Lesson 1: The Buddha and his Doctrines
The Four Noble Truths
When Buddha preached his method of escape from samsara, he emphasized teachings he called the Four Noble Truths. These doctrines are central to all of Buddhism, and are really the basis for all other teachings. The Four Noble Truths are what really defines Buddhism.
- The First Noble Truth is the truth of dukkha, which means suffering. What this means is that all of existence is suffering – there are the obvious examples of suffering – the times in which our needs are not met, when we are upset, or when we are subjected to physical or emotional pain. However, even those times that seem to be free of suffering are in fact times of suffering, for they are impermanent, and we will once again experience suffering again. Even after death we are reincarnated, and will continue this way for eternity. Though there are times of happiness, they are small in number compared to the number of times of suffering – if not in this life, then perhaps the next, or the one after that.
- The Second Noble Truth explains the cause of suffering – according to the Buddha, it is craving or thirst. This is an individual’s desire for anything – be it power, wealth, love or even to have the most basic biological needs met. This craving is for something permanent – something one can cling to forever, which would potentially provide permanent happiness. However, Buddhism teaches that nothing is permanent, and thus nothing can provide this kind of security. This is why even happiness is truly suffering, for it will always eventually give way to pain. It is important to note, however, that Buddhists do not see this craving as a “first cause” to suffering – there are preceding steps to even this, which will be discussed later. This is only the immediate cause of anguish.
- The Third Noble Truth is the declaration that there is a means to becoming free of the cycle of samsara. This means that there is a way to end one’s desire for the fulfillment of cravings, and thus become free of suffering and leaves the cycle of death and rebirth.
- The Fourth Noble Truth is the path one must follow in order to become free of cravings and desires – this is the path that was discovered and taught by the Buddha, often referred to as the middle path of Buddha. It can be summed up in the Eightfold Noble Path, but really to different Buddhist groups it encompasses the entirety of what they believe to be the teachings of the Buddha, a central doctrine in Buddhism. Following the Buddha’s middle path will extinguish one’s desires and thus provide ultimate liberation. The path is not to be thought of as a ladder, or process, but rather all aspects must be cultivated together, as they are all inter-dependant. The eight “folds” are all concerned with one aspect of existence, and this is, according to Buddhism, the path that must be traveled upon to reach enlightenment.
