Paper I
The term dharma carries two unique meanings, one within the Buddhist religion in which
it is defined as teachings and another in Hinduism where it can be defined as traditions, laws or
duties. The differences in definitions reflects greatly on each religion playing a huge role in the
overall respective practice.
In Buddhism, dharma is referred to as the teachings of the Buddha within the religion. It
is one of the three refuges of Buddhism, these teaching explain the true natures of the earth. The
Four Noble Truths teaches that 1. Life is suffering known as Dukkha, 2. Desire is the source of
suffering. 3. There is an end to suffering one way is through samsara, the death and rebirth. And
4. The way is the Eight-Fold path. The eight-fold path includes the Right view being the
acceptance of the Buddha’s teachings, the right resolve in making serious commitment, the right
speech involving being truthful, the right conduct, the right livelihood meaning to not engage in
harmful occupations, the right effort in gaining control of ones’ thoughts, the right mindfulness
meaning cultivating constant awareness and the right concentration in developing deep levels of
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