4 Noble Truths

A discussion on all aspects of Theravāda Buddhism
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Wesley1982
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4 Noble Truths

Post by Wesley1982 »

I'm a beginner but here goes ~ from -What the Buddha taught- by Walpola Rahula.
The heart of Buddha's teaching lies in the Four Noble Truths (Cattari
Ariyasaccani) which he expounded in his very first sermon to his old colleagues, the
five ascetics, at Isipatana (modern Sarnath) near Benares. In this sermon, as we have
it in the original texts, these four Truths are given briefly. But there are innumerable
places in the early buddhist scriptures where they are explained again and again,
with greater detail and in different ways. If we study the Four Noble Truths with the
help of these references and explanations, we get a fairly good and accurate
account of the essential teachings of the Buddha according to the original texts.
The Four noble Truths are:
1. Dukkha
2. Samudaya, the arisingor origin of dukkha
3. Nirodha, the cessation of dukkha
4. Megga, the way leading to the cessation of dukkha
. . .
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Wesley1982
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Re: 4 Noble Truths

Post by Wesley1982 »

What are some common mistakes that beginners make?
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hanzze_
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Re: 4 Noble Truths

Post by hanzze_ »

That they believe, that they are beginners and feel insecure. That is a very good book, it just needs its time and field experiences. Just try to watch it.
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ground
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Re: 4 Noble Truths

Post by ground »

The term "truth" may be perceived inappropriately.
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hanzze_
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Re: 4 Noble Truths

Post by hanzze_ »

Did you find that out for your self? Or is that just general mistrust in regard of the eightfold path.
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ground
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Re: 4 Noble Truths

Post by ground »

To my knowledge "may be" stands for a possibility. In the context of statements of the kind "that may be so or so" the meaning is suggestive.
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hanzze_
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Re: 4 Noble Truths

Post by hanzze_ »

Starting with developing doubt of the four noble truth is not the way of this tradition and according to this traditions, spending times with people who have doubt in fundamental principles would not be useful to reach the stream. Its a more secure and more responsible way that is used here.
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ground
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Re: 4 Noble Truths

Post by ground »

Yes. There should not be any doubt about the appropriate perception of the term "truth".
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hanzze_
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Re: 4 Noble Truths

Post by hanzze_ »

Whether you doubt or not, perceptions are used to find one day behind them. That's the way of beings. To cut of the tool first is more a method of some who like to keep their ways as they are. That is also a way of having a feeling of release, but its not lasting.
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Cittasanto
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Re: 4 Noble Truths

Post by Cittasanto »

Wesley1982 wrote:What are some common mistakes that beginners make?
In regard to the four Noble Truths
the first is sometimes understood to say "life is suffering."
when it doesnt, it says "there is suffering."
Blog, Suttas, Aj Chah, Facebook.

He who knows only his own side of the case knows little of that. His reasons may be good, and no one may have been able to refute them.
But if he is equally unable to refute the reasons on the opposite side, if he does not so much as know what they are, he has no ground for preferring either opinion …
...
He must be able to hear them from persons who actually believe them … he must know them in their most plausible and persuasive form.
John Stuart Mill
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hanzze_
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Re: 4 Noble Truths

Post by hanzze_ »

I guess this is maybe a good overview The Four Noble Truths - A Study Guide in addition to what you know already from the book "What the Buddha taught- by Walpola Rahula".
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DNS
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Re: 4 Noble Truths

Post by DNS »

Wesley1982 wrote:What are some common mistakes that beginners make?
In regard to 4 Noble Truths and practice, two common mistakes (imo):

1. That all desire is okay if in moderation
2. That all desire is bad, even desire for enlightenment

All desires are not okay, even if in moderation. Middle Way doesn't mean a little of this and a little of that. A 'little' bit of poison or a little bit of killing is not okay.

There are wholesome things such as the brahma viharas, attaining enlightenment, etc. Chandha refers to a wholesome desire or intent. Tanha is the one with thirst / craving, such as for sense pleasure.
jason c
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Re: 4 Noble Truths

Post by jason c »

Cittasanto wrote:
Wesley1982 wrote:What are some common mistakes that beginners make?
In regard to the four Noble Truths
the first is sometimes understood to say "life is suffering."
when it doesnt, it says "there is suffering."
i've come to understand there is no difference in these two statements
metta
jason
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hanzze_
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Re: 4 Noble Truths

Post by hanzze_ »

Dear Jason,

that could easily lead to nihilism or aversion against live, there is no problem with life, there is just becoming (birth) and it's cause which makes life to something that is suffering.
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Re: 4 Noble Truths

Post by jason c »

hanzze_ wrote:Dear Jason,

that could easily lead to nihilism or aversion against live, there is no problem with life, there is just becoming (birth) and it's cause which makes life to something that is suffering.
dear hanzze,

life=suffering=samsara=dukka=nama-rupa=mind-body=energy-matter. these all represent a combination of pure mind and matter(or body) the buddhas teachings lead to an experience of pure mind alone free from body and ultimately the cessation of pure mind(nibbana or truth ). if one choses to view this as nihilistic then this would not be right understanding.
metta,
jason
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