3.1.8 The Four Noble Truths

Question 1

What are the 4 noble truths, and what do they do?

Answer 1

• The Truth of Suffering - Dukkha
• The Truth of the Cause of Suffering - Samudaya
• The Truth of the End of Suffering - Nirodhana
• The Truth of the Path Leading to the End of Suffering - Magga (the Eightfold path)
  They explain why people suffer and how to end suffering. The Buddha discovered these truths during his enlightenment.

Question 2

Why are the 4 noble truths important?(3)

Answer 2

• For many Buddhists they are the basis of Buddhism. They are the first teachings of the Buddha.
• They teach about the cause of suffering and how to overcome it.
• They are an accurate account of reality - they help Buddhists to understand the true nature of existence. If you understand the way things really are you can understand suffering and how to be free of it.

Question 3

What does the second Noble Truth explain and what is Tanha? (3 bullet points)

Answer 3

• Explains the cause (arising or origin) of suffering.
• The Buddha taught that one of the main causes of suffering is Tanha.
• Tanha is ‘thirst’ or ‘craving’ - refers to wanting or desiring things that will inevitably change (anicca) because everything does, ultimately causing dissatisfaction (dukkha).

Question 4

What did the Buddha teach about human thirst or desire and what did he compare it to?

Answer 4

He taught that human thirst or desire can never be satisfied; either the thing we desire changes, or there will always be something else we desire. The Buddha described this as being like pouring water into the ocean - the ocean will never overflow.

Question 5

What are the 3 types of craving?

Answer 5

• Craving things which please the senses (taste, sight, touch, smell) - Kama Tanha.
• Craving to become something we are not (desire to be different or better) - Bhava Tanha.
• Craving non-existence (desiring/ wanting something to stop or the be rid of something) - Vibhava Tanha.

Question 6

What are the Three Poisons?

Answer 6

There are 3 human urges that cause suffering and which influence our actions - the Three Poisons;
* Greed
* Ignorance
* Anger

Question 7

The Buddha taught that craving and desire come about because of what? (4)

Answer 7

• The Buddha taught that craving and desire come about because we are ignorant about the true nature of reality.
• We don’t understand the way things really are.
• If we understood the true nature of reality we would not desire or crave things because we would understand that this will cause suffering because the things we desire are impermanent.
• If we understood that all things change we might not become attached to or desire things because we would realise that the thing we desire will change or cease to be.

Question 8

How does the Cycle of Suffering work?

Answer 8

Because we don’t understand the impermanence of things (ignorance), we desire things (greed). When those things cease to be or change we become annoyed or dissatisfied (anger), which causes us to want more or something different (greed). And so the cycle continues.

Question 9

What is the Cycle Of Existence like for Buddhists?

Answer 9

A cycle of life, death, rebirth and suffering of which they seek to escape altogether.

Question 10

What is the Wheel of Life and how is it presented?

Answer 10

The idea of the cycle of existence is illustrated in the Wheel of Life.
* At the centre of the wheel of life are the three poisons:
* The poison of greed is represented by a cockerel.
* The poison of ignorance is represented by a pig.
* The poison of anger and hatred is represented by a snake.

Question 11

Why are the Three Poisons pictured at the centre of the wheel?

Answer 11

To show that they keep the cycle of of life, death, rebirth and suffering turning.

Question 12

What is the link between the concept of dependent arising and the first two noble truths?

Answer 12

Pratityasamutpada teaches that all things are dependent on other things or arise from other things - the second noble truth explains that suffering arises from or is dependent on craving or desire.

Question 13

What is the connection between the Three poisons and human suffering with an example?

Answer 13

The 3 poisons are dangerous thoughts & emotions - they are character flaws which cause craving or desire which in turn causes suffering. For example one of the three poisons is greed. Greed creates an inner hunger which leads one to attempt to satisfy this hunger i.e. craving.

Question 14

What is the Third Noble Truth and what does it teach?

Answer 14

Nirodha is that there is an end to suffering - it teaches that it is possible to end a person’s suffering through their own action and efforts.

Question 15

Why is the Third Noble Truth important? (3)

Answer 15

• Because it teaches that it is possible to overcome suffering and achieve peace.
• It shows the positive outcome of the Four Noble Truths - there is an escape and end to suffering.
• This is important because if there were no hope of escape then the whole teaching of the four noble truths would be pointless.

Question 16

Do buddhists think they shouldn’t do things they enjoy to stop craving?

Answer 16

No, they think people should enjoy and take pleasure in things but recognise that they can’t last.

Question 17

What do Buddhists think the way to stop craving is?

Answer 17

The way to stop craving is to have an inner satisfaction with life and a total appreciation of what one has already got.

Question 18

How is suffering ended?

Answer 18

To end suffering the three poisons must be removed - Ignorance, greed and anger/hatred must be overcome.

Question 19

How is Nirvana achieved and what is it?

Answer 19

Achieving Nirodha results in Nirvana, once craving/desire has ceased the state of Nirvana is achieved. Nirvana is a state of peace.

Question 20

What does Nirvana mean, and what is it not?

Answer 20

Nirvana means “extinguishing” - it is the state that is achieved when suffering and its causes are extinguished.
Nirvana is not caused - once craving and ignorance are removed nirvana remains.

Question 21

When does Nirvana happen and how? (3 bullet points)

Answer 21

• Nirvana happens once enlightenment has been achieved.
• Once enlightened the true nature of things is revealed - ignorance is removed.
• An enlightened individual understands that desire causes suffering and can act to extinguish desire and the 3 poisons and thereby attain nirvana.

Question 22

What are two types of Buddhists?

Answer 22

• Theravada
• Mahayana

Question 23

How do Theravada Buddhists believe Nirvana can be achieved? (4)

Answer 23

• Believe that Nirvana can be achieved by disciplining the mind and the body to overcome desire and the three poisons.
• The aim is to avoid excess, to exercise self-control and moderation and in doing so avoid careless craving.
• Those who follow this path seek to develop an inner strength and to develop a focused mind.
• A focused mind will lead to good choices and the avoidance of excess.

Question 24

How do Mahayana Buddhists believe Nirvana can be achieved? (4)

Answer 24

• Believe that Nirvana is achieved by imitating the life of the Buddha and seeking enlightenment.
• For Mahayana Buddhists, the focus is to achieve spiritual awakening and the removal of ignorance.
• Those who follow the Mahayana path aim to become a Bodhisattva.
• They aim to develop selflessness, self-sufficiency and detachment - developing these qualities will make achieving Nirvana easier.

Question 25

When do Theravada Buddhists believe Nirvana is experienced?

Answer 25

Theravada Buddhists believe that Nirvana is experienced when desire has been extinguished.

Question 26

What is Nirvana to Theravada Buddhists?

Answer 26

For Theravada Buddhists, Nirvana is freedom from the wants and the suffering that happens as a result of those wants.

Question 27

What is Nirvana to Mahayana Buddhists? (3)

Answer 27

• Mahayana Buddhists believe that Nirvana is a state of spiritual perfection.
• It is also the absence of suffering and an awareness that all sentient beings are connected.
• Those who achieve nirvana are freed from the belief that the individual is unique and a distinct individual; there is, therefore, a concern for all humanity.

Question 28

What do Mahayana Buddhists believe about the existence of Nirvana?

Answer 28

Mahayana Buddhists believe that Nirvana cannot really exist until all beings have reached it. The Bodhisattva vows not to enter Nirvana until all beings are enlightened.

Question 29

What two kinds of Nirvana do Theravada Buddhists believe there are?

Answer 29

• Nirvana achieved in this life. The person is still aware of pleasure and pain but is not bound/attached to them.
• Nirvana entered at death - as the person is no longer attached to things there is no need to be reborn in the cycle of Samsara.

Question 30

Where do Mahayana Buddhists believe Nirvana can be experienced?

Answer 30

Nirvana (spiritual perfection) can be achieved here and now.

Question 31

What is the right concentration - summarised? (4)

Answer 31

• Focusing the mind to prepare it for insight into the truth via meditation.
• It requires developing the ability to concentrate deeply.
• The concentrated mind is like a laser beam - it can focus on one point alone.
• Can be developed in 2 ways; by calmness and by insight.

Question 32

What is the right mindfulness - summarised? (2)

Answer 32

• To be fully aware of one’s reasons and motives.
• It is to be fully aware of every action, thought and word, and doing so means you are better able to control your physical and emotional self.

Question 33

What is the right effort - summarised? (3)

Answer 33

• Being determined to avoid unwholesome or evil things.
• It means to avoid wrong states of mind (such as anger, hate, selfishness…) and to desire the right things
• To do no harm and to act with loving-kindness.

Question 34

What is the right view - summarised? (3)

Answer 34

• To be aware of the reality of life.
• To understand suffering, the origin of suffering, the extinction of suffering and the path to the extinction of suffering.
• To understand the Dharma.

Question 35

What is the right intention - summarised? (2)

Answer 35

• Having the intention to think and act with loving-kindness and the intention to do no harm.
• Having the right motivations which positively impact your actions.

Question 36

What is the right speech - summarised? (3)

Answer 36

• Speak truthfully in a helpful, positive way.
• Avoid all harmful speech such as lying and gossiping.
• In some circumstances, silence is best.

Question 37

What is the right action - summarised? (4)

Answer 37

• To behave in a peaceful, ethical way that will benefit others and oneself.
• It encourages selflessness and giving.
• Harming others should be avoided.
• 5 Precepts

Question 38

What is the right livelihood - summarised? (2)

Answer 38

• Making a living that benefits others and does not involve harm.
• Avoid work which involves - trading in poisons, human beings, intoxicating substances, weapons and flesh.

Question 39

What is the link between the Eightfold Path and Karma? (3)

Answer 39

• Fruitful action is developed by following the ethical practises of the eightfold
  path.
• Fruitful action leads to fruitful karma – a person is less likely to suffer in the future from negative consequences of wrong actions.
• Fruitful action is developed
  through mental training – Right mind = right action

Question 40

What is the link between the Eightfold Path and Nirvana? (4 bullet points)

Answer 40

• Mental training develops the mind;
• through the practice of meditation Buddhists can reach enlightenment –
• enlightenment will lead to the end of ignorance and
  desire so the individual will no longer do those things which cause suffering,
• and therefore reach the state of Nirvana.

Question 41

What is the link between the Eightfold Path and Tanha? (2)

Answer 41

• Right understanding (which is developed through mental training) means that
  the Buddhist comes to understand how things truly are.
• Through right understanding, a Buddhist will come to understand the link between desire and suffering and so take action to extinguish desire through purifying the mind by practising the aspects of mental training.

Question 42

What is the link between the Eightfold Path and Ignorance? (2)

Answer 42

• Right understanding is developed through practising right concentration.
• When one is aware of how things truly are and the causes of suffering, one can take action to develop the right mental states to avoid thoughts and actions which
  will result in unfruitful karma and suffering.

Question 43

What is the link between the Eightfold Path and Rebirth?

Answer 43

• Right concentration leads to right understanding which will result in right effort,
  mindfulness and intention.
• This in turn results in right speech, action and livelihood.
• In this way fruitful action results in fruitful karma which is necessary to be released from rebirth.

Question 44

What is the link between the Eightfold Path and The 3 Poisons? (4)

Answer 44

• Right concentration leads to right understanding which will result in right effort,
  mindfulness and intention.
• Through right intention the individual replaces wrong
  intentions (such as greed & anger) with right ones (such as the intention to act
  with loving kindness).
• Developing right intention is supported with right effort
  and mindfulness.
• Purifying the mind in this way removes the 3 poisons and their effects.

Question 45

What does the Eightfold Path help Buddhists to create and what does that result in?

Answer 45

The Eightfold Path helps Buddhists to create positive karma which will lead to Nirvana and the release from samara (the cycle of rebirth).