megis

Recently people asked about my name - here is some info on why I chose it:

Dharma (Sanskrit) or Dhamma (Pāli) in Buddhism has two primary meanings:

- the teachings of the Buddha which lead to enlightenment
- the constituent factors of the experienced world

Together the three characteristics of existence are called ti-lakkhana, in Pali; or tri-laksana, in Sanskrit.

Dukkha (Sanskrit duhkha) or unsatisfactoriness. Nothing found in the physical world or even the psychological realm can bring lasting deep satisfaction.

Anicca (Sanskrit anitya) or impermanence. This refers not only to the fact that all conditioned things eventually cease to exist, but also that all conditioned things are in a constant state of flux. (Visualize a leaf growing on a tree. It dies and falls off the tree but is soon replaced by a new leaf.)

Anatta (Sanskrit anatman) impersonality, or non-Self. The human personality, "soul", or Self, is a conventional appellation applied to the assembly of physical and psychological components, each individually subject to constant flux; there is no central core (or essence); this is somewhat similar to a bundle theory of mind or soul.

There is often a fourth Dharma Seal mentioned:
Nirvana is peace. Nirvana is the 'other shore' from Samsara.

The following are the five precepts rendered in English and then Pali.

I undertake the precept to refrain from taking the life (killing) of living beings.
Pānātipātā veramani sikkhāpadam samādiyāmi

I undertake the precept to refrain from stealing.
Adinnādānā veramani sikkhāpadam samādiyāmi

I undertake the precept to refrain from sexual misconduct (adultery, rape, etc).
Kāmesu micchācāra veramani sikkhāpadam samādiyāmi

I undertake the precept to refrain from false speech (lying).
Musāvāda veramani sikkhāpadam samādiyāmi

I undertake the precept to refrain from intoxicants which lead to heedlessness.
Surā meraya majja pamādatthānā veramani sikkhāpadam samādiyāmi