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Basic Buddhist Teachings 6 - Right View
The Four Noble Truths consist of suffering (dukkha – ill-being), the origin (samudāya – the accumulation of the causes of suffering), cessation (nirodha – the ending), and the path (magga – the path of transformation of suffering). To see suffering, its origin, and its cessation is to see the path; only those who have experienced suffering are able to recognize the path of liberation. The Path is not reserved for the elderly but is a “way of living” present in all daily activities such as arranging flowers, making tea, or archery.
The Path begins with three steps: hearing, reflecting, and practicing:
- Hearing – learning, listening with an open mind.
- Reflecting – contemplating, looking deeply into the teachings based on wisdom and experience.
- Practicing – applying the teachings in daily life so that speech and actions are in harmony.
Right View is also nourished by three kinds of “food” that sustain body and mind:
- Edible food – material food;
- Sense impression – impressions from the senses (form, sound, smell, taste, touch, objects of mind);
- Volitional food – desires, intentions (cetana).
Through hearing, reflecting, and practicing, the seeds of Right View are watered and allowed to sprout, helping to transform the origin into cessation, bringing freedom and peace.