibetan Wheel of Life
The famous image called The Tibetan Wheel of Life shows how the concept of dependent arising is applied to Samsara:
A wheel on the outer edge shows the 12 links or stages (Nidanas) in this process
The wheel depicts how human beings are subject to a cycle of birth, death, and rebirth, which can continue for many lifetimes
By following the Buddhist path (particularly through breaking the habit of craving), the person can break free of the cycle and may achieve enlightenment and Nibbana
The Tibetan wheel of life
The Tibetan Wheel of Life image shows how the concept of dependent arising is applied to samsara.
Worked Example
Which one of the following terms means the concept of dependent arising in Buddhism?
(1 mark)
A. Arhat
B. Bodhisattva
C. Paticcasamuppada
D. Sunyata
Answer:
C: Paticcasamuppada (1 mark)
Only Paticcasamuppada can be correctly defined as the concept of dependent arising
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