The Buddha's Story - II

The Four Noble Truths

1. The truth of suffering (dukkha)
2. The truth of the cause of suffering (samudaya)
3. The truth of the cessation of suffering (nirodha)
4. The truth of the path leading to the cessation of suffering (magga)

According to Buddhist tradition, the Buddha first taught the Four Noble Truths in his first sermon, known as the Dhammacakkappavattana Sutta or "Setting in Motion the Wheel of Dharma." This sermon was delivered to his five former companions who had previously accompanied him on his spiritual quest and who had become his first disciples.

The five companions were named Kondañña, Vappa, Bhaddiya, Mahanama, and Assaji. They were initially skeptical of the Buddha's teachings, but after hearing the sermon on the Four Noble Truths, they all became ardent followers of the Buddha and entered the Buddhist monastic order.

The teaching of the Four Noble Truths was not a one-time event, but rather a central aspect of the Buddha's teachings throughout his life. The Four Noble Truths were the foundation of his teachings and were integrated into many of his discourses and teachings.

In fact, the Buddha often taught the Four Noble Truths in different ways, using different words and illustrations, depending on the audience and their level of understanding. For example, the Buddha may have taught the Four Noble Truths differently to a layperson than to a monastic, or differently to someone who was new to the teachings compared to someone who had been studying and practicing for a long time.

So, while the Buddha's first teaching on the Four Noble Truths was at Deer Park in Sarnath, the teaching of the Four Noble Truths was ongoing throughout his life and was a core aspect of his teachings.

Why the Buddha taught in the deer park ?

The Buddha gave his first sermon, in which he taught the Four Noble Truths, in Deer Park in Sarnath, near the city of Varanasi in present-day India, for several reasons.

Firstly, Deer Park was a quiet and peaceful location, which made it an ideal place for the Buddha to teach his first sermon. According to Buddhist tradition, the Buddha had been seeking a location that was conducive to meditation and contemplation, and Deer Park fit the bill.

Secondly, Deer Park was a location that was easily accessible to people from all over the region, including traders and merchants who traveled along the nearby trade routes. This meant that the Buddha's teachings would have a wider audience and greater impact.

Thirdly, Deer Park was a location that was already associated with spiritual teachers and seekers. According to Buddhist tradition, several other teachers had given discourses in Deer Park prior to the Buddha, so it was a place that was already recognized as a site of spiritual significance.

Finally, Deer Park was also the location where the Buddha had previously met his five former companions who had become his first disciples. By returning to Deer Park, the Buddha was able to reunite with his former companions and begin teaching them his insights and experiences.

Taken together, these factors made Deer Park an ideal location for the Buddha to give his first sermon and teach the Four Noble Truths.

The Four Noble Truths

1. The truth of suffering (dukkha)
2. The truth of the cause of suffering (samudaya)
3. The truth of the cessation of suffering (nirodha)
4. The truth of the path leading to the cessation of suffering (magga)

Dukka

In Buddhism, the truth of suffering, or dukkha, is one of the Four Noble Truths. It refers to the understanding that all sentient beings experience suffering in one form, whether physical, emotional, or psychological.
Various factors, such as attachment, aversion, and ignorance, can cause dukkha. The Buddha taught that suffering arises from cravings or the desire for things to be different than they are. This includes craving for pleasure, material possessions, and even for existence itself.
The truth of suffering is not just about the obvious forms of pain and suffering, such as illness, ageing, and death, but also the more subtle forms of dissatisfaction, discontentment, and restlessness that pervade our lives.
The Buddha emphasised that the truth of suffering is not something to be lamented but rather to be understood and accepted. By acknowledging the existence of suffering and its causes, one can begin to take steps towards liberation from it.
Ultimately, the goal of Buddhist practice is to overcome suffering by cultivating wisdom, ethical conduct, and mental discipline. Through these practices, one can achieve a state of peace and happiness that is not dependent on external circumstances.

Samudaya
The truth of the cause of suffering, or samudaya, is another of the Four Noble Truths in Buddhism. It refers to the understanding that suffering arises from a particular set of causes and conditions.
According to the Buddha, the main cause of suffering is craving or attachment. This craving arises from a sense of ignorance or delusion about the true nature of reality. We cling to things that are impermanent and ultimately unsatisfying, and this leads to suffering.
The Buddha identified three types of craving that give rise to suffering: craving for sensual pleasures, craving for existence or becoming, and craving for non-existence or annihilation. These cravings are rooted in our sense of self, which is ultimately an illusion.
The Buddha also taught that the causes of suffering are interconnected and dependent on one another. He described this interdependent web of causes and conditions as dependent origination.
By understanding the causes of suffering, one can begin to uproot them and achieve liberation from the cycle of suffering. This is done through the cultivation of wisdom, ethical conduct, and mental discipline, as well as the practice of meditation and mindfulness.
Overall, the truth of the cause of suffering emphasises the importance of understanding the root causes of our suffering and taking steps to address them in order to achieve greater peace and happiness.

Nirodha
The truth of the cessation of suffering, or nirodha, is the third of the Four Noble Truths in Buddhism. It refers to the understanding that it is possible to end or extinguish suffering.
According to the Buddha, the cessation of suffering is achieved by uprooting its underlying causes, which are craving, attachment, and ignorance. Through the practice of the Noble Eightfold Path, one can cultivate wisdom, ethical conduct, and mental discipline, which leads to the gradual eradication of these causes.
As one progresses on the path, one begins to experience moments of profound peace and happiness, which are referred to as "cessations." These cessations are temporary experiences of the cessation of suffering and provide a glimpse into the ultimate goal of complete liberation from suffering.
The Buddha taught that the ultimate cessation of suffering is achieved through the realisation of Nirvana, which is a state of perfect peace and liberation from all forms of suffering. Nirvana is not a physical place or a state of being but rather a realisation of the true nature of reality and the cessation of all craving, attachment, and ignorance.
The truth of the cessation of suffering provides hope and inspiration for those who seek to end their own suffering and the suffering of others. It emphasises the possibility of achieving a state of profound peace and happiness through the cultivation of wisdom, ethical conduct, and mental discipline.

Magga
The truth of the path leading to the cessation of suffering, or magga, is the fourth and final of the Four Noble Truths in Buddhism. It refers to the Noble Eightfold Path, which is the path that leads to the cessation of suffering.

The Noble Eightfold Path consists of eight interconnected factors: right view, right intention, right speech, right action, right livelihood, right effort, right mindfulness, and right concentration.

The right view refers to a correct understanding of the nature of reality and the Four Noble Truths. Right intention refers to the cultivation of an intention to practice the path for the sake of liberation from suffering.

Right speech, action, and livelihood refer to the ethical conduct of the practitioner, which is characterised by the avoidance of harmful actions and the cultivation of actions that promote well-being for oneself and others.

Right effort, mindfulness, and concentration refer to the mental qualities that support the practice of the path. Right effort refers to the cultivation of energy and enthusiasm for the path, right mindfulness refers to the cultivation of present-moment awareness and clear comprehension, and right concentration refers to the development of the ability to focus the mind and achieve deep states of concentration.

The Noble Eightfold Path is not meant to be practised in a linear fashion but rather as an integrated whole. Each factor supports and reinforces the others, and all are necessary for the attainment of the ultimate goal of liberation from suffering.
By practising the Noble Eightfold Path, one gradually uproots the causes of suffering and cultivates the qualities that lead to the cessation of suffering. The path is a gradual and lifelong process of transformation that requires diligence, patience, and perseverance.
Overall, the truth of the path leading to the cessation of suffering provides a roadmap for the spiritual journey of the Buddhist practitioner, offering a practical and comprehensive approach to the achievement of the ultimate goal of liberation from suffering.

 How to practice four noble truth ?

The Four Noble Truths provide a framework for understanding the nature of suffering and the path to freedom from suffering. To practice the Four Noble Truths, one can follow these steps:

1. Recognize and acknowledge the truth of suffering (Dukkha): The first step in practicing the Four Noble Truths is to recognize the truth of suffering in our lives. This means acknowledging that all beings experience suffering and that it is an inherent part of life.

2. Understand the cause of suffering (Samudaya): The second step is to understand the causes and conditions that give rise to suffering. This involves recognizing that our attachment to desires, craving, and ignorance are the root causes of suffering.

3. Realize the cessation of suffering (Nirodha): The third step is to realize that it is possible to end suffering by letting go of these attachments and cravings. This involves cultivating mindfulness, wisdom, and compassion as a means of freeing ourselves from the cycle of suffering.

4. Follow the path to the cessation of suffering (Magga): The fourth step is to follow the Noble Eightfold Path, which includes right understanding, right intention, right speech, right action, right livelihood, right effort, right mindfulness, and right concentration. This path involves cultivating ethical behavior, mental discipline, and wisdom, and leads to the cessation of suffering.

By practicing the Four Noble Truths in this way, we can begin to transform our relationship to suffering and move towards a state of greater peace, freedom, and happiness.

 How to meditate on four noble truth ?

Meditation is an important part of Buddhist practice, and it can be used to deepen our understanding of the Four Noble Truths. Here are some steps to meditate on the Four Noble Truths:

1. Find a quiet and comfortable place to sit: Start by finding a quiet and comfortable place to sit where you will not be disturbed. Sit cross-legged on a cushion or in a chair with your back straight but not tense.

2. Focus on the breath: Begin by focusing on your breath, feeling the sensation of the air moving in and out of your body. This helps to calm the mind and cultivate mindfulness.

3. Reflect on the truth of suffering: Once you feel settled and focused, reflect on the first Noble Truth, the truth of suffering. Contemplate the ways in which you or others experience suffering, whether physical, mental, or emotional. Observe your thoughts and feelings as they arise, but try not to judge or react to them.

4. Reflect on the cause of suffering: Next, reflect on the second Noble Truth, the cause of suffering. Contemplate the ways in which craving, attachment, and ignorance lead to suffering in your life. Again, observe your thoughts and feelings as they arise without judging or reacting to them.

5. Reflect on the cessation of suffering: Move on to the third Noble Truth, the cessation of suffering. Contemplate the possibility of ending suffering by letting go of these attachments and cravings. Cultivate a sense of openness and curiosity about the possibility of finding peace and freedom from suffering.

6. Reflect on the path to the cessation of suffering: Finally, reflect on the fourth Noble Truth, the path to the cessation of suffering. Contemplate the Noble Eightfold Path, and how you can cultivate the factors of right understanding, right intention, right speech, right action, right livelihood, right effort, right mindfulness, and right concentration in your life. Consider how you can integrate these practices into your daily life.

7. Close your meditation: When you are ready, slowly come out of your meditation by taking a few deep breaths and stretching your body. Take a moment to reflect on your meditation experience, and carry the insights and reflections you gained into your daily life.

By meditating on the Four Noble Truths in this way, we can deepen our understanding of the nature of suffering and the path to freedom from suffering, and cultivate greater peace, wisdom, and compassion in our lives.

-------to be continued in the next part III

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