Welcome to
Over-The-Counter Dharma.
This journey led me from suicidal depression to ever-increasing and lasting joy!
When I began my journey with Buddhism I was suicidal, crushed by a deceitful relationship that enshrouded me in depression and anxiety. Now I haven’t had a nightmare in 15 years!
Law of Reflection is the story of my journey. I believe it can be a road-map for others.
What is the Dharma?
The Buddhist path is formed by the Triratna: the ‘Three Jewels’ or ‘threefold refuge.’ The Triratna is comprised of the Buddha, the Dharma, and the Sangha.
The Buddha is the original teacher, referred to as the doctor. The Dharma is the Buddha’s teaching, referred to as the medicine. And the Sangha is the robed monastics community, referred to as the nurses.
Traditionally, the Dharma is administered through a guru-disciple relationship. Nothing can substitute the relationship between a teacher and student.
So what do I mean by over-the-counter Dharma ?
Millions don’t have the luxury of a Buddhist center or guru nearby, but lay practitioners can still learn from books and from one another. You don’t need a prescription for that.
Seeking Dharma in books and other sources without a teacher is kind of like taking antacids or cough syrup bought over-the-counter. The lay vow holders, though not technically qualified for the guru-disciple relationship, can still be a valuable aid.
I’ve wanted to write this book since 2010.
There are people like my younger self who need a boost to start their journey. I know this book can be a shortcut to their path.