In the world of belief and the search for spiritual truth, many people often look for answers from external sources, whether through divinations, amulets of power, or various rituals. But Buddhism has offered a different approach—turning inward to seek the truth within ourselves.

Dharma and Belief: Two Different Things Yet Connected

According to Buddhist thought, "belief" and "truth" are two clearly distinct things. Belief often arises from accepting what one has heard without personally verifying it. Whereas truth according to the Dharma must rely on practice and personal verification.

The Buddha taught his disciples not to believe anything easily, not even his own words, if they had not tested and verified it themselves. This is the principle found in the Kalama Sutta, which emphasizes the importance of using wisdom to consider.

Finding the Dharma Within Ourselves

The phrase "the Dharma within us" refers to the true nature of the mind, which everyone already possesses within themselves, but is covered by defilements—greed, anger, and delusion. Thus practicing the Dharma is not about finding something new, but about revealing what already exists.

In Thai tradition and Theravada Buddhism, practicing the Dharma begins with observing precepts, developing concentration, and cultivating wisdom, which is the Triple Training. Meditation is an important tool in calming the mind and seeing the truth of life.

Belief That Leads to Practice

Although Buddhism emphasizes personal verification, "belief" still plays an important role as a starting point. Belief in the law of karma, belief in the Dharma, serves as a driving force for people to begin practicing. But that belief must develop into genuine knowledge and understanding through practice.

In Thai culture, we often see a blending of folk beliefs with Buddhist principles. Revering the Buddha, making merit, offering alms—all are expressions of belief. But for genuine results to occur, the practice of Dharma must be cultivated alongside them.

The Path to Enlightenment

Finding the Dharma within ourselves is not easy; it requires determination, patience, and continuous practice. Many respected monks teach that practicing the Dharma does not necessarily require living in the forest or on a mountain, but can be done in daily life through mindfulness in every action.

Observing the Five Precepts, cultivating loving-kindness, offering forgiveness, and not harming others are all practices of the Dharma that help us discover peace and truth within ourselves. When the mind is pure, wisdom arises, and we will see things as they truly are.

Thus, belief is merely a starting point, but truth and enlightenment must be sought by oneself through practice and the continuous development of the mind. This is the path that the Buddha showed us all to follow.

Compiled from publicly released news · Source: DMC.tv