The Gautama Dhamma Society stands as a beacon of authentic Buddhist practice, committed to upholding the Pāli Canon, monastic discipline, and meditative traditions as taught by the Buddha. Its work in preserving the Vinaya, restoring proper meditation methods, and recognizing Bhikkhunī ordination contributes significantly to the broader Theravāda revival. As Buddhism continues to evolve in the modern world, the Society’s efforts ensure that practitioners—both monastic and lay—have access to the original, pure, unaltered teachings of the Buddha. In doing so, it reaffirms the true essence of Theravāda Buddhism, safeguarding its future for generations to come.
The Gautama Dhamma Society’s key values and beliefs play a crucial role in shaping and supporting its mission to preserve, practice, and promote the authentic teachings of Gautama Buddha. These values and beliefs act as guiding principles, ensuring that the society’s activities remain aligned with the Buddha’s vision and contribute to the flourishing of the Dhamma.
1. The Universality of Liberation:
The society’s belief in the universality of liberation guides its efforts to make the Buddha’s teachings accessible to all, regardless of their background or social standing. This commitment to inclusivity is reflected in the society’s diverse community, which includes monastics, lay practitioners, and individuals from various cultural and religious backgrounds.
By recognizing that the path to liberation is open to all beings, the society creates a welcoming and supportive environment where individuals can learn and practice the Dhamma without barriers or discrimination. This fosters a sense of shared purpose and encourages collaboration among practitioners from all walks of life.
2. Actions and Values Define Us:
The emphasis on actions and values as the defining factors of our identity guides the society’s focus on ethical conduct (sīla) and the cultivation of wholesome qualities. The society promotes the practice of the Five Precepts and the Eightfold Path as a means to develop virtues such as kindness, compassion, integrity, and wisdom.
This emphasis on ethical conduct supports the society’s mission to uphold the Vinaya, the monastic code of discipline, and to foster a harmonious community where practitioners can support each other on the path. By encouraging individuals to act in accordance with Buddhist principles, the society contributes to creating a more compassionate and just society.
3. Universal Values and Beliefs for the Realm of Nibbāna:
The society’s emphasis on universal values and beliefs resonates with the governing principles of Nibbāna-dhātu, the realm of liberation. By cultivating qualities such as kindness, compassion, integrity, empathy, truthfulness, fairness, righteousness, justice, courage, freedom, and democracy, individuals create the causes for a more fulfilling life and move closer to the realization of liberation.
This focus on universal values supports the society’s mission to bridge tradition and modernity. By demonstrating the relevance of the Buddha’s teachings to contemporary issues and challenges, the society makes the Dhamma accessible to a wider audience and fosters a deeper understanding of its transformative potential.
4. No Religion Is Higher Than Truth:
The society’s commitment to the principle that “no religion is higher than truth” guides its efforts to preserve the integrity of the Buddha’s teachings and to present them in a clear and unbiased manner. The society recognizes that the ultimate truth, as taught by the Buddha, is Nibbāna, the cessation of dukkha (suffering) and the cycle of rebirth (saṃsāra). This truth is accessible to all beings, regardless of their religious or cultural background.
By upholding this principle, the society fosters an open and inclusive environment where individuals can explore the Dhamma without feeling pressured to conform to any particular belief system. This approach encourages critical thinking, self-reflection, and a genuine understanding of the teachings.
5. Nibbāna for All:
The society’s belief that Nibbāna is the ultimate goal for all beings, regardless of their origin or social standing, guides its efforts to make the ancient path to liberation clear and accessible to all. The society provides the necessary teachings, practices, and support to help individuals realize their full potential for awakening.
This commitment to inclusivity and accessibility is reflected in the society’s diverse programs and activities, which cater to both monastic and lay practitioners, as well as individuals from various backgrounds and levels of experience. By offering a range of resources and support, the society empowers individuals to embark on their own journey towards liberation.
6. Non-Sectarian Approach:
The Gautama Dhamma Society’s non-sectarian approach welcomes individuals from all backgrounds and walks of life, recognizing that the Buddha’s teachings are relevant and beneficial to everyone, regardless of their religious or cultural affiliation. This approach fosters a welcoming and inclusive community where individuals can learn, practice, and grow together on the path.
By embracing diversity and promoting open dialogue, the society creates a space where the Dhamma can be explored and applied in a way that is relevant to the challenges and opportunities of contemporary life. This approach ensures that the Buddha’s teachings remain a living and dynamic tradition, capable of transforming lives and contributing to the well-being of society.
In summary, the Gautama Dhamma Society’s key values and beliefs play a crucial role in shaping and supporting its mission. These values and beliefs guide the society’s efforts to preserve the authenticity of the Buddha’s teachings, cultivate a thriving community of practitioners, and make the ancient path to liberation accessible to all. By upholding these values, the society contributes to the flourishing of the Dhamma and the well-being of individuals and society as a whole.
Gautama Dhamma 