Summary: In this episode I look at the Four Noble Truths, which are considered to be the foundation of the Buddha's teaching. One could even say that a Buddhist is someone who practices the religion based on the Buddha's teaching as summarized in the Four Noble Truths. The four noble truths can be summarized as the truth of suffering, the truth of the origin of suffering, the truth of the cessation of suffering, and the truth of the path leading to the cessation of suffering The Four Noble Truths are the foundation of the Buddha's teaching. The Four Truths are like a foundation of a building, they help build a practice. The Four Truths are like an outline, they help you follow the teaching. The Four Truths are like the four points on a compass, they keeps you oriented so you don’t get lost. And the Four Truths are like the four dimensions, they describe reality as it really is. In this episode I examine the Buddhist Scriptures that teach the Four Noble Truths. I explain each of the Truths and what each of these truths mean. The Fourth Noble Truths are like a doctor treating a patient. There is the diagnosis, the cause of the disease, the prognosis or possibility of a cure, and the treatment or prescription. But the Four Noble Truth are not just something to believe, they are "injunctions to do something." Seen in this way the Four Noble Truths become four tasks to be completed: first fully know suffering, second let go of craving, third experience cessation of craving, and fourth cultivate the Eightfold Noble Path. It is a helpful way to remember that there is a difference between knowing the path and walking the path. Research Links http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Four_Noble_Truths http://www.buddhanet.net/4noble.htm http://buddhism.about.com/od/thefournobletruths/a/fournobletruths.htm Voicemail Feedback Line Your feedback is important, please call 505-750-3121 and leave a voice message to be played on the show. Music Credits Detachment by Snowflake Podcast Survey You can help me better serve you and let me know a little more about you. Please fill out the survey over at the Blubrry Network, the link is: http://www.blubrry.com/jayforrestshow/survey/ Jay Forrest Show Resources My Blog - Read the latest from my personal Blog Beliefs - What are the basic beliefs of Buddhism. About - Who is Jay Forrest? Contact - Contact information including email and phone number. Bookstore - A list of some of the best Buddhist books. Shop - Buy a T-Shirt or Mug and show your support. Privacy Policy - Read our Privacy Policy Subscribe to the Podcast Make sure you never miss an episode of the Jay Forrest Show by subscribing to the podcast. For complete instructions click here.
