Exploring the Foundations of Buddhism Part 1: Dharma 1-20
This podcast episode explores the fundamental concepts of Buddhism as presented in Dharma 1-20 of the Dharma Collection, a glossary of Buddhist technical terms.
This episode will cover a range of essential Buddhist concepts, beginning with the foundational Three Treasures: the Buddha, the Dharma (teachings), and the Sangha (community). Listeners will be introduced to the Three Vehicles, representing different paths within Buddhism: the Disciples' vehicle, the Independent Buddhas' vehicle, and the Great vehicle.
The episode will also explore key figures and groups within Buddhism. This includes:
- The Five Dhyani Buddhas: Vairocana, Akshobhya, Ratnasambhava, Amitabha, and Amoghasiddhi, who represent different aspects of enlightenment.
- Seven Realised Ones (Buddhas): Vipasyi, Sikhi, Visvabhu, Krakucchanda, Kanaka-muni, Kasyapa, and Sakya-muni.
- Eight Bodhisattvas, beings dedicated to achieving enlightenment for the benefit of all beings, such as Maitreya, Gaganaganja, Samantabhadra, Vajrapani, Manjusri, Sarvanivarana-viskambhin, Ksitigarbha, and Khagarbha.
Additionally, the episode will cover:
- Four Goddesses: Rocani, Mamaki, Pandura, and Tara.
- Five Protectors: Assailer, Thousands-crusher, Moonlight, Mantra-follower, and Cool Wood.
- Groups of World Protectors: including sets of Four, Eight, Ten, and Fourteen protectors.
- Ten Wrathful Ones, powerful deities who subdue obstacles to enlightenment.
- Six Yoginis, female practitioners who have attained advanced spiritual powers.
The episode will also discuss important Buddhist practices, ethical principles, and mental qualities:
- Seven Supreme Offerings, acts of devotion and respect towards the Three Treasures.
- Three Roots of Wholesomeness: developing a mind set on Awakening, purifying the heart, and abandoning the concepts of "I" and "me."
- Four Spiritual States: friendliness, kindness, gladness, and equanimity.
- Six Perfections: generosity, virtue, patience, energy, meditation, and wisdom.
- Ten Perfections: including the Six Perfections plus skillful means, aspiration, strength, and knowledge.
- Four Bases of Sympathy: qualities that foster positive relationships and understanding between individuals.
- Five Deep Knowledges: supernormal abilities cultivated through meditation and spiritual development.
This episode will provide listeners with a comprehensive overview of the essential elements of Buddhist thought and practice presented in Dharma 1-20, laying the groundwork for further exploration of Buddhist philosophy and teachings.
Source: https://ancient-buddhist-texts.net/English-Texts/Dharma-Collection/Dharma-Collection.pdf
