The Four Noble Truths
are thus:
1. Life means suffering
2. The origin of suffering is attachment.
3. The cessation of suffering is attainable.
4. The path to the cessation of suffering.
1. 4 noble truths To be born is to
suffer
To be born into this world means to suffer. That's Buddha's
first Noble Truth. This is because human life isn't perfect
and neither are our surroundings. Our life in this world is subject
to 4 noble truths suffering and physical
pain due to sickness, old age, disease, injury and death. We undergo
mental suffering and pain due to sadness, disappointment, poverty,
lust, love, fear, frustration, greed, injustice and depression.
4 noble truths
Although suffering 4 noble truths has
various degrees of manifestation, there also lies certain conditions
in life that are perceived to be the opposite of suffering such
as luxury, pleasure, sex, lust, wealth, status and power. However,
life in its totality remains impermanent (Anicca)4
noble truths because this Universe is subject to impermanence.
Everything in this Universe undergoes cycles of birth, growth, decay
and death. That is the Universal law we have to accept whether we
are 4 noble truths Buddhists or non-Buddhists.
What this means is, all that we strive for is subject to change.
We can never hold onto anything be it life, beauty, 4
noble truths wealth or power. Just as happy moments flash
by, we too and our loved ones will eventually pass away.
2. 4 noble truths The origin of suffering
is attachment.
The origin of suffering is attachment to impermanence that's perceived
to bring us happiness. This is the second Noble Truth. The
transient illusions (wealth, lust,
power, beauty) condition our mindset into believing their
permanence, thus preventing our mind from overcoming ignorance.
4 noble truths We suffer because of
our desire, passion, greed, pursue of wealth and status, by striving
for fame and acceptance, or in other words - due to craving and
attachment.
Due to the transient nature of what we cling onto, their loss,
decay and death are natural. Thus sadness will follow happiness,
old age will follow youth and death will surely follow life. 4
noble truths The notions of "self" or "I"
are in reality delusions because there is no permanent "self."
What we commonly refer to as "self" is a nonexistent entity
- born in our ego which is a transient entity in the cycle of Samsara,
or the ceaseless cycle of our Universe.
3. 4 noble truths The cessation of suffering
is attainable.
This is the third Noble Truth in Buddhism. Thankfully!! Suffering
CAN be eliminated through Nirodha.
The meaning of Nirodha is elimination of sensual craving and worldly
attachment.
The Buddha explicitly stated that attaining dispassion will eliminate
suffering. Nirodha eliminates all forms of craving and attachment
thus setting us off on our long journey towards ultimate salvation
from suffering. What this means is that suffering can be eliminated
though your own efforts independent of divine help.
Attaining dissipation is a mental process of many levels with the
ultimate goal of seeking Nirvana. Nirvana basically means nonexistence
in either physical or spiritual forms which frees one from suffering.
However, Nirvana remains incomprehensible for those who have not
attained it.
4. The path to the cessation of suffering.
The Noble Eightfold Path ( Ariya
Ashtanga Marga ) explains the gradual path of self-improvement
towards the cessation of rebirth and its resultant suffering. Lord
Buddha described the Eightfold Path as the Middle Path as it avoids
extremes of self-indulgence (such as hedonism) and excessive self-mortification
(asceticism). This is the Path which leads to the end of Samsara,
the cycle of rebirth.
The path to the end of suffering (Nirvana) can extend over many
lifetimes, through eons in fact, throughout which every individual
rebirth will be subject to karmic conditioning. However, by adhering
to the Noble Eightfold Path, ignorance, delusion, craving and its
resultant effects would gradually disappear as progress is made
along the Path. |
