The Four Noble Truths

Question 1

What are the four noble truths about?

Answer 1

the four truths that the Buddha taught about suffering.

Question 2

Name the four noble truths

Answer 2

1. suffering exists (dukkha)
2. suffering is caused by something (samudaya)
3. suffering can end (nirodha)
4. there is a way to end suffering (magga)

Question 3

How do Buddhists try to understand the four noble truths?

Answer 3

Through study, reflection and meditation

Question 4

What are the four unavoidable types of physical suffering?

Answer 4

birth, sickness, old age and death

Question 5

What are the three forms of mental suffering?

Answer 5

separation from something/someone you love, contact with someone or something you dislike, not being able to achieve or fulfil your desires.

Question 6

How do people combat suffering often?

Answer 6

With temporary pleasures, although it doesn’t solve the root of suffering.

Question 7

What did the Buddha teach is one of the main causes of suffering?

Answer 7

Tanha which means thirst or craving.

Question 8

What are the 3 types of Tanha?

Answer 8

craving things that please the senses, craving to become something you are not, craving something not to be or non-existence

Question 9

What do the 3 poisons do?

Answer 9

Trap humans in the cycle of samsara and create tanha which is a cause of suffering

Question 10

How can suffering end?

Answer 10

If we stop craving things

Question 11

Why shouldn’t we avoid things we crave?

Answer 11

Buddha said it might make it worse, but rather accept that what they have cannot last forever (anicca)