The Four Noble Truths (Sanskrit: catvāri āryasatyāni) are an important principle in Buddhism, classically taught by the Buddha in the Dharmacakra Pravartana Sūtra.
According to various sources, a simple rendition of the Four Noble Truths is as follows:
1. Suffering exists
2. Suffering arises from attachment to desires
3. Suffering ceases when attachment to desire ceases
4. Freedom from suffering is possible by practicing the Eightfold Path
However, the Sanskrit and Pali words satya and sacca, respectively, mean both "truth" and "real" or "actual thing." With that in mind, one scholar argues that the four noble truths are not asserted in the way they just have been above, as propositional truths or creeds. Instead they can be seen as "true things" or "realities" that the Buddha experienced.
The original Tibetan Lotsawas (Sanskrit: locchāwa; Tibetan: lo ts'a ba), who studied Sanskrit grammar thoroughly, used the Tibetan term bden pa, which reflects this understanding.
In that light, and according to the Saṃyukta Āgama of the Sarvāstivādaschool, the basic teachings of the Four Noble Truths are as follows:
1. Thus is the Noble Truth of Suffering
2. Thus is the Noble Truth of the Origin of Suffering
3. Thus is the Noble Truth of the Cessation of Suffering
4. Thus is the Noble Truth of the Path that leads to the Cessation of Suffering
Going further, some versions of the Dharmacakra Pravartana Sutra contain definitions of the Four Noble Truths while others do not. For example, the Sarvastivadin versions portrays the truths as principles to be contemplated in various methods, and no definitions are given.
In the Theravada version and the version translated by An Shigao, the Four Noble Truths are given definitions:
1. The Nature of Suffering (or Dukkha):
"This is the noble truth of suffering: birth is suffering, aging is suffering, illness is suffering, death is suffering; sorrow, lamentation, pain, grief and despair are suffering; union with what is displeasing is suffering; separation from what is pleasing is suffering; not to get what one wants is suffering; in brief, the five aggregates subject to clinging are suffering."
2. Suffering's Origin (Dukkha Samudaya):
"This is the noble truth of the origin of suffering: it is this craving which leads to renewed existence, accompanied by delight and lust, seeking delight here and there, that is, craving for sensual pleasures, craving for existence, craving for extermination."
3. Suffering's Cessation (Dukkha Nirodha):
"This is the noble truth of the cessation of suffering: it is the remainderless fading away and cessation of that same craving, the giving up and relinquishing of it, freedom from it, nonreliance on it."
4. The Path Leading to the Cessation of Suffering: (Dukkha Nirodha Gamini Patipada Magga)
"This is the noble truth of the way leading to the cessation of suffering: it is the Noble Eightfold Path; that is, right view, right intention, right speech, right action, right livelihood, right effort, right mindfulness and right concentration."
Relation to the Eightfold Noble Path
In the version of the Dharmacakra Pravartana Sūtra contained in the extant Saṃyukta Āgama, there is no mention of the Noble Eightfold Path. Instead, contemplation of the Four Noble Truths is taken to be the path itself.
Interpretations
Among the early Buddhist schools, the Ekavyāvahārikas held the doctrine that the Buddha speaks with a single and unified transcendent meaning, and that the Four Noble Truths are perfectly realized with one wisdom. Another Indian sect, the Mahīśāsakas, held that the Four Noble Truths should be meditated on simultaneously.
According to Thanissaro Bhikkhu, the Four Noble Truths are best understood, not as beliefs, but as categories of experience.
**I humbly suggest we digest these basics before we progress as many have not even heard of them.
Also note that although all these ae Buddha's teachings, there are different Interpretation therefore different versions emerged.
Remember GM said there is no absolute Right Or Wrong. Do not make others unhappy and argue that your version is the only right one. Buddha teaches us to make all happy and leave sufferings far behind.
With that in mind, I am sure we will all cultivate well.
Amituofo
Lotuschef
TBS
Pure karma Vihara
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