4 Noble Truths Dukkha : Truth of Suffering Samudaya : Truth of the Cause of Suffering Nirodha : Truth of the End of Suffering Magga : Truth of the Path
Dukkha The Truth of Suffering – Life is full of sickness and unhappiness – All pleasures are fleeting (short- lived)
Samudaya The Truth of the Cause of Suffering –1–1 simple reason for suffering Desire –I–It is never satisfied
Nirodha The End of Suffering –Becoming aware of those desires so they can be stopped
Magga: The Eightfold Path Right Understanding: Work to understand how your mind works Right Thought: Think kindly and avoid dwelling on past or future Right Speech: Speak kindly and truthfully Right Action: Act kindly towards all living things – acting properly is more important than the results of the actions
Magga (cont’d) Right work: Choose a line of work that does not harm others Right effort: Be determined to cleanse the mind of attachment to material things Right mindfulness: Pay attention to what you are doing,with a concern for others Right Concentration: meditation,or focus on one thing intensely (wholesome thought)
Buddhism and the Afterlife Buddhism originated from Hinduism, so the basic doctrine includes reincarnation based on karma Many practicing Buddhists de-emphasize the notion of the afterlife The concept of hell is transitory (temporary)