Fundamental Dharma Teachings

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

The Triple Gem is also referred to as The Three Refuges: "I take refuge in: the Buddha, the Dharma, the Sangha."

The Four Noble Truths

There is suffering.
The origin of suffering is craving.
There is an end to suffering.
The way to the end of suffering is the Noble Eightfold Path.

The Eightfold Path

Wisdom (panna) Factors:
    Right Understanding (or view)
    Right Thought (or intention)
Ethical Conduct (sila) Factors:
    Right Speech
    Right Action
    Right Livelihood
Concentration (samadhi) Factors:
    Right Effort
    Right Mindfulness
    Right Concentration

The Three Marks of Existence

Impermanence (anicca)
Suffering (dukkha)
No Self (anatta)

The Four Foundations of Mindfulness

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

The Four Brahmaviharas (Heavenly Abodes)

Loving-kindness (metta)
Compassion (karuna)
Empathetic Joy (mudita)
Equanimity (upekkha)

The Five Precepts

To refrain from taking life
To refrain from taking that which is not freely given
To refrain from sexual misconduct
To refrain from unwise/unskillful speech
To refrain from intoxication

The Five Hindrances

Sensual Desire (kammachanda)
Anger or ill will (byapada/vyapada)
Sloth and Torpor (thina/middha)
Restlessness (uddhacca/kukkucca)
Doubt (vicikiccha)

The Seven Factors of Enlightenment

Mindfulness (sati)
Investigation of the dharma (dhammavicaya)
Energy (viriya)
Rapture (piti)
Tranquility (passaddhi)
Concentration (samadhi)
Equanimity (upekkha)

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