Four Noble Truths

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The Four Noble Truths are a Buddhist teaching.

[edit] Truths

  • The First Noble Truth: Dukkha
Life is full of suffering. Dukkha usually is translated as suffering.
  • The Second Noble Truth: Samudaya
The cause of suffering is cravings. Wanting something leads to suffering. Wanting life, wanting death, wanting things, wanting pleasure - all lead to suffering.
  • The Third Noble Truth: Nirodha
By stopping the cravings, the suffering is stopped.
  • The Fourth Noble Truth: Magga
The way to ending craving is the Eightfold Path

[edit] The Eightfold Path

Truth is found through the Middle Way by way of the Eightfold Path.

  1. Right Viewpoint - Realizing the Four Noble Truths (samyag-dṛṣṭi, sammā-diṭṭhi)
  2. Right Values - Commitment to mental and ethical growth in moderation (samyak-saṃkalpa, sammā-saṅkappa)
  3. Right Speech - One speaks in a non hurtful, not exaggerated, truthful way (samyag-vāc, sammā-vācā)
  4. Right Actions - Wholesome action, avoiding action that would do harm (samyak-karmānta, sammā-kammanta)
  5. Right Livelihood - One's job does not harm in any way oneself or others; directly or indirectly (weapon maker, drug dealer, etc.) (samyag-ājīva, sammā-ājīva}
  6. Right Effort - One makes an effort to improve (samyag-vyāyāma, sammā-vāyāma)
  7. Right Mindfulness - Mental ability to see things for what they are with clear consciousness (samyak-smṛti, sammā-sati)
  8. Right Meditation - State where one reaches enlightenment and the ego has disappeared (samyak-samādhi, sammā-samādhi)

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