The Four Noble Truths

What are the Four Noble Truths?

The Four Noble Truths can be seen as the essence of the Buddha’s teachings. He discovered them while searching for enlightenment. It is these teaching that he offers to the five ascetics once he has reached enlightenment.

1st Noble Truth

Suffering exists

2nd Noble Truth

Suffering is caused by something

3rd Noble Truth

Suffering can end

4th Noble Truth

There is a way to bring about the end of suffering.

What does Theravada Buddhism think of the 4 Noble Truths?

Theravada Buddhism sees understanding the 4 Noble Truths as the most important goal to achieving enlightenment.

What is Tanha?

Craving or thirst, wanting something. It is our desire to have those things that bring us pleasure and avoid those things that we do not like which causes this.

Types of craving

Things that please the senses. Wanting to become something you are not. Craving non-existence.

What are the three poisons?

Ignorance, greed and desire, anger and hatred. They sit at the center of the wheel of like and the forces that keep it turning.

Ignorance

Pig

Greed and desire

Cockerel

Anger and hatred

Snake

What does the 3rd Noble Truth offer?

It offers the possibility that suffering can come to an end. The Buddha is evidence that this is possible.

What does the second noble truth tell us about craving?

•If we can stop craving it is possible for us to stop our suffering

•The Buddha taught that we do not get the things that we want – and that even if we do we cannot keep hold of them

•Only by letting go of craving can we end our dissatisfaction

Nirvana

Extinction of the three poisons.

Bodhi

Knowing

Buddha

One who knows

What is the 4th Noble Truth?

The 4th noble truth is the Eightfold Path.

What can the Eightfold Path be divided into?

The Threefold Way.

What is the Threefold Way?

Ethics, Meditation & Wisdom