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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.
Basic Buddhist Teachings 7 - The Four Noble Truths (Part 2)