Four Noble Truths

~ By Ajahn Jayasāro ~

Sitting under a Bodhi tree in northeast India, more than 2,500 years ago, the Buddha realised the true nature of all existence, and the means necessary to accomplish that realization. In summarizing his enlightenment he spoke of identifying Four Noble (or Ennobling) Truths and the duties that must be carried out with regard to each one. He said that it was in the awareness that he had carried out these duties perfectly that he knew himself to be Buddha.

There is dukkha. It is to be fully comprehended.

There is a cause of dukkha. It is to be abandoned.

There is cessation of dukkha. It is to be realized.

There is a path leading to the cessation of dukkha. It is to be followed.

The Buddha did not give us a list of dogmas to believe in. It is in our efforts to practice the Eightfold path in its entirety in order to fully comprehend dukkha, abandon its cause and realize its cessation that we become truly Buddhist.

- - ❖ - -

"Food for the Heart", a series of Dhamma teachings handwritten weekly is posted on the Buddhadāsa Indapañño Archives page with Ajahn's kind permission.

- - ❖ - -

For other teachings by Ven. Ajahn Jayasāro, please visit the Panyaprateep Foundation website.