Buddhist Temples in Nashville, TN area
The Teachings of the Buddha: Most commonly, Dharma (Buddhadharma) refers to the actual body of doctrines, sermons, and practices shared by the Buddha—such as the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path.
Duality refers to the habit of dividing reality into separate, opposing categories—such as self and other, good and bad, or subject and object—while non-duality (advaya) points to their underlying interdependence and emptiness of an independent essenceDukkha is usually translated "suffering,"
The Noble Eightfold Path is a core teaching that guides practitioners toward ending suffering (dukkha) and achieving enlightenment (Nirvana). Rather than a linear sequence, the eight practices are developed simultaneously. They are grouped into three main categories: Wisdom, Ethical Conduct, and Mental DisciplineEmptiness is a central teaching that means all phenomena lack an inherent, permanent, or independent self-nature (svabhāva).
Five Precepts = avoiding harm, stealing, false speech, sexual misconduct, and intoxicants
The Four Noble Truths are the foundational teachings, delivered by Siddhartha Gautama (the Buddha) in his first sermon at Sarnath. They act as a medical diagnosis: identifying a problem, finding its cause, stating a cure, and prescribing the treatment.
Buddhism does not generally promote belief in a supreme God, a creator of the universe, or a divine being who determines humanity's ultimate destiny. This is one of the fundamental differences between Buddhism and religions such as Christianity, Judaism, and Islam.
Karma translates from the Sanskrit word for "action," "work," or "deed". It is the spiritual and moral law of cause and effect found in religions like Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Sikhism.
Mindfulness is the intentional practice of keeping the teachings (dharma) and present-moment reality in mind to develop self-knowledge, wisdom, and spiritual liberation from sufferingSangha = The community of practitioners.
A secular Buddhist practices Buddhist teachings and ethics while setting aside the supernatural or metaphysical claims, mainly rebirth, karmic cosmology, and realms of gods and spirits. The aim is to treat the Buddha's teaching as a practical philosophy of living, a way to understand and reduce suffering within this one life, rather than a religion with doctrines to be believed.
The Three Jewels (also known as the Triple Gem or Triratna in Sanskrit) are the three central pillars that all Buddhists rely on for guidance, practice, and spiritual support The Three Refuges (also known as the Triple Gem or Three Treasures) are the core pillars of Buddhist practice and the foundation of becoming a Buddhist. Taking refuge means committing to a life guided by these three elements rather than relying on impermanent worldly thingsThree Roots = guru, deity, protectors
The Three Roots are the inner refuge formulation in Tibetan Vajrayana Buddhism, corresponding to the "Inner" form of the Three Jewels. They provide a framework for tantric practice, deity yoga, and accumulating positive spiritual potential.