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The Four Noble Truth Vs. The Eightfold Path

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The Four Noble Truths are Buddha’s reflections about life and they define what is suffering (dukkha) and how to overcome suffering. The first noble truth is that no living being can escape suffering (Eastern Traditions, p.200). This suffering can be emotional or physical. Buddha wants to emphasize that life does not always meet our expectations and this will lead to suffering. People will still be suffering even if there is not an external source, like a disease, because they will feel unfulfilled. The second Noble Truth addresses that suffering comes from a person’s desires (Eastern Traditions, p.200). People may be able to satisfy their desires but this is only temporary solution to suffering. The third Noble truth is that person can end their suffering if they cease their desires (Eastern Traditions, p.200). The possibility of liberation can happen if the person extinguishes his or her desires instead of temporarily satisfying them. The fourth Noble Truth explains that following the Eightfold path is the way to put an end to suffering (Eastern Traditions, p.200). …show more content…

These stages do not have to be followed in order. The first stage is to have right understanding, which means that person should understand and accept the Four Noble truths (Dhammapada, p.73). The second stage is to have the right thought which is free of sensuous desire and cruelty. These are thoughts of non-violence and love to all creatures, which will lead to selfless detachment (Dhammapada, p.38&75). The next stage is to have the right speech. The right speech means that a person will not slander another or lie (Dhammapada, p.70). The fourth step in the path is the right conduct meaning that a person should engage in peaceful and moral conduct (Dhammapada,

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