Garrett Harris

Wijitha Bandara
World Religions 2300
6/21/2016
Essay Number 2
To be able to differentiate the Buddhist and Hindu interpretations of Dharma, we must
first establish the true definition of Dharma. Dharma itself, means the path of righteousness and
the living of life according to the codes of conduct, which are explained in the scriptures. There
are ten rules of Dharma that help the ones who follow them to reach god and to live righteously.
The ten rules consist of patience, forgiveness, honesty, sanctity, control of senses, knowledge,
and absence of anger. The purpose of Dharma is not only to be at peace and focus on your inner
being, but it is also to achieve joy and ultimate happiness, because good Dharma is equal to good
Karma, which ensures self- assurance and peace.
I start by explaining the interpretation of dharma from Hindu point of view. To start off
we must understand the basic beliefs of Hinduism. In Hinduism, there is a belief that there is
only one supreme-being, there is the belief in the four Vedas which are possibly the oldest
existing scriptures. There is also the belief that Karma is the ultimate law of cause and effect that
decides each persons destiny, there is the belief of reincarnation and the belief that divine beings
exist in unseen worlds and can communicate to mortal beings here on earth. In Hinduism,
Dharma differentiates depending on who the person is. If the person is a boy or a girl and also on
how old the person is. Hinduism believes that Dharma is an organizing principle that refers to the
rules and rituals that make life and universe possible that includes sacred traditions and behaviors

that help govern society and teach ethics. In Hinduism there are four stages of life that are also
each their own individual Dharmas. The four are, the life of preparation as a student, the life of a
householder with family, the life of a forest-dweller or transitioning from worldly occupations,
and the life of giving all property away all property or service. The four stages of life help are to
help teach correct morals and standards and to those who follow the four stages of life will live a
joyful mortal life and will be blessed with knowledge and stability. The four stages of life also
help to conquer worldly pleasures such as money, power, and sex. The stages teach that one
should focus more on striving to do what is right, helping others, and being willing to learn and
teach.
Dharma for Buddhists is a word that used very much. It is the second gem of the three
jewels which are, Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha. Dharma is often used to describe the teachings
of the Buddha, but not only is Dharma just the teachings of Buddha, it also means to support
and to uphold. For Buddhists, Dharma is the true nature of the truth of what had taught.
Buddhists also believe that Dharma refers to the path of practice which also the doctrine of
Buddha. This type of Dharma has three different practices which are, the words of Buddha, the
practice of his teachings, and the attainment of enlightenment. In Buddhism, Dharma also does
support those who are in harmony with it and live according to their sacred rituals and traditions.
Dharma can also mean sacred duty and in Buddhism there are many principles and doctrines
that Buddha had created to make them more accessible and memorable such as, the triple gem,
the four noble truths, which teach that there is suffering and that the origin of suffering is
craving. Buddha had also created the noble eightfold path, ethical and concentration factors, the
four foundations of mindfulness which explain the mindfulness of the body, feeling tones, the
mind, and objects of the mind. Buddha had also taught the five precepts that teach to refrain from

misconducts such as, killing, intoxication, sexual misconduct, and sloppy speech. In Buddhism,
they also believe that Buddha had taught the seven factors of enlightenment that allow one to be
at total peace and to have a harmonious life. In conclusion, Buddhism is plainly focused on the
teachings of Buddha and is to help those who follow the Dharma of Buddha to become like the
Buddha.
In conclusion, the understanding of Dharma does vary according to the perspective of the
religion. Hinduism is about understanding the Brahma which means self or soul. Hinduism
is also about attaining the highest level of life, and that is done by avoiding worldly distractions.
As for Buddhism, one follows a disciplined life to move through and understand the soul within
oneself. The life of a Buddhist is also different than the life of a Hindu, A Buddhists life is
disciplined and very straight forward and that one must attain the knowledge that is necessary to
reach Nirvana. Although there are many other differences between Buddhism and Hinduism such
as, places of worship, practices, beliefs in gods, theories of life after death, means of salvation
etc. Dharma and the principles that it consists ultimately varies depending on which religion you
are assisting.

Bibliography
Fisher, Pat Mary. Living Religions. Dharmic Principles. Pg. 114-120
Fisher, Pat Mary. Living Religions. Buddhas Deer Park Sermon. Pg. 144-147
Gombrich, Richard. Theravada Buddhism. London. Routledge Publishers. Pg. 62