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

Thich Nhat Hanh · December 12, 1993 · Plum Village, France
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Right View is both a cause and an effect: there is no “first cause” according to dependent co-arising; all phenomena are simultaneously cause and effect. In the Noble Eightfold Path, which consists of eight elements (with Right View as the first element), the other seven elements are conditions for the arising of Right View, and at the same time, Right View nourishes them. The eight elements interact inseparably, manifesting the interdependent nature of the Eightfold Path.

Right Thinking (Samyak Sankalpa) arises from Right View and in turn nourishes Right View, differing from wrong thinking—which is entangled, causing sorrow and suffering. Right Thinking includes vitarka (initial thought, first intention) and vicara (deep reflection), directing our thoughts toward impermanence, non-self, and dependent co-arising. From there, Right Speech, Right Action, and Right Livelihood arise, contributing to the nourishment of collective happiness.

The matter does not stop at concepts or words: through the process of listening, reflecting, and practicing, conceptual knowledge is transformed into living insight. When we let go of notions and words (beyond conceptualization), we come into direct contact with the wondrous reality, attaining deep concentration and true insight.

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