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The 4th Noble Truths & The Noble Eightfold Path
The 4 Noble Truths
In all the various schools of Buddhism,
there are many similarities that we can find. These form nothing less than
the essence of the Buddha's teachings.
Buddhism does not take its starting
point from grand questions like "Who made this world?", or "What happens
to us after death?" It is not concerned with proving the existence of a
God or gods. Rather, it is more interested in down to earth facts, about
everyone of us wanting to be truly happy.
Thus, foremost in the Buddha's teachings
are The 4 Noble Truths. It is in these Truths that we find the reasons
and motivations for practising the Dharma.
The 1st Noble Truth: There are many dissatisfactions in our life.
The first impression people get
from a statement like that is that is it is very pessimistic! It is important
to note that the Buddha is not saying that there is only dissatisfaction
in life. He is just describing what, precisely, is problematic.
The 2nd Noble Truth: There is a cause to these dissatisfactions.
The 2nd Noble Truth tells us about
the causes of these dissatisfactions. Craving and Aversion (Greed and Hatred).
It is the dissatisfaction with the present that we want to reach out for
something else out of Ignorance. We are thus never truly at peace.
The 3rd Noble Truth: There is a way out of these dissatisfactions.
There is a way out of suffering-
this is the reason why Buddhism exists! In Buddhism, we call this state,
the complete end of suffering, Nirvana. It is the goal of all Buddhists.
The next Noble Truth tell us how to reach this state,
The 4th Noble Truth: The Noble 8 Foldpath.
The 4th Noble Truth provides us
with a path and teaches us what practical steps to take in order to attain
Nirvana.
The Noble Eightfold Path
The Noble Eightfold Path can
be divided into 3 different sections, the 3-Fold
Learning:
Good Conduct
Buddhist ethics is not a rigid moral
code. Nor are they about making judgements and arousing guilt. Rather,
Buddhists try to be aware of a particular failing and resolves to do better,
striving diligently to live up to Good Conduct.
Right Speech is about not
telling lies, avoiding harsh speech, slandering and back-biting. Generally
it is about not using our speech faculties in harmful and unproductive
ways.
Right Action deals with our
behaviour. To live a life where our actions are conducive to the happiness
of ourselves and those around us. A lay person may, as part of their commitment
to the Buddha's Way,observe the Five Precepts.
Right Livelihood. A good Buddhist
does not compromises his integrity by becoming involved in any activities
that harm other people, animals or the environment.
Mental Development
Right Mindfulness and Right Concentration
bring us fully into the heart of meditation. Meditation is a gradual process
of training the Mind to focus on a single object and to remain fixed upon
that object without wavering. Constant practice of meditation helps us
to develop a calm and concentrated mind. It is important to note that one
needs a qualified teacher to guide one when one begins meditation.
Right Effort is required if
we are to advance steadily on the spiritual path. It is important to note
that spending too much energy, like using too little energy, can also be
counter-productive.
Wisdom
Right Understanding refers
to the need to understand, both in theory and practice, the Buddha's teachings,
testing them against our experiences. Only then can sound faith and confidence
arise.
Right Thought
is that which motivates our practice- the right reasons. Practice is not
for acquiring greater power or wealth, but to advance on the Buddha's path
towards Enlightenment and True Happiness for one and all.
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