4 Noble Truths

• It was the Buddha's first sermon at Deer Park, Isipatana.

• Dukkha
• Samudaya (Arising of Dukkha)
• Nirodha (Cessation of Dukkha)
• Magga (Way)

• This is also found in the 3 Lakshanas and is the first of NT. 

There are three types of Dukkha:

• Suffering of suffering = Dukkha-dukkha -> Includes all the miseries of the lower realms as well as the sufferings of old age, birth, sickness and death in the higher realms. It also includes seperation, undesirable encounters and lack of achievments. It also represents emotional suffering such as being upset at life and worrying about wealth.

• Suffering of change = Viparinama-dukkha -> Represents the idea that even if we are in the higher spiritual realms we will encounter suffering. Even the most pleasurable things can cause suffering when they eventually change and pass. This is because nothing is beyond the laws of impermanence.

• All-persuasive suffering of conditioning = Sankhara-dukkha -> Described as the suffering that comes from simply having the 5 skandhas. We are least likely to recognise this form. Anger, pride and greed are all causes of this. 

• Everything has a cause and the cause of Dukkha is is Tanha.
• Tanha is seen as an attachment. It could take many lifetimes to understand the connection between Dukkha and Tanha. 
• It is our greed that creates Dukkha.
• This NT is depicted in the hungry ghost realm of the Wheel of Samsara. 

• There is emancipation, liberation, freedom from the continutiy of Dukkha.
• To eliminate Dukkha you need to eliminate the cause - Tanha.
• Release from Dukkha does not mean the end of physical pain but the end of the psychological pain that accompanies suffering.

• This leads to Nirodha.
• This is the Middle Path.

• Once we recognise our suffering or dukkha, for example drug addiction, then we can start to deal with it. No suffering can be overcome unless it is acknowledged.
• In practice, all suffering is caused by craving or desire (tanha) for example, lung cancer is caused by a craving for tobacco. Therefore suffering can only be overcome once the cause is recognised and dealt with. Other suffering ceases once the attachment or craving has been removed.
• Once a person recognises that it is possible to overcome suffering then they can be inspired to do so – believing makes it possible. Also knowing that suffering can come to an end (nirodha), can strengthen a person’s resolve.
• If a person overcomes suffering they can only do so with support. Therefore magga (the way), offers a way or a guide to overcoming dukkha.
• Many people have overcome suffering and achieved enlightenment (for example, the historical Buddha) by following the 4 Noble Truths and this provides evidence for its success.

• Recognising that all life is dukkha or suffering is quite depressing and can be overwhelming. People could feel that there is no point trying to overcome it as it is inevitable.
• Some suffering is not caused by craving, such as ****. Therefore the 4 Noble Truths may not be of any help.
• Some suffering may not come to an end such as mental illnesses or grief. Even if physical pain can be overcome this does not mean that the emotional pain ceases. Therefore in practice, nirodha may not be possible.
• Many, such as Christians, argue that it is important to realise that we cannot overcome suffering on our own but that we need the help and grace of God. (We need to turn to God in prayer.)Therefore the 4 Noble Truths would not be successful for these people.
• If the 4 Noble truths were so successful then surely more people would embrace them.