Buddhism 101*4 Noble Truths *Nirvana*8 Fold Path *The Middle Path

Four Noble Truths

1To be alive means to endure suffering.

During our lifetime, we inevitably have to endure physical suffering such as pain, sickness, injury, tiredness, old age, and eventually death

2The origin of suffering is attachment.

Because the objects of our attachment are transient, their loss is inevitable, thus suffering will necessarily follow.

3It is possible to stop suffering.

the idea that suffering can be ended by attaining dispassion, resulting in the state of Nirvana

4There is a path to stopping suffering.

a gradual path of self-improvement, which is described in the Eightfold Path. It is the middle way between the two extremes of excessive self-indulgence (hedonism) and excessive self-mortification (asceticism)

8 Fold Path

1 (Wisdom)Right View

Since our view of the world forms our thoughts and our actions, right view yields right thoughts and right actions.

2 (Wisdom)Right Intention

1. the intention of renunciation, which means resistance to the pull of desire. 2. the intention of good will, meaning resistance to feelings of anger and aversion 3. the intention of harmlessness, meaning not to think or act cruelly, violently, or aggressively, and to develop compassion.

3 (Ethical Conduct) Right Speech abstain from

1. false speech, (lying) 2. to abstain from slanderous speech and not to use words maliciously against others3. to abstain from harsh words that offend or hurt others, (cursing)4. to abstain from idle chatter that lacks purpose or depth (gossip)

4 (Ethical Conduct)Right ActionAbstain from

1. harming sentient beings, especially to abstain from taking life (including suicide) and doing harm intentionally2. taking what is not given, which includes stealing, robbery, fraud3. sexual misconduct.

5 (Ethical Conduct)Right LivelihoodAbstain from

1. dealing in weapons, 2. dealing in living beings (including raising animals for slaughter as well as slave trade and prostitution), 3. working in meat production and butchery 4. selling intoxicants and poisons, such as alcohol and drugs

6 (Mental Development)Right Effort

1. to prevent the arising unwholesome states not yet arisen2. to abandon unwholesome states that have already arisen, 3. to arouse wholesome states that have not yet arisen4. to maintain and perfect wholesome states already arisen.

7 (Mental Development)Right MindfulnessContemplation of

1. the body 2. feeling (repulsive, attractive, or neutral)3. the state of mind4. phenomena.

8 (Mental Development)Right Concentration

one-pointedness of mind, meaning a state where all mental faculties are unified and directed onto one particular object developed through meditation.

NirvanaNirvana

Nirvana is the state free from suffering and individual existence, also known as "Enlightenment". The attainment of nirvana breaks the otherwise endless rebirth cycle of reincarnation, and is the ultimate goal of all Buddhists.

The Middle PathA life lived between the extremes of self-denial and self-indulgence, neither hedonist nor ascetic.Attained through adherence to the eight-fold path.