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SOME FUNDAMENTAL DHARMA TEACHINGS

Here are some very basic teachings that Phillip may refer to in the dharma talks.

It is highly recommended that beginning students attend a Vipassana 101 class, either at Spirit Rock or with Brenda and Art who are Sangha members who teach 5-week classes under Phillip's guidance.

The Triple Gem

• Buddha - the historical Buddha and one's own potential for awakening
  
• Dharma - the teachings of the Buddha; the truth of the way things are
  
• Sangha - the community; in Asia this refers to the monastic community, in the West this includes lay practitioners
  

These are also referred to as The Three Refuges:
"I take refuge in: the Buddha, the Dharma, the Sangha"

The Four Noble Truths

1. There is suffering (dukkha)
2. The origin of suffering is craving
3. There is an end/cessation to suffering
4. The way to the end of suffering is the Noble Eightfold Path

The Noble Eighfold Path

Wisdom (panna):
1. Right Understanding (or view)
2. Right Thought (or intention)
   Ethical Conduct (sila)
3. Right Speech
4. Right Action
5. Right Livelihood
   Concentration (samadhi)
6. Right Effort
7. Right Mindfulness
8. Right Concentration

The Four Foundations of Mindfulness

1. Mindfulness of the body in the body (includes the breath and the four elements: earth, fire, water, air)
2. Mindfulness of feeling tones in feeling tones (whether something is pleasant, unpleasant, or neutral)
3. Mindfulness of the mind in the mind
4. Mindfulness of objects of the mind

The Three Marks of Existence

1. Impermanence (anicca)
2. Suffering (dukkha)
3. No Self (anatta)

The Four Brahma Viharas (Heavenly Abodes)

1. Loving-kindness (metta)
2. Compassion (karuna)
3. Empathetic Joy (mudita)
4. Equanimity (upekkha)

The Five Precepts

1. To refrain from taking life
2. To refrain from taking that which is not freely given
3. To refrain from sexual misconduct
4. To refrain from unwise/unskillful speech
5. To refrain from intoxication

The Five Hindrances

1. Sensual Desire
2. Anger
3. Sloth and Torpor
4. Restlessness
5. Doubt

The Seven Factors of Enlightenment

1. Mindfulness
2. Investigation of states
3. Energy
4. Rapture
5. Tranquility
6. Concentration
7. Equanimity

These are only lists - to understand them, study is highly recommended, including readings, classes, and daylong and residential retreats. Phillip's web site provides additional resources: www.lifebalance.org. May your study and embracing of the dharma, bring you love, joy, wonder and wisdom in this life, just as it is.