Foundations of Religion - Major World Religions The Four Noble Truths
Unlike other religions that are centred on the worship of a Supreme Being (i.e. God or Brahman), Buddhism is centred on the acceptance of four basic truths. These are: 1. Life is not perfect. All life involves suffering.
2. We are always left unhappy when we try to make our lives perfect. Our desires (i.e. wanting pleasure and wealth) are the cause of our suffering.
3. We must accept that all things are impermanent (i.e. do not last). Only then will we stop wanting things and look for a better way to find fulfilment.
4. To end our suffering, we need to achieve enlightenment. The only way to do this is to follow the Eightfold Path.
These teachings form the heart of the Buddha’s message to humanity.
The Eightfold Path This is also called ‘the Middle Way’. It sets out the Buddha’s advice on how to live a good life. The eight steps are as follows:
Step 1: Right view Follow the Buddha’s teachings.
Step 2: Right thought Avoid selfishness.
Step 3: Right speech Avoid lies and gossip.
Step 4: Right action Do not harm or kill any creature.
Step 5: Right livelihood Earn your living honestly.
Step 6: Right effort Try to do your very best. Step 7: Right mindfulness
Be responsible for yourself. Get control over your thoughts and moods. Step 8: Right contemplation
Become a calm person through practising meditation. 229 REMEMBER!
The Eightfold Path consists of the eight steps you should follow if you want to do the following things: (a) free yourself of desire; (b) end your suffering; (c) achieve enlightenment; and (d) reach nirvana.
