Yes Wendy, that makes complete sense,

And, why would you want the religious trappings, after all we are not a monastic society. However, we should remember also that the Buddha Shakyamuni said, "Do not believe anything, merely on the authority of your teachers", this is a remarkable statement! It is asking us to check up, to go within and think with logic about the "truths" we come to, when we have an intellectual understanding we can then contemplate, and then meditate to be certain that is true. B.Alan Wallace would say, this is "cogent inference". His Holiness the Dalai Lama, is constantly telling us, that we must check up, if something cannot be found to be true through the reasoning and logic {mentioned above}, then we must give it up, throw it in the garbage.

Here we see that there is no reductionist approach to one personal experience and life. That Buddhism more than a religious tradition tends more toward psychology. An eastern tradition of psychology that predates modern western equivalents, yet is more than apt to give an attainment of personal understanding in to the workings of ones own mind, consciousness, and life. One essentially becomes as Lama Yeshe would say, "Ones own therapist", this is a very empowering notion.

>>>So what exactly is the Dharma?
This is a broad question,. In one context the Dharma is the collective teachings, the oral tradition, sutra' {sutta} and shastra of the Buddha, these were first written by his close disciple Asunga, after Buddha Shakyamuni entered pari-nirvana. In another context, is is the combination or paths, that exist to get one to Nirvana {Nibbana}, or Enlightenment if you prefer, The many traditions of the Buddhist path. In yet another context, Dharma is the actual direct perception of the teachings, this is the level of realisation or "cogent inference", is beyond a conceptual framework and very subtle. Ultimately Dharma is the mirror upon which all phenomena of samsara and nirvana reflects.

Thus Dharma has outer, inner and secret reference points.

>>> Is it the meaning of life?
I don't know, lol.
However, what does one lose. In my own experience it has certainly changed my life for the better. I am kinder, more gentle and compassionate, alot more wise and have more insight into the psychology of myself and others.
It is beautiful really, I often say, if Buddhism is completely wrong, at least I'm a better person and that no one receives harm from me.
So that's the nut shell answer on how to live, be kind, be patient that's all...

With much kindness,
tashi pema dorje