YOU ARE Your Own Messiah! Pt. 5 (The Finale: Suffering is the Start and the Path to Salvation)

I am not one who particularly believes that suffering should be put on any sort of pedestal, but it is NOT to be run away from either. It must be meet with love, attention, care, acceptance and understanding. It's ineffable for me to describe to you all what Buddhism meant me while I was in the midst of my suffering. Below here is The Four Noble Truths and The Eightfold Path, please 🙏 if you are ever overwhelmed, turn here.

The Four Noble Truths, the foundation of Buddhist teachings, are: 1) the truth of suffering (dukkha), acknowledging that life is marked by pain and dissatisfaction; 2) the truth of the origin of suffering (samudaya), identifying craving, attachment, and thirst as its root causes; 3) the truth of the cessation of suffering (nirodha), the possibility of ending suffering and reaching nirvana; and 4) the truth of the path to the cessation of suffering (magga), which is the Noble Eightfold Path, a practical guide to overcoming suffering.

1.) The Truth of Suffering (Dukkha)

This truth states that suffering is an inherent part of existence. It encompasses not just physical pain, but also emotional distress, dissatisfaction, and the impermanence of all things.

2.) The Truth of the Origin of Suffering (Samudaya)

Suffering arises from causes and conditions, particularly craving, thirst, and attachment. We suffer because we cling to transient things and our desires are often unfulfilled.

3.) The Truth of the Cessation of Suffering (Nirodha)

This truth offers hope, asserting that suffering can end. The cessation of suffering is achieved by eliminating its root causes, leading to a state of enlightenment or nirvana.

4.) The Truth of the Path to the Cessation of Suffering (Magga)

The path to ending suffering is the Noble Eightfold Path. This path is a practical guide for ethical conduct, mental discipline, and wisdom, and it is the way to achieve liberation from suffering.

The Eightfold Path

The Eightfold Path is a core teaching in Buddhism that provides a framework for ending suffering by cultivating wisdom, ethical conduct, and mental discipline. It consists of Right View, Right Intention, Right Speech, Right Action, Right Livelihood, Right Effort, Right Mindfulness, and Right Concentration. This path, also known as the Middle Way, avoids extremes of self-indulgence and self-mortification, aiming to achieve liberation and enlightenment.
The eight components of the path are:

Wisdom (Prajñā)

1.) Right View: An accurate understanding of the nature of things, particularly the Four Noble Truths.

2.) Right Intention (or Resolution): A commitment to intentions free from greed, aversion, and cruelty, cultivating intentions of non-harm and compassion.

Ethical Conduct (Sīla)

1.) Right Speech: Avoiding harmful speech such as lying, slander, harshness, and idle chatter.

2.) Right Action: Engaging in ethical behavior, including refraining from killing, stealing, and sexual misconduct.

3.) Right Livelihood: Earning a living in a way that is not harmful to other beings, avoiding occupations that cause suffering.

Mental Discipline (Samādhi)

1.) Right Effort: Cultivating skillful, beneficial behaviors and avoiding or overcoming unskillful mental states like the five hindrances (obstacles to meditation).

2.) Right Mindfulness: A clear awareness of one's own body, feelings, thoughts, and mental objects, allowing for clear observation without being carried away.

3.) Right Concentration (or Meditative Absorption): Developing deep meditative states and focused attention to achieve insight and wisdom.