Understanding Dharma and Buddhist Practices : หน้า 73/115

gratitude; there is life after death; heavens and hells exist, and enlightenment is attainable. Dharma *Dharma* (Pali, Dhamma) has many meanings: the Truth, the way of the Nature, the right way of living, proper conduct, the law of righteousness, and the Teachings of the Buddha. Buddhist conduct Buddhists follow three basic practices: to do good, to avoid bad, and to purify the mind. Good deeds are achieved through acts of generosity and loving-kindness. Bad deeds can be avoided through observation of moral conducts known as Precepts. Cultivation of the mind is achieved through meditation. Precepts Precepts are the guiding principles that form the framework of Buddhist ethical conduct and the baseline of one's virtue. A person should at least practice the Five Precepts, which consist of not killing any living beings (including animals), not stealing, not lying, not committing sexual misconduct, and not consuming intoxicating substances (drugs, alcohol, cigarettes). Meditation Meditation is a means of mental development and purification. It is through meditation that our mind is trained, refined, and perfected. In its natural state -- when the mind is completely still and void of all thoughts -- a mind is pure and perfect, free of any mental contaminants known as "defilements". A mind that is restless is like stirred water sullied by impurities, losing its clear-seeing quality. Meditation is a process that calms and stabilizes the mind so that it is pure and not disturbed by outside influences. A clearseeing mind has the ability to tell right from wrong, good from bad, and the wisdom for spiritual attainment. Generosity Buddhism places great importance on generosity because it is seen as a stepping stone to wealth. Generosity is the beginning point of all good deeds. According to the Law of Karma, if we provide for the happiness of others through our generosity, the karmic fruit resulting will be that we will always be provided for in our own happiness and convenience. The more we give, the more we will get.