The Four Noble Truths
The Four Noble Truths are a set of four teachings which explain the existence, the end, the cause, and the path to the end of all suffering.
The First Noble Truth The first noble truth identifies the existence of suffering, or Dukkha sacca (Sanskrit) The Second Noble Truth The second noble truth explains the origins of suffering, and can be summarised as 'Suffering comes from craving'. This truth does not imply that one should cut oneself off from all things enjoyable, simply to enjoy them without a yearning to cling to it/possess it. The Third Noble Truth The third noble truth says that there is indeed a way out of this suffering. When one gains the ability of letting go of what he/she loves, then escaping suffering will come naturally. The Fourth Noble Truth The fourth noble truth explains that simply knowing these four truths is not enough, one must also live and investigate them in their own lives daily. |