Summary of the Dharma

His Holiness the Dalai Lama wrote this on the back of a thangka image of the Buddha:

If one were to summarize the sacred Dharma teachings given by our compassionate teacher, the Buddha, they can all be included within the two points of (i) the view of interdependent origination and (ii) the action of benefitting others.

The significance of dependent origination is as follows. All that appears and exists originates entirely due to its own particular causes and conditions, and there is nothing whatsoever that arises simply by virtue of its own power, without depending on any causes or conditions. Accordingly, since we can be sure that happiness and suffering arise incontrovertibly as the results of the good or bad actions we commit, if we wish for positive results, there is no other option for us but to do good and avoid any harm.

If we practise this approach in which the view and conduct—skilful means and wisdom—are integrated entirely and without any conflict, and we become perfectly and completely accustomed to it, there is no doubt that we will gain the result, the state in which enlightened form and wisdom are inseparably united.

This was written by the buddhist monk Tenzin Gyatso, 15th May, 1985.