THE FOUR NOBLE TRUTHS OF BUDDHISM
The Four Noble Truths are the foundational teachings of Buddhism.
In the Majjhima Nikaya (a buddhist scripture), the Buddha explained why he taught the Truths: “Why have I declared the four noble truths? Because it is beneficial, it belongs to the fundamentals of the holy life, it leads to disenchantment, to dispassion, to cessation, to peace, to direct knowledge, to enlightenment, to Nirvana. That is why I have declared it.”
The First Noble Truth (DUKKHA) identifies the presence of suffering through the cycle of existence: birth, aging, sickness, death, and rebirth.
The Second Noble Truth (SAMUDAYA) determines the cause of suffering. In Buddhism, desire lies at the root of suffering. By desire, Buddhists refer to craving pleasure and material goods, both of which are cravings that can never be satisfied. As such, desiring them can only bring about suffering. Pleasure is not denied, but acknowledged as fleeting. The constant pursuit of pleasure can only continue what is ultimately an unquenchable thirst.
The Third Noble Truth (NIRODHA) acknowledges that suffering can end. When one has achieved Nirvana (a transcendent state free from suffering and our worldly cycle of birth and rebirth), spiritual enlightenment has been reached.
The Fourth Noble Truth (MARGA) charts the method for attaining the end of suffering, known to Buddhists as the "Noble Eightfold Path".
The steps of the Noble Eightfold Path are:
◉ Right Understanding
◉ Right Thought
◉ Right Speech
◉ Right Action
◉ Right Livelihood
◉ Right Effort
◉ Right Mindfulnes
◉ Right Concentration.
Moreover, there are three themes into which the Eightfold Path is divided:
◉ Moral Conduct
◉ Meditation & Mental Development
◉ Wisdom & Insight