The Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path

Ideas Presented in the Dhammapada and their Relationship to the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path

In chapters 1, 3, and 12 of the Dhammapada, we are presented with ideas that constitute a good life and happiness. We are a result of our thoughts. When we choose to adopt good thoughts, we get happiness but choosing evil leads to pain. These relationships explain why hatred is overcome by love. When we choose to control our pleasures, we avoid difficulties, and so is choosing the path of truth and recognizing the truth within truth and the untruth within untruth. Our thoughts inspire all these. Thus, a wise man has straight thoughts, and by taming his mind, he generates happiness. A wrongly guided mind results in distress. Chapter 12 explains that wise men must always remain watchful and control themselves. If he fails to exercise this control, the self takes an evil trajectory, crushing the self (Dronick, 2016).

The ideas are closely linked to the four noble truths by Buddha and are attained by following the eightfold path. The fundamental goal of these associations is overcoming suffering, and this calls for enlightenment. According to Smith (1998), the first truth is Dukka which means suffering. Suffering will always be part of life. The response shared in the Dhammapada focuses on avoiding this suffering by leading a righteous and wise life. A diversion from controlling our thoughts results in eternal suffering. It is for this reason that suffering is part of everyday life. This excludes other forms of suffering beyond human thoughts, such as sickness, that exclude other forms of suffering.

The second truth is Samudaya or the cause of suffering. Dislocation in life arises from tanha, desire, or self-interest. When we develop a great urge to fulfill our private needs, we get into difficulties, and this selfish craving, hatred, ignorance, and greed cause suffering. According to the ideas in the Dhammapada, such dislocation will emanate from poor thoughts. Tanha is a product of wrong thoughts. The third truth is Nirodha which focuses on suffering cessation. Buddha believes that this suffering can be overcome to generate happiness. This requires Nirvana, a path to extinguish greed, hatred, and ignorance, which requires enlightenment. The fourth truth is the Magga that defines the path to be followed to end suffering. This requires the eight steps that constitute the eightfold path. The strength of this path is anchored on associating with Truthwinners who influence the development of desirable characters. As explained in the Dhammapada, associations with the truth are informed by making the right decisions.