In order to understand what does mean of Buddha-Dhamma or Buddhism. Let us discuss some important points. Buddha and Dhamma are the Pàli words. The term Buddha has been translated in English as Enlightened One and Dhamma is translated as Doctrine, Teaching, Religion, Qualities, Nature etc. But here I would like to remind that the English translation does not give correct meaning of Pàli words.
Thus Buddha-Dhamma means the doctrines, which is taught by the Buddha. It does not mean that the Dhamma did not exit before the Buddha. But Buddha is the First one who disclosed and discovered it and taught it for the welfare of all sentient beings; which is good at the beginning, good at middle and good at the end.
Some say it is Philosophy. But it is not a merely philosophy. It is more than that. In the Philosophy knowledge is only discussed but there is no experience. There is no practical knowledge in the philosophy. But in Buddha-Dhamma there is practical knowledge. Dhamma can be experienced. Truth, the knowledge can be realised. But in the Philosophy Truth, the knowledge cannot be realised.
Some say it is a Religion. One may say Buddha-Dhamma is also a Religion. But in real sense it is not merely a Religion; because Mostly religions are god centred. But Buddha-Dhamma is not god centred. It is men centred. Buddha-Dhamma is not rituals, rites, prayers etc. but it is art of living. It is a path to get completely freedom from every kind of sufferings. It brings one from inferior to perfection. It is the path for living happy life. Through this path one can achieve the real happiness. In the Buddha-Dhamma there is no blind faith or believes.
Some say it is pessimistic. They think that in Buddha-Dhamma always talk about Dukkha, Sufferings, Unsatisfactoriness etc. Those who say so, they have misunderstood Buddha-Dhamma. In Buddha-Dhamma there is happiness. Buddha-Dhamma is the path, the way to lead one to the real happiness and the highest happiness. Therefore Buddha-Dhamma is not a pessimistic; but is a pacifistic. Buddha-Dhamma is the path to real and highest happiness. Thus Buddha-Dhamma is happy leading path.
When we talk about science. Buddha-Dhamma goes side by side with science. But all other religion claps with science. The Buddha had discovered 2500 years ago with his own knowledge, whatever scientists are discovering in the science now. Now scientists are using tools, equipment to discover things. But the Buddha did not use any equipment. Still what he had discovered scientists could not discovered everything. Thus Buddha-Dhamma is higher than science.
Buddha-Dhamma is not merely philosophy, a Religion, Knowledge, simple doctrines. But this is the path of supreme Bliss, Art of living happily and art of dying happily. This is the path to realise self-reality and world reality. This is the path to realise ultimate truth of the world and self. This is the path to complete freedom. This is the path to eradicate all kinds of Dukkha (sufferings). This is the path to break all kinds of bondage. This is the path to cultivate the mind and develop the good conduct. This is the path to purify the mind. This is the path to attain the highest state that is the Buddhahood. This is the path to become Fully Enlightened One, the Exalted One, the Perfected One and the Blessed One.
In the Dhammapada it is said thus:
Sabba pàpassa akaraõaü Kusalassa upasampadà;
sacitta pariyodapanaü etaü buddhànaü sàsanaü.
It means Don’t do all sins, accumulate all wholesome actions, and cultivate the mind this is the teaching of all Buddhas.
Âsavakkhayà vahaü hotu, sabba dukkha pamu¤catu!
DHAMMALAND 