The structure and meaning of the fourfold noble truth

Buddhism

If the complexity of Buddhism were distilled into one core concept, that core concept would be the Four Noble Truths. The Four Noble Truths are the essence of Buddhist theory and practice. Although they have been translated in various ways, the basic gist of the Four Noble Truths is as follows. First, suffering (duhkha) exists; or, life is suffering. Second, the cause (samudaya) of suffering is craving or desire. Third, suffering can be eliminated by the cessation (nirodha) of desire. Fourth, in order to cease craving and eliminate suffering, one should follow the Eightfold Path (marga). Therefore, the Four Noble Truths provide a blueprint for life; a concrete and systematic means by which to achieve psychological wholeness and inner peace.

The human situation is presented in terms of the Buddhist concept of codependent origination. Just as suffering arises, so too does the solution or end to that suffering. Suffering arises because of craving, and craving causes suffering simultaneously; but the individual has the power to control craving. When the mind is undisciplined, desire and cravings abound. When the mind is disciplined through practices like meditation, cravings and desire become less powerful until they vanish completely. The cessation of desire leads to the achievement of liberation, or nirvana.

The Four Noble Truths correct an inadequate view of the human situation by empowering the person to meet life's challenges. Rather than view pain and suffering as something that is permanent or caused by "God," the Buddhist view reveals pain and suffering as being something that is impermanent and caused by ignorance or wrongful choices. The Buddhist view of the human situation is optimistic. Suffering exists, yes. Once the person accepts this basic fact, it becomes much easier to accept life on life's terms rather than ascribe false attributes to existence. The Buddhist view precludes the need to believe in "God," by showing that it is the mind that gives rise to suffering and it is also the mind that can liberate the person from suffering.

There are many ironies and paradoxes embedded within the Four Noble Truths. For example, it is ironic that one must desire liberation from desire. Such seeming contradictions are resolved easily by discerning the difference between the desire for truth, wisdom, and peace vs. The desire for things that are harmful to the psyche such as pride, revenge, or anger. The Four Noble Truths are essentially psychological in nature rather than spiritual or metaphysical. The Four Noble Truths are like a type of cognitive-behavioral therapy.