Premium Essay

Noble Truths

In: Religion Topics

Submitted By joannehince
Words 1480
Pages 6
In this paper I will be discussing the concept of the four noble truths and eightfold path within the Buddhist religion. The four noble truths do not give concrete answers to metaphysical questions, unlike other religions. Buddhism teaches human existence is imperfect and the four noble truths are a guide to help steer away from suffering. The four noble truths are important to Buddhist ethics in that they are the way to nirvana and enlightenment.
The first noble truth is life is suffering. To live means to suffer and since it is human nature, no one is perfect in any shape or form. While we develop, we inevitably have to endure physical and psychological suffering sooner or later. Each of us, no matter how rich or poor, is going to get sick, grow old, and die. Nothing is permanent, nothing can permanently satisfy us. “ Any aspect of life, no matter how seemingly pleasant, already has the seeds of the suffering that is a common denominator of all human experience” (Young 91). This is because things change and pass away; everything and everyone we love will someday pass away.

The Buddha also taught the reason behind the suffering that individuals experience. The second noble truth is suffering is caused by craving. “We suffer because our craving leads us to become attached to things or people and deluded as to the real nature of our situation in life (Young).” As long as we are unable to detach of moral pleasures, we will experience suffering. One must learn to overcome these greed, aversion, hatred, jealousy, etc. These conditions are always in hand with society, family, and within one’s self. Recognizing and understanding the second noble truth gives way to the freedom from suffering.

The third noble truth is cessation of suffering. “It is the complete fading-away and extinction of this craving, its forsaking and abandonment, liberation from it,

Similar Documents

Premium Essay

Noble Truth In Buddhism

...The first Noble Truth is Dukkha. Dukkha represents the dislocation and suffering in all human lives. Much of the suffering in one’s life stems from the trauma of birth, the psychology behind sickness, the fear of death, attachment to outcomes, and one being separated from loved ones. The second Noble Truth is Tanha. Tanha represents human desires which cause suffering or Dukkha. The wish for private fulfilment, attachment to things in life, the yearning for more, and clinging onto hopes are all representations of causes of suffering. The third Noble Truth is Nirvana. Which is the end of suffering and the way to enlightenment. In order to get rid of Dukkha (suffering), one must get rid of Tanha (desire). Once one demolishes all sense of self, then their suffering will end. The fourth Noble Truth discusses how to reach Nirvana, which is through the Eightfold path. The Four Noble Truths are important when discussing the original concept of Buddhism because they allow all persons to find a way to enlightenment by looking past external flaws and wishes. Not only do the Four Noble truths allow introspection, but they are also based off of scientific logic. So, they do not rely on magical thinking or on the willingness of the...

Words: 427 - Pages: 2

Premium Essay

Buddhism: Four Noble Truths And The Noble Eightfold Path

...Buddhism Buddhism is a way of life that exceeds beyond religion. The word Buddhism is derived from “budhi,” meaning “to awaken.” (A Basic Buddhism Guide) Siddhartha Gotama, Buddha, realized that wealth and luxury did not guarantee happiness; therefore, he explored different religions and philosophies in search of the key to human happiness. Siddhartha Gotama continued his exploration for six years until he was enlightened. Once enlightened, the Buddha spent the rest of his life teaching the principles of Buddhism. Buddhism encompasses Four Noble Truths and the Noble Eightfold Path. The first noble truth is life is suffering. Life includes pain, illness, death, and many other irrefutable facts that cannot be denied. Buddhism focuses...

Words: 413 - Pages: 2

Premium Essay

Four Noble Truths

...THE FOUR NOBLE TRUTHS The first teaching ever given by the Buddha was to five student monks in a deer park. He spoke of the Four Noble Truths he had discovered while searching for enlightenment, these are the central teachings of Buddhism. It was the Buddha's first awareness that life brings with it illness, age, misery and death that lead him to search for a deeper understanding of how we live, and ways to end suffering. Siddhartha Gautama, the name of the Buddha who had preached and taught about the Four Noble Truths had experienced, and observed all suffering, and only let out these truths after he had reached his own enlightenment. Buddha said that all people, even if they were rich or poor, have suffered. He says they have suffered because of pains and afflictions, or traveling from endless rebirths/reincarnations. All from the greedy desires of mankind. The Buddha gave a solution to end the suffering, an answer to stop the countless rebirths, and a halt to their selfish wants, and once they have been lifted, they will learn the true meaning of the Four Noble Truths. Each of these lessons explains the Buddhist steps in understanding the truth about life, the reasons behind those truths, the possibility of change and the way of life that can lead to a life free of suffering. All Buddhists study, meditate, think and act in ways that are designed to help them come to a full understanding of each of these Four Noble Truths and to stay on the path the Buddha says will lead...

Words: 1212 - Pages: 5

Premium Essay

4 Noble Truths

...Buddha’s teachings and about the nature and ending of suffering. The Buddha taught people that life is imperfect and that it will be full of suffering and how it is unavoidable. He taught that the earth is plagued with it and that you will have to face it, however he did overcome it as he was able to reach nirvana. He also taught people the way of how they can do it as he taught them the four noble truths and of the eightfold path. He taught people about the nature of suffering in the form of Dukkha and the dissatisfaction of it and the ending of Dukkha in the form of nirvana. Dukkha is the first truth that the Buddha taught it is that life is suffering which is caused by craving i.e. life includes pain, getting old, disease, and ultimately death. We also endure psychological suffering like loneliness frustration, boredom, fear, embarrassment, disappointment and anger. It not only is this the suffering it is the dissatisfaction of the life of suffering that we have to endure and struggle through and that that unsatisfactory feeling is caused by Tanha which is craving. The other truths rest on this dissatisfaction of life and how we can over come it if we can life a dukkha free life. There are also three types of Dukkha which are Dukkha Dukkha, Dukkha Anicca and Dukkha Anatta. Dukkha Dukkha is the natural suffering that goes on in the world and that nothing in life is perfect. Dukkha Anicca is the most important Dukkha as it is the suffering that goes on because life is impermanent...

Words: 1027 - Pages: 5

Free Essay

The Four Noble Truths

...Name – Urmit Shah PRN - 14060321094 The Four Noble Truths The Four Noble Truths are: 1. Noble Truth Of Stress (Dukkha) 2. Noble Truth Of The Origination Of Stress (Craving) (Tanha) 3. Noble Truth Of The Cessation Of The Stress (Nirvana) 4. Noble Truth Of The Way Of Practice (Noble Eightfold Path) Noble Truth Of Stress (Dukkha) Suffering is the translation of ‘Dukkha’. Buddhism explains three types of Dukkha : 1. Pain (Physical /mental) - It is the sort of feeling that you experience when you fall and hurt yourself. Or the normal headaches that you experience. 2. Dukkha Of Change – This sort of dukkha exists because according to the Buddhist tradition the system is in flux (Constantly changing- Anitya). Even Happiness and laughter are considered to be Dukkha as they are not permanent. 3. Dukkha Of Conditions- The world which we live in is conditioned and we are brought up/moulded according to the conditions. According to Buddhism Samsara is conditioned and that is why there is impermanence. Noble Truth Of The Origination Of Stress (Craving) (Tanha) Origin of Dukkha is ‘Craving’(Tanha). Craving can be of three types: 1. Craving for sensual pleasure 2. Craving for existence – It is the craving for eternal life. 3. Craving for non-existence – It is the craving for the end of the life (death/end of all the consciousness) Craving is different from ‘Want’. Craving according to the Buddhism is faulty but ‘want’ is not. ‘Want’ arises out of a rational...

Words: 1003 - Pages: 5

Premium Essay

The Buddhism Four Noble Truths

...The Four Noble Truths "I teach suffering, its origin, cessation and path. That's all I teach", Is the what Buddha quoted 2500 years ago. The Four Noble Truths contain the essence of the Buddha's teachings. It was these four principles that the Buddha came to understand during his meditation under the bodhi tree. 1. The truth of suffering (Dukkha) 2. The truth of the origin of suffering (Samudāya) 3. The truth of the cessation of suffering (Nirodha) 4. The truth of the path to the cessation of suffering (Magga) The Buddha is often compared to a physician. In the first two Noble Truths he diagnosed the problem (suffering) and identified its cause. The third Noble Truth is the realisation that there is a cure. The fourth Noble Truth, in which the Buddha set out the Eightfold Path, is the prescription, the way to achieve a release from suffering. The First Noble Truth Suffering (Dukkha) Suffering comes in many forms. Three obvious kinds of suffering correspond to the first three sights the Buddha saw on his first journey outside his palace: old age, sickness and death. But according to the Buddha, the problem of suffering goes much deeper. Life is not ideal: it frequently fails to live up to our expectations. Human beings are subject to desires and cravings, but even when we are able to satisfy these desires, the satisfaction is only temporary. Pleasure does not last; or if it does, it becomes monotonous. Even when we are not suffering from outward causes...

Words: 1023 - Pages: 5

Premium Essay

Buddhism

...Buddhism Eric Regenbogen Akira Shimada Ancient World 12/4/13 Buddhism is a religion based upon the idea that people are responsible for their own liberations form misapprehensions, and to gain enlightenment. Two pivotal time periods are granted acknowledgement for the development of Buddhism. These time periods are known as the Later Vedic era and the Secondary Urbanization period. In the Gangetic Valley around 500-400 BCE, Buddhism along with Jainism began to emerge as prevalent religions. The main features within these non-Vedic religions appealed to the individuals within the Gangetic valley. Buddhism as well as the Non-Vedic religions seemed to flourish in this region because of their rejections to the Vedic religions and its acceptance of Urbanization. The first time period that was mentioned was know as the Later Vedic period. This era took place around 1000-500 BCE and put an emphasis on a more settled lifestyle leaving behind the nomadic way of life previously practiced in the early Vedic era. During this time period people practiced a non-urban lifestyle in which they lived in villages (Course, Reading, “Theravāda Buddhism,”). Around 1000-800 BCE iron began to be used more frequently, allowing the intensification of plough agriculture and increasing the surplus from cultivation. Rice and barley were the main source of food grown during this era (Course, Reading, “Theravāda Buddhism,”). Long distance trade started to develop stimulating the finding of new land...

Words: 1185 - Pages: 5

Premium Essay

Mohammad

... |worship | | | | | | | |What do you already know about this topic? | | | |I know that this religion was founded by a man named Siddhatta | | |Gotama who ventured out on his own to find truth and | | |enlightenment. | | | | |What resource will you use to find a place of worship for this | | |religion? |Friends from work, | | | | |What are some sources you could use to gain more knowledge...

Words: 326 - Pages: 2

Free Essay

Siddhartha Question and Answers

...The first of the Four Noble Truths states that life is suffering. Siddhartha suffered in the first chapter when he decides he wants to leave his home to become a Samana. His father (at first) did not approve. ( Herman Hesse pg 10), “ It is not seemingly for Brahmins to utter forcefully angry words but there is a displeasure in my heart. I should not like to hear you make this request a second time”. 2. The second of the Four Noble Truths states that there is an origin of suffering and that the origin of suffering is attachment. From his suffering Siddhartha has learned “he had never found his self because he wanted to trap it in the net of thoughts (Hesse 47)”. 3. Gotama is who people see as the Illustrious one, the Buddha who has reportedly obtained Nirvana. Govinda chooses to follow him in his teachings but Siddartha feels and doubts that anything new can be learned from this man. "Siddhartha did not reply. He was not very curious about the teachings. He did not think they would teach him anything new" ( Hesse 28) ; Siddhartha is happy for Govinda because Govinda has finally taken a step without following Siddhartha and is beginning to find his salvation. "Now you are a man and have chosen your own path. May you go along it to the end, my friend. May you find salvation!" 4. The last sentence of this chapter signifies Siddartha leaving everything behind and starting a new. The lessons he has learned are clear in his mind, he sees the world in its beauty, and he is energized...

Words: 493 - Pages: 2

Premium Essay

Buddism

... Theravada is the “School of Elders” and Mahayana is the “Great Vehicle”. The foundation of Buddhist practice is The Three Jewels: The Buddha, The Dharma (the teachings), and The Sangha (the community). Accepting the Three Jewels is committing oneself to the path of enlightenment (Hardy, n.d.). The basic beliefs of Buddhism are The Four Noble Truths and The Noble Eightfold Path. The First Noble Truth teaches that in life one will experience suffering and explains how suffering can be avoided to achieve happiness. The Second Noble Truth explains that suffering is created by human cravings and aversion that causes an individual to be born and reborn resulting in continued suffering. The Third Noble Truth teaches that suffering can be defeated and true contentment can be achieved in which one is free and happy, allowing more time and energy to help others. This phenomenon is known as Nirvana. The Fourth Noble Truth is The Noble Eight-Fold Path and it leads to the end of suffering. Following this path involves living a moral life, being fully aware of our thoughts and actions, developing an understanding of the Four Noble Truths, and...

Words: 1347 - Pages: 6

Premium Essay

Good and Evil in Chirstianity and Buddhism

...Good and Evil in Christianity and Buddhism Christianity and Buddhism are in many ways incompatible with each other. There is a clear contrast between the two types of religious teachings. According to Christianity, evil is neither created, natural, or a necessary element. It is a separate entity that sustains itself by misusing God’s resources and in following a wrong direction. The first noble truth, according to the Buddha, states that the only reality of human existence is the all-pervading reality of suffering .The only possibility of escaping suffering is to know the true nature of things and so to escape the vice of ignorance and karma. According to Christianity, God created all things but this does not make him the creator of evil. Christians believe that beings such as, God, The Virgin Mary and Saints can posses the power of salvation. Buddhists believe that this is not possible and that only through personal effort can good be produced and bad reduced in the life of an individual. Christians say that an individual can only be saved by having faith in Christ. Buddhists do defend accomplished beings such as Buddha himself, but still believe that personal salvation is only acquired through ones own efforts. There is believed to be no external force that can cause salvation or damnation. In Christianity, evil has its origins in the fall from grace of Lucifer and the angels who followed him, and they will do whatever it takes until the end of time to usurp Gods authority...

Words: 588 - Pages: 3

Premium Essay

History of Buddhism

...Buddha Shakyamuni. He was born around 624 BC, in northern India, which it is now referred to as Nepal ("History of Buddhism", 2007). He was given the name Siddhartha by his parents because they believed would have a good future and positive things were going to happen to their son. Early on Siddhartha lived life well; as he was the son of wealthy people. Therefore most of everything came easy to him because of his good fortunes, however to everyone else is seems great but to this meant he was sheltered most of his life. In other words, he was given anything and everything he had ever wanted, and didn’t have a problem in the world. For some reason his wealthy father never informed him about the four noble truths that he was destined to know. Once he read and understood the four noble truths he wanted to make a dramatic change to his life. It wasn’t until he got older when he started to think about himself, and his value and legacy, which...

Words: 2044 - Pages: 9

Premium Essay

Nirvana

...person releases their attachment to desire and the self, they can attain Nirvana. Buddhism believes that there are five processes which no human being has control and which none can ever change. These five processes are namely the process of growing old, of not falling sick, of dying, decay of things that are perishable and of the passing away of that which is liable to pass. The teaching included the believe that the only way to end the cycle of suffering is to end all craving and lead a life free of attachment that has no karmic consequences. Buddha set forth the Four Noble Truths which would lay the foundation of his later teachings while traveling throughout the land. 1) Life inevitably involves suffering, is imperfect and unsatisfactory.(Dukkha) 2) Suffering originates in our desires. (Sumudaya) 3) Suffering will cease if all desires cease.(Nirodha) 4) There is a way to realize this state: The Noble Eight Fold Path. Buddhism believes that you can achieve Nirvana through the practice of meditation, a mental discipline by which one attempts to get beyond the reflexive, “thinking” mind into a deeper state of relaxation or...

Words: 306 - Pages: 2

Free Essay

Religion

...Religion is the cause of many good and bad things around the world. Many would say that religion separates and divides all humans and causes conflict. Our society today has developed far beyond what we had expected. Human civilization has evolved intellectually and also technologically. Humans have come so far on their own and they are only going to get farther. Humans have proven that they do not need much to advance but knowledge. Religion is still needed in our society, not for our civilization to advance but for humanity to maintain aspects of its roots. Religion differentiates all of the unique cultures we have around the world, teaches and emphasizes the role of morals and gives people hope and faith in themselves and the world. There are one hundred and ninety-six countries in the world as of today. We are all the same people but what separates us is our cultures and traditions. Every ethnic group of people in this world have unique traditions, languages, political and social ideologies, cultures and lifestyles. According to Professor Billikopf who teaches at the University of California in his article he says that knowing each other’s cultural differences brings the sense of unity and understanding to the human race. If all humans were the same there would be nothing to understand about our species and our similarities would make our race unbalanced. Unbalanced in the sense that humans would not be as significant as they are today. People would feel as if they are...

Words: 1067 - Pages: 5

Premium Essay

Religious and Ethnic Groups Paper

...The religious group of Buddhism has a lot of differences then other religious groups. Buddhism “is an 800 year old religion and a way of life dedicated to manifesting the endowed purpose of every human being to realize enlightenment”( Shinran Shonin, BASIC BELIEFS, PRACTICES AND EXPERIENCES). One thing that I learnt that stood out about the differences of Buddhism is that they are not concerned about labels. Buddhists don’t worship an idol, but do sometimes pay respect to images of Buddha. All though not in worship nor to ask favors, but more of a gratitude for their teaching. Some basic concepts of Buddhist teaching are the Four Noble Truths and the Noble Eightfold Path. Two differences between Buddhism and other religions are god and the concept of hell. Buddhism do not believe Buddha is a God, they say it’s more like a teacher student relationship. Buddhist concept of hell is way different than other religions. They believe in realms and Hell is the worst of the three undesirable realms, not that Hell is a place of eternal damnation. Buddhism is still new in American culture but you still see Buddhist, just not as common as other countries. The biggest thing that they have contributed to American culture is the politeness and caring not for themselves but for other human beings. They have brought to the American culture that wealth is not the way to happiness. Actually, if you look at a lot of Buddhist countries, they are poor looking because they believe that wealth...

Words: 844 - Pages: 4