There are two ways to read this phrase. The first is a statement about the effectiveness of the Buddha’s teachings. It tells us that the Dharma—what the Buddha taught—works to reduce suffering in our lives.
The second way to read Dharma Works is as a place where some kind of material is worked with, as at an iron or steel works. In this case, the Dharma is held, refined, and turned into something we can use in everyday life.
The Dharma is not a silver bullet. It’s an elegant methodology for gradually loosening our grip on our habits of suffering and being ever more present for opportunities to move toward freedom.