Free Term Paper on the Four Noble Truths
The Four Noble Truths
The concept of the four noble truths has to do
with the religion, Buddhism. Unlike other religions that try to give (you)
answers to metaphysical questions, Buddhism teaches how human existence is
imperfect and how to steer away from suffering. The way this is taught is
through the four noble truths.
The four noble truths summed up is: (1)
existence is suffering, (2) desire is its cause, (3) there is a way to avoid
suffering, and (4) the way is to follow the eightfold path. The first noble
truth explains the concept of Duhkha, Duhkha is suffering. Basically, where life
exists so does suffering, whether it be mental or physical suffering of whatever
degree. The second noble truth explains that there is an identifiable cause for
this suffering and that is trishna. Trishna means thirst or desire. The thirst
or desire were talking about for example would be the lust or obsession for
money or sensual pleasures. “…basically trishna can be reduced to a fundamental
ache that is implanted in everything that exists, a gnawing dissatisfaction with
what is and a concomitant reaching out for something else. So we can never be at
rest but are always grasping for something outside ourselves. The third noble
truth tells us that there is a path we could follow to ultimate freedom or
nirvana. I would love to be able to explain exactly what nirvana is but I am
afraid nobody would be able to give a clear answer. As far as I know the state
of nirvana would be equivalent to heaven. The fourth noble truth tells us
exactly what the path is to achieve nirvana, and that path is called the noble
eightfold path. The noble eightfold path is :(1) right understanding, (2) right
thought, (3) right speech, (4) right action, (5) right livelihood, (6) right
effort, (7) right mindfulness, (8) right concentration.